Hour 3 - Urban Meyer

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Urban Meyer

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Title: Hour 3 - Urban Meyer
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

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1. Introduction and Sponsored Messages (00:00 – 02:27)

Note: This section contains advertisements and introductory content, which are skipped in this summary.

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2. College Football Playoff (CFP) Format Proposals (02:27 – 07:09)

Discussion Points:

• Automatic Qualifiers: Colin Cowherd advocates for automatic qualifiers in college football, arguing that they simplify the system for fans and encourage top teams to participate in major games.

  Colin Cowherd [03:00]: "You want automatic qualifiers; every other sport in the world has them. It's easier for the fans to follow."

• Proposed CFP Structure: An unknown analyst introduces the 4-4-2-2-1-1 format, suggesting a 14-team playoff with automatic qualifiers from major conferences.

  Unknown Analyst [03:39]: "It's a 14 playoff... Big Ten, SEC have four qualifiers each, ACC and Big 12 have two each."

• Benefits of the Proposed System:

  • Reduces Selection Errors: Shifts focus from committee selections to conference-based access, minimizing potential biases.
  • Increases Competitive Games: Ensures more high-stakes matchups, enhancing fan engagement and team development.

  Unknown Analyst [04:14]: "It takes it out of selection and more into access... great for recruiting, it's great for our fans."

• Cowherd’s Alignment: Colin concurs with the proposed structure, emphasizing the dominance of premier conferences and the need to recognize their financial and competitive strengths.

  Colin Cowherd [05:05]: "Let’s stop arguing about it. Those are easily the best conferences."

Conclusion: The proposed 14-team CFP format with automatic qualifiers is deemed a practical solution to longstanding issues in college football, promoting fairness and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the sport.

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3. Player Prospects and Draft Analysis (07:09 – 18:45)

Tight Ends:

• Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren: Both are highlighted as top tight end prospects from the Big Ten. Columbia Cowherd and Urban Meyer discuss their potential first-round impact.

  Unknown Analyst [07:48]: "Tyler Warren... he's maybe the best player in the last decade in college football."

  Colin Cowherd [08:21]: "Loveland is... a late first, early second round, I predict."

• Comparison with Brock Bowers: Colin emphasizes that while Loveland and Warren are excellent, they shouldn't be directly compared to exceptional talents like Brock Bowers.

  Colin Cowherd [08:18]: "Brock Bowers is the best tight end prospect I've ever seen... You don't compare anybody to Brock Bowers."

Running Backs:

• Ashton Genty vs. North Carolina Back: Colin posits Ashton Genty from Boise State as the top running back prospect, considering him potentially the best in the draft.

  Colin Cowherd [09:09]: "He will go somewhere and start now. I don't think Dallas, because Dallas sign the running back from Denver."

• Kyle McCord: Identified as the most underrated quarterback prospect, Colin predicts a second or third-round selection despite his strong performance at Ohio State.

  Colin Cowherd [10:15]: "I think he's in it for second, maybe third round. But I can see a guy playing in the NFL for eight, nine years."

• Shador Sanders and Cam: Discussed as promising quarterback talents with strengths and potential concerns regarding their transition to the NFL.

  Unknown Analyst [11:54]: "He can make the throw in tight windows... some question marks if he can do that."

Highlights:

• Tyler Warren's Versatility: Urban Meyer and Colin acknowledge Warren's unique skills, including his ability to throw and take direct snaps, making him NFL-ready.

  Unknown Analyst [07:48]: "Tyler Warren... he was a quarterback in high school."

• Resilience and Development: Colin praises Quinn Sean Judkin Judkins for his significant improvement in breaking tackles and becoming a more effective running back, attributing his growth to strength training and increased confidence.

  Unknown Analyst [15:15]: "He developed into a back that can make people miss and rip through tackles."

Conclusion: The discussion underscores the depth and talent in the upcoming draft class, particularly at tight end, running back, and quarterback positions. The panel emphasizes the potential for these prospects to make immediate impacts in the NFL.

