Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 3 - Looking at USC
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Bruce Feldman (Fox College Football Analyst)

1. Introduction to USC’s College Football Landscape

The episode delves into the evolving dynamics of college football, with a primary focus on the University of Southern California (USC) and its current standing within the sport.

• Colin Cowherd ([03:23]):
  "College football has undergone monumental changes over the past 18 months to two years, necessitating a complete reevaluation of the landscape."

2. USC’s Conference Shift and Rivalry with Notre Dame

The conversation highlights USC’s recent transition to the Big Ten Conference and its implications on traditional rivalries, particularly with Notre Dame.

• Bruce Feldman ([04:32]):
  "USC has a deep pride in its traditions and doesn’t want to be the one to let the USC-Notre Dame rivalry lapse."

• Colin Cowherd ([04:25]):
  "USC doesn’t want another late November game in bad weather; they prefer an earlier matchup, but Notre Dame relies on this game due to their independent status."

3. Performance Analysis and Future Predictions for USC

The discussion transitions to USC’s recent performances, coaching changes, and future prospects under new head coach Lincoln Riley.

• Colin Cowherd ([06:05]):
  "USC is projected to be under seven and a half wins. Lincoln Riley’s future at USC is uncertain, especially if the team records an 8-5 season."

• Bruce Feldman ([06:43]):
  "USC’s current roster lacks the momentum and talent to be considered a playoff team. The substantial buyout clause for Lincoln Riley, estimated around $80 million, raises questions about the athletic department's commitment."

4. Broader College Football Dynamics: Big Ten vs. SEC

The podcast broadens the discussion to compare the performances of teams in the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference (SEC), analyzing the shift in power dynamics.

• Colin Cowherd ([09:02]):
  "Brian Kelly mentioned that the Big Ten has it on them, with teams like Michigan and Ohio State consistently winning national titles."

• Bruce Feldman ([09:42]):
  "Ohio State’s recruitment strategies resemble those of SEC schools more than traditional Big Ten teams, contributing to their dominance."
  "Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh and Penn State’s talent acquisition under James Franklin have solidified their positions as top-tier programs."

5. Coaching Strategies and Team Performances

The conversation delves into the strategic differences between Big Ten and SEC teams, emphasizing coaching philosophies and team executions.

• Bruce Feldman ([11:54]):
  "In the SEC, most schools are on a similar competitive level, whereas the Big Ten has a few standout teams like Ohio State and Penn State, with a significant drop-off in performance among the remaining teams."

• Colin Cowherd ([12:03]):
  "With Texas potentially facing Penn State in the national championship, it's shaping up to be a showdown between Drew Aller and Arch Manning."

6. Impact of New Coaches and Player Transfers

The podcast explores the influence of new coaching hires and player transfers on team dynamics and future success.

• Colin Cowherd ([17:07]):
  "Belichick and Carolina are navigating uncharted waters, especially with the introduction of Jordan Hudson. How will this dynamic affect the team’s strategy and performance?"

• Bruce Feldman ([19:12]):
  "North Carolina’s transition under a new coaching regime and the integration of players like Gio Lopez from South Alabama will determine their bowl eligibility and future trajectory."

7. Rise of New Quarterbacks and Team Expectations

The focus shifts to emerging quarterback talents, particularly Arch Manning, and their impact on their respective teams’ performances and expectations.

• Colin Cowherd ([21:59]):
  "Arch Manning is under immense pressure to perform exceptionally this season. Realistic expectations are critical given the challenges ahead."

• Bruce Feldman ([21:59]):
  "Despite losing key players, Arch Manning has the talent to lead Texas to being a playoff team. However, winning a national title may be a stretch given the current roster challenges."

8. NFL Insights: Cincinnati Bengals and Coaching Challenges

The discussion transitions to NFL analysis, specifically focusing on the Cincinnati Bengals' performance and coaching efficacy under Zach Taylor.

• Colin Cowherd ([32:14]):
  "Offensive coaches typically have an advantage in September due to installed systems, but Zach Taylor has struggled with Joe Burrow, marking a concern for the Bengals."

• J Mac ([31:34]):
  "The Bengals have a tough schedule ahead, including games against the Ravens, Buffalo, and Baltimore, which could determine their playoff chances."

9. Atlanta Falcons and Michael Penix’s Role

The podcast examines the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback situation, highlighting Michael Penix's potential and the challenges he faces.

• Colin Cowherd ([35:04]):
  "I want Michael Penix to be a franchise quarterback. Good performances from him could elevate the team's standing and appeal."

• J Mac ([35:26]):
  "Despite a challenging schedule, Penix’s development under coach Raheem Morris could make him an exciting starter for the Falcons."

10. Women’s Basketball Spotlight: Caitlin Clark vs. Diana Taurasi

Shifting gears, the episode highlights the rising popularity of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA compared to the established star Diana Taurasi.

• Colin Cowherd ([39:00]):
  "Caitlin Clark's influence in college basketball is unprecedented, with merchandise sales surging by 500%. Her impact rivals that of Taylor Swift in terms of popularity."

• J Mac ([40:30]):
  "Caitlin Clark has transformed the perception of women’s basketball, making her more influential than Diana Taurasi ever was."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Colin Cowherd ([03:23]):
  "College football has undergone monumental changes over the past 18 months to two years, necessitating a complete reevaluation of the landscape."

• Bruce Feldman ([04:32]):
  "USC has a deep pride in its traditions and doesn’t want to be the one to let the USC-Notre Dame rivalry lapse."

• Colin Cowherd ([06:05]):
  "USC is projected to be under seven and a half wins. Lincoln Riley’s future at USC is uncertain, especially if the team records an 8-5 season."

• Bruce Feldman ([09:42]):
  "Ohio State’s recruitment strategies resemble those of SEC schools more than traditional Big Ten teams, contributing to their dominance."

• Colin Cowherd ([21:59]):
  "Arch Manning is under immense pressure to perform exceptionally this season. Realistic expectations are critical given the challenges ahead."

• Bruce Feldman ([21:59]):
  "Despite losing key players, Arch Manning has the talent to lead Texas to being a playoff team. However, winning a national title may be a stretch given the current roster challenges."

• Colin Cowherd ([32:14]):
  "Offensive coaches typically have an advantage in September due to installed systems, but Zach Taylor has struggled with Joe Burrow, marking a concern for the Bengals."

• Colin Cowherd ([35:04]):
  "I want Michael Penix to be a franchise quarterback. Good performances from him could elevate the team's standing and appeal."

• Colin Cowherd ([39:00]):
  "Caitlin Clark's influence in college basketball is unprecedented, with merchandise sales surging by 500%. Her impact rivals that of Taylor Swift in terms of popularity."

Concluding Insights

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of USC’s current challenges and prospects within the shifting landscape of college football. It underscores the broader implications of conference realignments, recruitment strategies, and coaching dynamics on team performances. Additionally, the discussion extends to NFL team evaluations and the rising prominence of women’s basketball stars, highlighting the multifaceted nature of contemporary sports discourse.

Note: This summary excludes all advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the podcast.