Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Kenny Dillingham

Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves into the vibrant world of college football, focusing on the remarkable turnaround of Arizona State University (ASU) under the leadership of their young and dynamic coach, Kenny Dillingham. Joined by Jason McIntyre, the duo explores ASU's recent successes, standout players, and the broader implications of recent changes in college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and the transfer portal.

Arizona State's Remarkable Turnaround

Colin begins by highlighting ASU's unexpected rise in college football, shedding light on the team's transformation and the pivotal role Kenny Dillingham has played in this resurgence.

Colin Cowherd [02:52]: "For those of you who are casuals in college football, the one thing you may know about Arizona State... Kenny Dillingham... it's a compelling story."

ASU's improvement is attributed to strategic coaching decisions and the infusion of young talent, setting the stage for a promising future in the competitive Big 12 Conference.

Interview with Coach Kenny Dillingham

The centerpiece of the episode is an insightful interview with Kenny Dillingham, ASU's offensive coordinator turned head coach. Kenny shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and the secrets behind ASU's recent success.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Recruitment and Player Development: Kenny emphasizes the importance of recruiting players who not only possess talent but also demonstrate maturity and discipline.

   Kenny Dillingham [15:17]: "We wanted a kid who is driven, mature... we needed somebody who was mature."

2. Creating a Fun and Competitive Culture: Drawing inspiration from his time at Oregon, Kenny aimed to instill a brand of football that is both exciting and rooted in hard work.

   Kenny Dillingham [18:11]: "I wanted the fun, the excitement back, and I want people to think about that when they think about Arizona State football."

3. Adapting to NIL and Transfer Dynamics: Kenny discusses the evolving landscape of college football, where NIL and the transfer portal play crucial roles in team composition.

   Kenny Dillingham [17:13]: "The transfer portal to us should hopefully be to fill gaps, not to build the house."

Standout Players: Cam Scatterbo and Shedor Sanders

A significant portion of the conversation centers around ASU's standout running back, Cam Scatterbo, and defensive talent Shedor Sanders.

1. Cam Scatterbo: Colin and Jason laud Scatterbo's exceptional performance, highlighting his 2,300 scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns, projecting a bright future in the NFL.

   Colin Cowherd [02:52]: "Cam Scatterbo, who had... 2,300 scrimmage yards. He's just a machine as a player."

   Kenny Dillingham [21:31]: "One of the plays that really separates Cam was... his awareness on the field."

2. Shelor Sanders: Shedor is praised for his intelligence and preparedness, traits that make him a valuable asset both on and off the field.

   Kenny Dillingham [23:11]: "His intelligence for the game, his passion for the game... that blew me away back when he was a 16-year-old."

Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal on College Football

The discussion transitions to the broader implications of NIL and the transfer portal, with Colin expressing skepticism about NIL's ability to save college basketball but acknowledging its transformative effects.

Colin Cowherd [09:00]: "I think NIL is not saving college basketball, but is changing college basketball."

Kenny echoes this sentiment, advocating for the thoughtful use of the transfer portal to address immediate team needs without over-relying on it for long-term team building.

Coaching Philosophy and Recruiting Strategies

Kenny delves deeper into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the balance between maintaining a strong high school recruitment pipeline and judiciously utilizing the transfer portal to fill specific gaps.

Kenny Dillingham [17:13]: "If you're doing it right, you will hope that the kids in your program can become the starters... but if you ever need a transfer to come in here and fill an immediate need, you have that ability."

He also touches upon the importance of cultural fit and aligning new recruits with the team's vision and values.

Future Outlook for Arizona State Football

Looking ahead, Colin and Kenny express optimism about ASU's trajectory. The team’s strong start, combined with promising quarterback Sam Levitt's development, sets a positive tone for the upcoming seasons.

Kenny Dillingham [20:17]: "This year it's taking control of the early downs and putting the ball in his hands more... that's when a quarterback really takes control."

Kenny also shares his desire to create consistency and reduce frequent changes within the program, focusing on player development and long-term success.

Kenny Dillingham [24:42]: "I would just try to change... Let's just stop changing. Let's figure out what's best for these players."

Player Development: Sam Levitt

The conversation shifts to the young quarterback, Sam Levitt, whose impressive performance last season, including 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions, has positioned him as a key player for ASU's future.

Colin Cowherd [22:25]: "He is getting really... a Heisman level player."

Kenny discusses the gradual expansion of the playbook and the strategic increase in Levitt's responsibilities as he gains confidence and experience.

Final Thoughts and Host Interaction

As the episode progresses, Colin and Jason engage in light-hearted banter, celebrating Kenny Dillingham's accomplishments and reflecting on the unique dynamics of coaching and player development in college football.

Colin Cowherd [26:35]: "Not the last we've seen of you up. That army running back works out. I got a feeling him and Sam Levitt are going to make a nice combo coach."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Colin and Jason reiterating the impact Kenny Dillingham has had on ASU's football program. They express excitement for the future, highlighting the potential for continued success and the development of standout players under Kenny's leadership.

Jason McIntyre [33:39]: "I just love that story. That makes me happy."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd [02:52]: "Cam Scatterbo, who had... 2,300 scrimmage yards. He's just a machine as a player."

• Kenny Dillingham [15:17]: "We wanted a kid who is driven, mature... we needed somebody who was mature."

• Kenny Dillingham [18:11]: "I wanted the fun, the excitement back, and I want people to think about that when they think about Arizona State football."

• Kenny Dillingham [17:13]: "The transfer portal to us should hopefully be to fill gaps, not to build the house."

• Kenny Dillingham [21:31]: "One of the plays that really separates Cam was... his awareness on the field."

• Kenny Dillingham [23:11]: "His intelligence for the game, his passion for the game... that blew me away back when he was a 16-year-old."

• Kenny Dillingham [20:17]: "This year it's taking control of the early downs and putting the ball in his hands more... that's when a quarterback really takes control."

• Kenny Dillingham [24:42]: "I would just try to change... Let's just stop changing. Let's figure out what's best for these players."

Key Takeaways

1. Kenny Dillingham's Leadership: As a young coach, Kenny has successfully revitalized ASU's football program through strategic recruitment, fostering a fun and competitive culture, and effective player development.

2. Impactful Players: Cam Scatterbo's outstanding performance and Shedor Sanders' defensive prowess have been pivotal in ASU's success, with both players poised for promising professional careers.

3. NIL and Transfer Portal: The evolving dynamics of NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping college football, offering both opportunities and challenges in team building and player retention.

4. Future Prospects: With a strong foundation, a promising quarterback in Sam Levitt, and a consistent coaching philosophy, ASU is well-positioned for continued success in the Big 12 Conference.

5. Coaching Consistency: Emphasizing the importance of consistency in coaching and program management can lead to sustained excellence and better player experiences.

For those who haven’t tuned into this episode, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Kenny Dillingham" offers a comprehensive look into the complexities and triumphs of college football coaching, the significance of player development, and the evolving landscape of college athletics. Through engaging discussions and firsthand insights from Coach Kenny Dillingham, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a winning program in today’s competitive environment.