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4. Challenges of Returning as a National Champion (19:09 – 21:22)

Discussion Points:

• Mental and Emotional Toll: Urban Meyer shares insights into the difficulties of returning as a national champion, highlighting the increased pressure and the challenge of maintaining energy and passion.

  Unknown Analyst [19:42]: "Energy and passion versus taking arrows."

• Staff and Player Dynamics: The transition from peak performance to defending a title can strain relationships and team morale, as illustrated by the Chicago Cubs analogy.

  Unknown Analyst [19:56]: "There's always issues there. It just seems like when you're climbing the mountain, it takes energy and passion. When you're on top of the mountain, it's just, you're just taking arrows."

Conclusion: Successfully defending a national championship requires not only maintaining high performance levels but also managing team dynamics and the emotional strain that comes with the responsibility of being reigning champions.

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5. NFL Free Agency and Team Strategies (21:22 – 34:33)

Chargers:

• Khalil Mack's Contract: The Chargers opt to extend Khalil Mack for an additional year, valuing his leadership and on-field performance despite previous uncertainties.

  Unknown Analyst [30:01]: "He helps young players. He kind of galvanizes the room."

• Positional Needs: The Chargers continue to address gaps in their roster, particularly at wide receiver and running back, with Colin speculating on potential draft moves, including selecting tight end Loveland.

  Colin Cowherd [31:05]: "They're going to take a tight end Loveland from Michigan with their first pick."

Cowboys:

• Javonte Williams Acquisition: The Cowboys clear cap space to acquire Javonte Williams, aiming to strengthen their struggling running back unit.

  Urban Meyer [32:18]: "They have the worst running back room in the league. So I like Javonte Williams."

• Draft Strategy: Anticipation of the Cowboys drafting additional running backs to solidify their backfield, given their current deficiencies.

Patriots:

• Draft Predictions: Colin predicts the Patriots will prioritize speed and skill in their draft, potentially selecting players like Travis Hunter to complement their physical roster.

  Colin Cowherd [39:17]: "Patriots should go heavy skill in this draft because you can't beat them at some point."

General Free Agency Insights:

• Running Back Market: The resurgence of running backs' value in the NFL, influenced by standout performances like Saquon Barkley, is reshaping team strategies and contract negotiations.

  Colin Cowherd [28:08]: "Running backs have a huge value this year... it's going to be a really good draft."

Conclusion: NFL teams are actively maneuvering in free agency and the draft to address positional needs, with a notable emphasis on bolstering running back units. Leaders like Khalil Mack and rising talents like Javonte Williams are pivotal in shaping team dynamics and future performance.

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6. Offensive Line Importance and Team Performance (34:33 – 38:52)

Discussion Points:

• Undervalued Role: Colin emphasizes the critical but often underappreciated role of the offensive line in football, highlighting how a strong O-line contributes to both offensive success and defensive relief.

  Colin Cowherd [35:28]: "The most unheralded unit in pro football my entire life is offensive line."

• Impact on Team Success: Great offensive lines correlate with higher team performance, enabling better running games, protecting quarterbacks, and controlling the game's tempo.

  Colin Cowherd [35:26]: "You could have a great defensive line. It doesn't necessarily help the offense if you don't have a good quarterback."

Conclusion: A robust offensive line is fundamental to a successful football team, facilitating efficient play execution and providing a foundation for both offensive and defensive units to thrive.

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7. Draft Insights and Mock Draft Analysis (38:52 – 41:11)

Discussion Points:

• Will Johnson's Draft Position: Colin expresses surprise at the potential drop of Michigan’s cornerback Will Johnson in mock drafts, considering him a first-round talent despite current mock scenarios placing him around the 11th to 14th pick.

  Colin Cowherd [38:52]: "If a team gets Will Johnson outside of the top 10, you crushed it."

