Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Drew Allar Release Date: July 23, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the latest developments in college football, the NFL off-season moves, and conducts an insightful interview with Penn State’s standout quarterback, Drew Allar. The episode is structured into several key sections, each unpacking pivotal moments and expert analyses that are essential for sports enthusiasts.
1. NFL Off-Season Moves Analysis
Timestamp: 11:06 – 15:53
Colin begins by discussing ESPN's recent ranking of the top 50 NFL off-season moves, highlighting surprising entries and discussing their potential impacts on the teams involved.
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ESPN’s Top Picks:
- Devonte Adams to the Rams: Ranked as the top move, Colin expresses agreement with ESPN’s assessment, emphasizing Adams' game-changing capabilities as a deep threat receiver. "Devonte is gonna get a lot of open looks...he just made a lot of guys look bad," Colin remarks at [12:39].
- Cam Ward to the Titans: Colin suggests that Ward might deserve an even higher ranking due to his potential to alter game outcomes significantly. "I would put number one if he's as good as I think because he will change outcomes," he states at [12:39].
- Joe Tuni to the Bears: Tagged as a mild surprise but a strategic acquisition, Colin notes, "That's a good pickup," at [12:39].
- Genti to the Raiders: Colin analyzes the Raiders' schedule and prospects with their new running back, Ashton Genty, comparing his style to legends like Barry Sanders. "He reminds me of a running back like Barry Sanders...you need two guys to bring him down," he comments at [14:16].
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Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers: Ranked 19th, Colin expresses skepticism about Rodgers’ drop in ranking. "He's a quarterback. He is going 60 snaps a game...you get to be 40 plus, you're not the same player," he explains at [12:39].
2. Team Performance Insights
Timestamp: 15:53 – 22:40
The conversation shifts to analyzing team defenses and their influence on offensive performances, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Steelers' Defensive Strength: Colin emphasizes the importance of a robust defense in supporting a team’s offense. "Having a great defense, I mean, I mean when Kansas City got off of Tyree Kill, their defense got better," he observes at [04:57].
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Future Prospects: Discussing the Steelers' future, Colin speculates on potential rebuilds and leadership questions surrounding Coach Mike Tomlin. "Whether it happens in 2026 or 2027, there's a reset slash rebuild," he asserts at [05:01].
3. Interview with Drew Allar, Penn State Quarterback
Timestamp: 21:06 – 29:56
The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Drew Allar, Penn State’s promising quarterback, who shares insights into his development, team dynamics, and future aspirations.
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Improvement Over the Years:
- Athletic and Technical Enhancements: Drew discusses his commitment to improving his physical fitness and technical skills. "I dropped like 10 pounds going into last year and that helped a lot," he shares at [21:49].
- Experience and Process: Emphasizing the importance of experience, Drew credits Penn State’s training staff and his dedication to the team’s process. "It's always about the process rather than the destination," he states at [21:49].
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Team Dynamics and Changes:
- Adapting to Team Roster Changes: With the departure of key players like Tyler Warren, Drew expresses optimism about new additions and the depth of the team. "We have a lot of young potential in that tight end room," he mentions at [23:06].
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Handling Fame and Expectations:
- Balancing Athletics and Studies: Drew reflects on the challenges of being recognized in a passionate college town like State College. "I'm definitely not like the extrovert... I kind of like sticking to my close group of friends," he explains at [26:38].
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Strengths and Playing Style:
- Versatile Throwing Ability: Drew highlights his ability to execute various throws under pressure, drawing parallels to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes. "I can make any throw on the field against any coverage," he proudly states at [27:45].
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Motivation and Rivalries:
- Focus on Performance Over Opponents: When asked about rivalries, Drew emphasizes his dedication to the game itself rather than specific teams. "I'm not gonna give a cliche answer, but it's all about playing football," he asserts at [29:12].
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Future Aspirations:
- Aiming for the NFL: Drew speaks about his dreams of entering the NFL and proving himself as a leader and effective quarterback. "I'm really excited to really just spot the ball and play football again," he concludes at [29:56].
4. Comparisons with Other Quarterbacks and Future Projections
Timestamp: 29:56 – 35:20
Colin draws comparisons between Drew Allar and other notable quarterbacks, discussing their unique journeys and skill sets.
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Similarities with Josh Allen and Peyton Manning: Colin points out the parallels in size, arm strength, and humble beginnings. "Their size, both good arms, both big, both small towns, both bumpy journeys," he remarks at [29:56].
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Draft Prospects and Expectations: Colin expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming NFL draft, anticipating Drew’s selection alongside Arch Manning. "It's going to be a fascinating year," he predicts at [29:56].
5. Additional Insights and Closing Thoughts
Timestamp: 35:20 – End
The episode wraps up with Colin sharing his excitement for the evolving draft prospects and the potential impact of new quarterbacks entering the league.
- Excitement for Next Year’s Draft: Colin is particularly optimistic about Drew Allar and Arch Manning, viewing them as key figures in revitalizing the draft’s quarterback landscape. "I kept saying it wasn't a great draft. There was one quarterback of note...I'm already jacked up for next year's draft," he enthuses at [30:59].
Notable Quotes:
- "Devonte is gonna get a lot of open looks...he just made a lot of guys look bad." — Colin Cowherd [12:39]
- "I can make any throw on the field against any coverage." — Drew Allar [27:45]
- "It's always about the process rather than the destination." — Drew Allar [21:49]
- "We have a lot of young potential in that tight end room." — Drew Allar [23:06]
- "I'm really excited to really just spot the ball and play football again." — Drew Allar [29:56]
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive look into the strategic moves shaping the NFL off-season, coupled with an inspiring conversation with one of college football’s rising stars, Drew Allar. Whether you're a die-hard fan keeping track of draft prospects or someone interested in the intricacies of team dynamics and player development, this episode provides valuable insights and engaging discussions that highlight the ever-evolving landscape of American football.
