Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3: Rookie QB Coverage & NIL Money

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve deep into two pivotal topics shaping the landscape of American football: the fierce competition surrounding rookie quarterbacks in the NFL and the evolving dynamics of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money in college sports. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, with contributions from Jim and LeVar Arrington, the discussion offers insightful analysis, backed by current events and expert opinions.

Section 1: Rookie Quarterback Coverage

Timestamp: 04:16 - 20:31

The episode kicks off with a detailed examination of the quarterback competition within the Tennessee Titans' roster. The conversation primarily centers around Cam Ward, the Titans' number one overall draft pick, and his rivalry with Will Levis, the team's existing quarterback.

Key Points:

1. Cam Ward's Entry and Expectations:

   • Cam Ward, drafted first overall by the Titans, is portrayed as the franchise's quarterback of the future. The hosts emphasize his immediate role as a starter, highlighting the significant expectations placed upon him.
   • Jim asserts, “Cam Ward is your number one overall draft pick in the draft. He's going to play” (05:32), underscoring the inevitability of Ward's prominent role.

2. Will Levis vs. Cam Ward:

   • The discussion explores whether Will Levis stands a chance against Ward, with Jim firmly believing that Levis has no viable shot due to Ward’s draft status and the team’s new regime.
   • Colin emphasizes, “Will Levis has no shot. None at all, bro” (08:53), indicating a strong bias towards Ward’s supremacy.

3. Coaching Implications:

   • The hosts delve into the implications for the Titans' head coach, Brian Callahan, who is under significant pressure to produce results. Failure to develop Ward could jeopardize his position.
   • Jim comments, “If you're Brian Callahan, you're kind of in the same spot... you want to win games, but ultimately you want to show the front office who drafted that guy” (15:31).

4. Team Dynamics and Support Systems:

   • The importance of having a robust supporting cast, including running backs like Tony Pollard and wide receivers like Calvin Ridley and Tyreek Hill, is highlighted as crucial for Ward’s success.
   • Jim notes, “Having a good tight end and running back takes pressure off the quarterback” (07:24).

Notable Quotes:

• Jim: “You stack little victories, next thing you know you've got a whole bunch of little victories...” (17:20)
• Colin: “He would still get the chance to be the starting quarterback from day one because there's too many other factors in play” (11:16)

Section 2: NIL Money and Its Impact on College Football

Timestamp: 25:51 - 41:45

Transitioning from the NFL landscape, the hosts pivot to discuss the burgeoning influence of NIL money in college sports, particularly focusing on a high-profile case involving Felix Ojo, a five-star offensive lineman committing to Texas Tech with a $5 million guaranteed contract.

Key Points:

1. Felix Ojo’s Commitment to Texas Tech:

   • Felix Ojo, previously committed to top-tier programs like Florida, Michigan, and Ohio State, shocked the college football community by choosing Texas Tech. His decision includes a fully guaranteed three-year, $5 million NIL contract.
   • Felix Ojo explains, “It was important to be able to secure Felix's future and give him and his family some security...” (35:05).

2. Implications for NCAA and Recruitment:

   • The hosts discuss the complexities and potential violations arising from such guaranteed contracts, questioning how they align with NCAA regulations.
   • Jim raises concerns, “How do you justify what those guarantees are?... how much you're paying these athletes” (27:36).

3. Future of NIL Contracts:

   • The possibility of schools offering multi-year guaranteed contracts could revolutionize recruitment strategies, potentially disadvantaging larger programs that cannot compete financially.
   • Colin reflects, “This opens up a different door. One, how do you justify what those guarantees are” (29:55).

4. Legal and Structural Challenges:

   • Extensive discussions highlight the lack of clear guidelines and the myriad of questions surrounding contract enforcement, transfer implications, and the classification of athletes as employees or independent contractors.
   • Jim elaborates, “What if he gets injured, what if he fails out of school?... how are all of these things going to be navigated” (32:05).

5. Potential Long-Term Effects:

   • The conversation anticipates a shift where top recruits may prioritize immediate financial gains over long-term career development, potentially impacting team performance and the traditional college football hierarchy.
   • Felix Ojo concludes, “Football is a brutal sport... to secure his family some security as he continues to develop into a first-round NFL draft” (35:05).

Notable Quotes:

• Colin: “It was so much better when things were illegal... you can't see who's paying for what” (31:30).
• Jim: “This is still not pay for play... we have to say” (32:43).

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer their perspectives on the evolving nature of both professional and collegiate football. They underscore the significant pressure on rookie quarterbacks to perform and adapt swiftly, given their high draft status and the expectations that accompany it. Simultaneously, the introduction of large NIL contracts in college sports presents both opportunities and unprecedented challenges, potentially altering recruitment strategies and the financial dynamics within college athletics.

Final Thoughts:

• Jim emphasizes the unpredictability, “There are so many moving parts here... I just don't know where we go from here” (32:43), reflecting the uncertainty surrounding NIL’s future implementation.
• Colin summarizes, “We're on the same leg program... Cam Ward deserves more attention because he was number one overall draft pick” (19:13), reinforcing the centrality of Cam Ward in current NFL discussions.

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides a thorough exploration of the intense quarterback competition within the NFL and the transformative impact of NIL money in college football. By intertwining current events with in-depth analysis, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of these critical developments in the world of sports.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jim: “If you're Will Levis, sure, you accept the challenge of trying to remain the starting quarterback, but you were the starting quarterback of a three-win team the year before” (09:38).
• Colin: “He's been the quarterback from a three-win team a year ago and the starting quarterback from the year ago, he's not like they're going to be given the benefit of the doubt” (15:31).
• Felix Ojo: “Football is a brutal sport and athletes are not able to play professionally until their graduating class has been in college three years...” (35:05).