• Team Needs vs. Best Available: The balance between drafting for team-specific needs versus selecting the best available talent is explored, with Colin advocating for prioritizing high-caliber players like Johnson even if they fall in the draft.

  Urban Meyer [39:08]: "Probably not taking Campbell, the offensive lineman, the big kid."

Conclusion: Mock drafts suggest variability in player selections, but top-tier talents like Will Johnson are expected to secure high draft positions despite current projections. Teams must strategically navigate their needs versus the available talent pool to optimize their draft outcomes.

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8. Final Thoughts and Conclusion (41:11 – End)

Closing Remarks:

• Future Episodes: Colin Cowherd hints at upcoming episode plans, including division predictions post-free agency and coaching hires, as well as insights into the NFL Draft.

  Colin Cowherd [35:15]: "Thursday I may do my first... we nailed the AFC."

• Audience Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and discussions on future episodes of The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

Conclusion: The episode concludes with promises of continued coverage on free agency, draft strategies, and team analyses, reinforcing The Herd's commitment to delivering comprehensive sports commentary and insights.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Automatic Qualifiers Advocacy:

  Colin Cowherd [03:00]: "You want automatic qualifiers; every other sport in the world has them. It's easier for the fans to follow."

• Ultimate Tight End Prospects:

  Unknown Analyst [07:48]: "Tyler Warren... he was a quarterback in high school."

• Running Back Value:

  Colin Cowherd [28:08]: "Running backs have a huge value this year... it's going to be a really good draft."

• Offensive Line Importance:

  Colin Cowherd [35:28]: "The most unheralded unit in pro football my entire life is offensive line."

• Draft Position Confidence:

  Colin Cowherd [38:52]: "If a team gets Will Johnson outside of the top 10, you crushed it."

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Final Thoughts

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd featuring Urban Meyer delves deep into the intricacies of the college football playoff system, the rising prominence of running backs in the NFL, and the strategic maneuvers of NFL teams in free agency and the upcoming draft. The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of football, emphasizing the importance of structural changes, player development, and tactical decision-making in shaping the future of the sport.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Urban Meyer]

Now let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Yeah, there's a lot of talk about the college football CFP format and what they're going to do with it and some proposals. I'll talk to Urban I will say this about the college football media. You want automatic qualifiers a every other sport in the world has them. It's easier for the fans to follow. You want automatic qualifiers. That's obvious. And another reason you want them is because if you're the college football is carried by 10 to 12 programs. Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, Bama. You know your big schools. You want them knowing that if they win their conference or a division they get an automatic qualifier. They're more willing to face big out of conference games. And college football has always had a problem since I was a kid. It's always had a big game problem out of conference. So I am for automatic qualifiers. Urban Meyer is now joining us. 17 seasons free national championships. So there's a lot of stuff with CFP getting banning about talking about. What are you hearing, what are you hearing on the proposals for the College Football Playoff?

[Unknown Analyst]

Well, I've actually done a little research on this and and I, I a friend of mine called me and said hey I want to talk to you about this. And so I said okay. And it's a 442211 yeah. Format.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep.

[Unknown Analyst]

It's. I know it's out there a little bit but I did a little diving into it and of all the ones I've heard it makes sense. It's a 14 playoff. Now there's going to be a big caveat in that. That's going to be the Big 12 and ACC or are going to be pissed on this thing. So. Or they might, they might not. I don't know. It's. It's big 10 sec has four.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

