Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Tomorrow's Headlines Today

Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Co-Host: Jay Mac
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. The Enduring Legacy of Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James

Timestamp: 03:40 – 07:14

Colin Cowherd and Jay Mac delve into the nostalgic reverence for Michael Jordan compared to contemporary players like LeBron James. Jay Mac emphasizes Jordan's unparalleled legacy:

Jay Mac [04:55]: "Michael was a collection of many things. He was the best player. His game was incredibly memorable. He was pre-social media, so he had some mystery... He was 6 for 6 in the finals."

Colin counters by highlighting the context of Jordan's era, suggesting that the competition wasn't as fierce:

Colin Cowherd [04:16]: "They were beating weak teams... Larry was cooked, Magic was cooked... the best players had gone."

Despite differing views, both acknowledge Jordan's undeniable impact on basketball and popular culture.

2. Nostalgia for Mid-90s Sports Dynasties

Timestamp: 06:28 – 07:52

The conversation shifts to the sustained nostalgia for 90s sports teams, particularly the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Yankees. Jay Mac points out that many iconic teams from the 90s haven't replicated their success in subsequent decades:

Jay Mac [07:14]: "What have they won in the last 25 years? Nothing at all. Yet there's still this nostalgia for the Cowboys and the Chicago Bulls because of Jordan and what Dallas did in the mid-90s."

Colin adds that the Yankees, Bulls, and Cowboys remain subjects of conversation despite their varying degrees of success post-90s:

Colin Cowherd [07:32]: "They absolutely dominated. And here we are 25 years later, still talking about all three."

Both hosts agree that the legacy of these teams continues to influence current sports narratives.

3. MLB Trade Deadline and Yankees' Third Baseman Challenges

Timestamp: 13:40 – 15:25

Jay Mac brings up the New York Yankees' recent acquisition of Ryan McMahon, highlighting his performance issues:

Jay Mac [13:40]: "Ryan McMahon... he has struggled this year. He was leading baseball in strikeouts."

Colin interjects with skepticism about the Yankees' fielding problems, suggesting that McMahon's trade might not resolve deeper team issues.

4. NFL Insights: Aaron Rodgers, Caleb Williams, and Nick Saban

Timestamp: 15:01 – 22:45

Aaron Rodgers and Super Bowl Predictions

The hosts discuss Aaron Rodgers' influence on Super Bowl odds, with Jay Mac noting:

Jay Mac [14:30]: "There are only six to eight teams that really have a legitimate chance... I'd say probably one of those 10 to 12."

Caleb Williams' Performance Analysis

They examine Caleb Williams' struggles and potential, referencing insights from Dave Wanstadt:

Dave Wanstadt [26:01]: "The passing game under center is primitive to Caleb. Timing and chemistry with his team are crucial."

Colin shares a personal update about receiving JJ McCarthy news from Jay Mac, indicating the ongoing attention on Williams.

Nick Saban's Coaching Future

A significant portion is dedicated to the speculation around Nick Saban's potential return to the NFL:

Jay Mac [22:45]: "If Nick Saban could possibly return to the NFL, he would take the phone call."

They debate the likelihood of Saban taking up an NFL coaching position, with differing opinions on his interest and market opportunities.

5. College Football Predictions: Big Ten vs. SEC

Timestamp: 32:10 – 45:07

Big Ten vs. SEC Dominance

Colin and Jay Mac compare the Big Ten and SEC conferences, analyzing media influence and financial influx:

Jay Mac [35:07]: "The Big Ten has been infused with major markets, major finance, and major NIL players. Conferences are better now than the SEC at the top."

College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy Predictions

The hosts make bold predictions for the College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy:

Colin Cowherd [35:04]: "The headline for Notre Dame this season will be All washed up. I have Notre Dame back in the playoff."

Jay Mac [38:15]: "Tomorrow's headlines today. The headline for the Heisman Trophy will be the Handsman Trophy. Buckeye doesn't bobble the bronze."

They discuss potential dark horses like Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State, forecasting his dominance in the upcoming season.

6. Pro Football Focus: New York Jets and Arch Manning Speculation

Timestamp: 41:23 – 44:43

New York Jets' Quarterback Situation

The discussion turns to the New York Jets' quarterback challenges with Justin Fields' recent injury:

Colin Cowherd [41:23]: "The headline for my Jets this season will be Toe Jammed jets limp into Season needing arch support."

Arch Manning's Potential NFL Impact

Speculation arises around Arch Manning's future in the NFL, particularly with the New Orleans Saints:

Jay Mac [43:52]: "Arch Manning to the Saints would be unbelievable. That would be another small market flourishing in the NFL."

Colin remains skeptical, expressing a preference for having Manning with the Jets instead.

7. Additional Discussions and Closing Remarks

Throughout the episode, Colin and Jay Mac intermittently touch upon various sports topics, including NCAA team strategies, player work ethics, and market influences on team performances. They conclude with musings on the future of sports broadcasting and upcoming games.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jay Mac [04:55]: "Michael was a collection of many things. He was the best player..."

• Colin Cowherd [04:16]: "They were beating weak teams... Larry was cooked, Magic was cooked..."

• Jay Mac [07:14]: "What have they won in the last 25 years? Nothing at all..."

• Jay Mac [13:40]: "Ryan McMahon... he has struggled this year..."

• Dave Wanstadt [26:01]: "The passing game under center is primitive to Caleb..."

• Jay Mac [22:45]: "If Nick Saban could possibly return to the NFL, he would take the phone call."

• Colin Cowherd [35:04]: "The headline for Notre Dame this season will be All washed up..."

• Jay Mac [35:07]: "The Big Ten has been infused with major markets..."

• Jay Mac [43:52]: "Arch Manning to the Saints would be unbelievable..."

Conclusion

In "Hour 3: Tomorrow's Headlines Today" of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Colin Cowherd and Jay Mac engage in in-depth discussions about the enduring legacy of Michael Jordan, the nostalgia for 90s sports dynasties, current challenges in MLB and NFL, and bold predictions for college football's upcoming season. Through spirited debates and insightful analysis, they offer listeners a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of professional and collegiate sports.