Qualifiers. But, but here's the best thing. It takes it out of selection and more into access. So the selection committee is going to be wrong. You know, it's an imperfect system. It's been that way since the BCS which we were part of that in 06 to the college football Playoff. Ohio State was part of that in 14. The 12 team playoff last year there were some, you know, what are the mistakes? Who knows. But I like the idea you play into it and then that way the. There's two things that I love about it. Number one is it does not penalize you. If I'm a coach in a current model I am not playing a tough team in the, in the early part of this. I'm not doing that. That's going to hurt my team. You get judged on the playoff and that's it. If you go on the conferences handle the access. The Big Ten gets four. You're certainly, you're darn right I'm going to play Texas because I want to Challenge my team. It's great for recruiting, it's great for our fans, it's great for the game of football and it will not penalize me if I still win the Big Ten. I'm the number one seed.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you and I agree. I'm, I'm a. And the other thing is I don't have. So the 4, 4 would be SEC, Big 10, the 2, 2 would be the ACC and the Big 12. And my takeaway is on that. Well, that's obvious. Like you have to start pretending stuff doesn't exist. If you look at the money the SEC has and the money the Big Ten and the addition of Texas, Oklahoma, usc, Oregon, let's, let's stop arguing about it. Those are easily the best conferences. I would argue last year there were times the fifth best team in the Big Ten, I was like, I don't know if that because I think Michigan's going to be better. I think Washington and USC are going to be better. I think the fifth place team in the. I mean you could have a Nebraska be the fifth best team in the Big Ten this year and like be a team that can go in a major bowl game. So I'm with you on that. Now do you think that's going to happen? Because I think it's the right way too. Do you think that happens?

[Unknown Analyst]

Let me throw in another little area that I thought when I heard this one I was like, I'm all in. It's a play in for the third four spots in the Big Ten, a play in for the third four spots in the SEC and a play in for the second or playing obviously for the ACC and the Big 12. And here's what I mean by playing three play six, four plays five. The winner of that game on that weekend will now you're going to have the Big Ten championship game and two playoff playing games that will determine your four teams for. So a six place Big Ten team has a good day, they're in a playoff.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

So you look at Minnesota, you look at Wisconsin, Michigan State, Iowa, Washington, usc, ucla, all those teams at the end of the year, whoever's fifth and sixth are still swinging at the end of the year. And I just think it's, it's great, it's great for the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yet more big games that matter and that's what separates the NFL from college is every weekend you've got six or eight games that are fantastic. I gotta ask, I want to ask you about some of these prospects because you saw them and you know them. So you Know, there's always been this feeling about tight ends. Yeah. You know, they don't. It takes a while for a tight end in college to go to the pros because they ask you to block. So Colston Loveland and the kid Tyler Warren are the two best tight ends in the country. They're both Big Ten guys. Do they feel like first round tight ends to you?

[Unknown Analyst]

For sure. Tyler Warren, I think was other than Jeremiah Smith, you know, the obvious. He's maybe the best player in the last decade in college football. Tyler Warren, if I'm an NFL coach drafting, I'm getting him on my team somehow I would trade for him. I mean, he was a quarterback in high school. He can throw, which he did during games. He can take a direct snap. I met the guy, we covered him a lot. I'm finding a way. So I think he's NFL ready. Colston Loveland I think is a little bit behind Tyler Warren.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

But he'll be a late first, early second, I predict.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Michigan has a history of having good tight ends. Loveland is, listen, Brock Bowers is the best tight end prospect I've ever seen. And I think people look at these guys and go, well, he's not Brock Bowers. And it's like, folks, that's a whole different ballgame. That kid is that you don't compare anybody to Brock Bowers. So I agree with you.

[Unknown Analyst]

That's true.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now you had Ashton Genty, so I'm going to throw this at you. I think the North Carolina back is as good or better. I think he's that good. You saw Genty play. Here's my thing, the draft. The one position in this draft that is stacked, Ohio State's got a couple, is running back. It is a stacked running back draft. So my take is when you watch Ashton Genty, is he good enough to take in the first round knowing I can get 80% of that in the second, third and fourth? Or do you think he is a transformational player?

[Unknown Analyst]

I again, just talking to some guys involved in the NFL draft. So Saquon Barkley, the running back is officially back in the NFL.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

And you know, it disappeared for a while. I was shocked when Zeke Elliott, when they weren't paying Zeke what he was worth and Sutton, J.K. dobbins, they were letting him go. Then all of a sudden, Saquon Barkley, they let the guy go. And now all of a sudden he's carrying his, you know, has a big super bowl ring and he carried that team. So I think absolutely, Ashton Jetty I don't think he's early pick when I say really, I don't think he's a top 15 pick, but I certainly think he's back half of the first round and once again, a year ago or two years ago, no, someone would have said, I'm going to wait for the second and third round. I think the run game will be coming back to the NFL with investment and running backs. And I think, you know, the NFL and college, they're both cyclical. And what happens is how did the, you know, how did the Eagles win the Super Bowl? How did they put it all over the Chiefs? Because they ran the ball, they stopped the run. They obviously played great defense. But when you can control the line of scrimmage and run the football, I mean, that's the way we won championships. That's how you win.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me ask you about. So I'm going to tell you, I think this is the most underrated player in the draft. He's going to go in the second round and I think we're talking about Cam and Shador Sanders and I'm like, just keep your eye on Kyle McCord. He can spin it.

[Unknown Analyst]

Wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think I. Wow. I think he's now again, I don't think he's a first round talent. He was at Ohio State, he was very good. He went to Syracuse. His numbers are insane. Am I reaching here? I tell you, I watch a lot of this stuff, YouTube clips, I'm like, there's a second third round pick every year at quarterback every other year. What do you make of him?

[Unknown Analyst]

Well, I know Kyle McCord well, obviously covering him. I know the guys that coached him very well, they love the guy. Very disappointed when he left. I think another year under his belt at Ohio State, it might not have been Syracuse type numbers because they had to share the wealth a little bit, but I certainly think he's in it. I don't, man, you said first round, Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

I said second. Second round.

[Unknown Analyst]

Okay. I could see second, maybe third.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

But I can see a guy playing in the NFL for eight, nine years.

[Colin Cowherd]

Absolutely. Okay. Yeah, yeah. It's a, it is a weak quarterback draft and the NFL is quarterback desperate. So somebody may reach mid second round but I think there's talent there now. Now I like Shador Sanders. I love Cam's talent and traits. I like Shador and the reason reason I like him is he had no run game and a lousy O line. So he has had to initiate offense his whole life. And I think as you know, in the NFL. When you go to a top seven or eight team, that's your reality battle line. You got to make plays. What would concern you about Shador Sanders again?

[Unknown Analyst]

I did a little research because our big new triple option podcast is going to the draft and I called a GM friend of mine and he is really, he slipped a little bit here.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Unknown Analyst]

And the reason he's slipping is they're looking at the competition that he played. I don't know if I necessarily agree with that because what I saw, I saw a guy that's athletic enough to get out of trouble, a live arm, stays alive, competes his butt off and he's always on the run because his offensive line struggled certainly last year and, and this year they're a little bit better. The offense line in Colorado, but not so But I understand there is a throughout the NFL there's a concern about if he can make the throw in the tight windows because in the Big 12 Conference he didn't have to do that very much. And he was you look at his big plays, a lot of them were on the run and you know that's that's not necessarily what they're looking for in the NFL. They want a guy that dropped back and make that tight window throw. There's some question marks if he can do that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and.

[Urban Meyer]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Urban Meyer]

That's the powerful backing of American Express.

[Colin Cowherd]

Enrollment required terms apply. Learn [e-mail] with Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to 4 lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. This is Jonas Knox from two Pros and a Cup of Joan. Today's podcast is brought to you by Ferguson Home. Whether you're a homeowner working on a remote model or a pro managing multiple projects, Ferguson Home is where great ideas become stunning spaces. It's designed for the way you want to shop. Explore the best selection of kitchen, bath and lighting products online. Or visit a local Ferguson Home showroom and get one on one support from an expert consultant. Go to FergusonHome.com to shop the latest styles from top brands like Kohler or find a showroom location near you. This message is brought to you by Apple Card Choosing the right credit card can be daunting. Among the countless credit card options, Apple Card stands apart. You get up to 3% daily cash back on purchases every day. That daily cash can automatically earn interest when you open a High Yield Savings account through Apple Card. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app on iPhone and see a credit limit offer in minutes, subject to credit approval. Savings is available to Apple Card owners subject to eligibility. Savings and Apple Card by Goldman Sachs.

[Urban Meyer]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Member FDIC terms and [e-mail] Travion Henderson, running back at Ohio State. The other kid is Quinn Sean Judkin Judkins. Ohio State's always got talent at skill positions. These are two very, very good running backs. If I was drafting the the two Ohio State running backs, what do you like? What would worry you? What do you make of them?

[Unknown Analyst]

I don't know enough. Because about Quinn, Sean, you know, he was, you know, he was a backup this year. I know he came and he was supposed to split time, but Trayvon was the back and Trayvon from his the last two years of football was night and day because up until the end of last year and then this year, I would, I was worried about him. I was worried about if he's, you know, we used to call him one hit back where he gets hit and he goes down. That's not the case anymore. He developed into a guy that can break tackles. He's always had elite speed. But if you really studied him two years ago he got, he got, he got whatever the offensive line gave him. Yeah, that's no longer the case. He rips through tackles now. He's a much improved. I don't know if it's strength training, I don't know if it's confidence, but he developed into a back that can make people miss and rip through tackles. He was not that two years ago.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, that tells me he's a worker. So I like that that that tells me he put in the time in the gym. I'm all for that. Right.

[Unknown Analyst]

I agree. I agree.

[Colin Cowherd]

I want to throw this at you. One more guy. I think there's an argument Abdul Carter is just the best pro prospect. I don't worry too Much about the. I saw him eat alive tackles. Now he's just. Nobody could block him. What do you make of him? I. I thought even against Ohio State, certain guys just pop and you're like, like Mason Grant, Will. Will Johnson, the corner for Michigan when he was healthy. I'm like, okay, that's a first round player. What do you make of Abdul Carter, the injury? Would it worry you?

[Unknown Analyst]

No, it wouldn't worry me. I do. I do. Everything worries you as you're starting to invest that kind of money and that kind of capital into a player. But whenever you look at a player, you all say, and it's a little bit like high school, and you recruited kid, a player that comes from a great high school at Xavier in Cincinnati, and you figure he's maximized. How much better can he get? Abdul Carter is only relatively new at that defensive end position. He's. I think he's still growing into his body. So I think there's. As good as he is, there's still plenty of upside. So. But I would argue that it'd be hard for me to not take Travis Hunter with that first pick. I just, I love that guy. I think he's a once in a generation, once in a lifetime player. He can do things that I've not seen people do. His stamina, the quality of kid that I've done some homework on him. We covered him a few times. He's big. I want to say he's close to six. Three. We had him on our set with us and I was shocked how big he is. So I think it's either Travis Hunter or it's going to be Abdul Carter.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Would you like him to play corner and receiver? Would you scale that back? Would you? I, you know, I. Coaches probably want him to play receiver because you can get the ball to him 12 times. What would you do?

[Unknown Analyst]

I would never say this other than that guy. I'd play him both ways. I would train him. I mean, he. I've never seen Colin on 160th play of the game, he's blocking guys 25, 30 yards downfield. And he. At the end of the game, he's a strong. I know it's college and I get that. I'm gonna. I'm sure some people say odds, college, it's college. I get that. But I, in my lifetime, I've not seen a guy do that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow. I still think you're shocked by my Kyle McCord take. I. I think you're. That just. It's unsettled. You you didn't even know.

[Unknown Analyst]

I'm not. I did. When you said first round, I would have pumped the brakes a little bit, but certainly second and what kind of person he is, the fact he went. He got a little arrogance to him. Got a little. Went and showed what he can do on his own. So, no, I. You did shock me at first, but I'd say second or third round.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I'm just a clickbait guy. You know, me. Okay. Finally we got. I had Ryan Day on. By the way, I had Ryan Day on last week. He was so emotional. He was so good. I mean, the guy was just so good for me. Hard to root against him and. But you've won national championships. I only remember you not liking one of your teams. It was a Florida team that went to a bowl game and too many of the guys.

[Unknown Analyst]

Seven.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. You didn't like that team. Wore you out most of the time. You, like.

[Unknown Analyst]

Couldn'T stand them.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Hey, you know, that happens. Okay, so you win a national champion, Chip Kelly leaves. You got nil guys moving around. So it's a different world. But what is the hardest part of coming back as a national champion? Something that I. Maybe I wouldn't figure out that you. You had to literally sit down with your staff and say, okay, we got to play some psychologists here. What's the hard part?

[Unknown Analyst]

It's. And you put it on the players. I think it's the staff, you know, I think the staff. And then that leads to your players. Everybody changes. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. Joe Madden is a dear friend of mine. I went up to visit him in spring of 2017. I'm sitting in his office. He is absolutely miserable. And I believe they were in first place still. And he said, this team, they're hard to coach, they're hard to be around. I just. I'm really struggling with this team. And he says he did some homework in the NHL, NFL, Major League Baseball, NBA, college football, college basketball. How hard it is. The percentage to repeat is very, extremely low. I don't know the number. I want to say it's single digits. My 09 team was better than the 08 national champion Florida Gators. My 15 team, when I say better, more talented. My 15 team in Ohio State was more talented than the 14 Ohio State team, but we didn't win it. Why? Because it's different. It's just different. There's always issues there. It just seems like when you're climbing the mountain, it takes energy and passion. When you're on top of the mountain. It's just, you're just taking arrows. So energy and passion versus taking arrows.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, what, what golf tournament? What cushy golf tournament are you in today, by the way? You got another one today?

[Unknown Analyst]

I'm not, I'm doing Colin Coward on our podc. And golf tournament starts up again tomorrow, though.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a, it's quite a life you've carved out for yourself. I've got a little jealous, to be honest with you. You could, you could invite me to one of those things occasionally.

[Unknown Analyst]

I wouldn't, you know, Colin, if you work really hard someday, you know. I'm just kidding. Always great to be with you, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, it's great to see Urban Meyer. Thanks, coach.

[Unknown Analyst]

Thanks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I agree with Urban. I'm, I, I. Big 12 can get upset in the ACC. You've earned your lot. 442-21-11. I'm good with that. SEC. Big 10 have separated. I mean, they were better before they added Washington, Oregon, scu, cla. They were better before they added Texas, Oklahoma. So, like, don't let's not make arguments. Well, the acc. What about it? I mean, Clemson can't figure out the transfer portal. And I, I, I watched that smu. I watched that game. How, how'd that look? Not great. So that Kyle McCord there, that threw him for a little loopy. You got. I got a lot of contacts in the pro league and I like to throw a little curveball at Urban Live in Los Angeles. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, it's Steve Covino and Rich Davis, and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to Check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search KO Vino and Rich wherever you get your podcast and of course on social media. That's Covino and Rich. It's the last game of the season.

[Urban Meyer]

And with amex you can save time.

[Colin Cowherd]

With card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] with Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months. Omaha Steaks delivers the world's best stake experience and it brings people together with more than 100 years of family owned expertise as a mayor. America's Original Butcher Omaha Steaks Legendary filet mignons are extra aged to maximize tenderness and are tested to the highest standards to maintain the coveted distinction of USDA Certified tender. And now during their semi annual sale you can get 50% off site [e-mail] plus our listeners get an extra $30 off with the promo code Herd Herd at checkout. This weekend was a great time to bust open my Omaha Steaks assortment. Pack air Chilled boneless chicken breasts, ribeye and steak burgers, Gourmet jumbo franks. They're great butcher's cut top sirloins and for dessert, caramel apple tartlets. It doesn't get better than this. From legendary steaks to classic comfort food, bring home that exceptional handcrafted flavor and convenience of Omaha Steaks. Every steak perfectly aged. Five generations of uncompromising quality. Omaha Steaks has been America's original butcher since 1917. Don't miss the semiannual sale at Omaha Steaks. Visit Omaha Steaks.com for 50% off site wide and for an extra $30 off, use the promo code herdherd at checkout. That's 50% off at OmahaSteaks.com and an extra $30 off with a promo code Herd at checkout. There's a type of soil in Mississippi called Yazoo clay. It's thick, burnt orange, and it's got a reputation. It's terrible, terrible dirt. Yazoo clay eats everything, so things that get buried there tend to stay buried until they're not. In 2012, construction crews at Mississippi's biggest hospital made a shocking discovery.

[Unknown Analyst]

7,000 bodies out there or more, all.

[Colin Cowherd]

Former patients of the old state asylum. And nobody knew they were there.

[Unknown Analyst]

It was my family's mystery.

[Colin Cowherd]

But in this corner of the south, it's not just the soil that keeps secrets. Nobody talks about it. Nobody has any information. When you peel back the layers of Mississippi's Yazoo clay, nothing's ever as simple as you think.

[Urban Meyer]

The story is much more complicated and nuanced than that.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Larison Campbell. Listen to Under Yazu Clay on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Urban Meyer]

Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series heats up in Vegas, where Christopher Bell will look to hold off the pack and capture his fourth consecutive checkered flag. The pre race kicks things off at 2 Eastern with the green flag flying at 3:30 only on episode.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm fired up. I was talking to somebody in the hallway today. Those Dodger spring training tickets, 100 bucks. I mean, think about that. The Dodgers can charge more. They have so many stars. They can charge more for a spring training game than many major league baseball teams will charge for a regular season game. Well, I mean, when you got Freddie Freeman, Mookie bets. I mean, I, if you start looking at the Dodgers line, I said it last year from the top. I mean, you can go through the entire lineup. It's one of the great lineups of all time. I mean, it, it's not good. Now this year we get Ohtani pitching. You get, you better. You better save your money if you want to go to a Dodger game. They're not giving them away. J. Mac with the news.

[Unknown Analyst]

No, no, turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herd line news.

[Urban Meyer]

All right, Colin, let's start with Saquon Barkley being the best free agent edition last offseason. And it didn't take long for Howie Roseman to reward him with the biggest running back contract in the NFL. The narrative around free agent running backs has changed in large part thanks to Saquon Barkley. And he hopes younger backs feel the impact.

[Colin Cowherd]

I hope it does what it's supposed to do. You know, every other position, the value increases each year for B. Johns, the Gibbs. And I know Cook, Cook is up too. All those guys who are up and able to get paid and I hope they're. Hope they beat it. That's kind of how I look at it. I'm not one of those guys, like, I don't care for, you know, like, oh, is this guy getting paid more than me or not? Like that's what the sport is about and, you know, building the position up. You know, like I said, all the young guys, that's underneath me right now. When they get. When there's their time, you know, hopefully they beat it and match it out even more. Yeah, I don't know.

[Urban Meyer]

Will there be a trickle down like that? I'm not sure. Sticks one special. He was a. Well, I think coming out of Penn State.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think it's a great running back draft class. I. I saw the Cowboy. You see the Cowboys.

[Urban Meyer]

Oh, big move. We'll talk about that here.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, so it's a, it's a. Sean Payton knows it's a good running back draft class. You're not seeing a lot of running backs move in the free agent market. Part of it is the draft class is so good for running backs.

[Urban Meyer]

But this is how bad the Giants whipped. I just saw that Darius Slayton got offered more money. 3 for 38. 38 million for three years than the Giants were willing to offer Saquon Barclay last year at this time. Darius Slayton because they're desperate. Boy, the Giants really butchered this.

[Colin Cowherd]

They're not. Joe Shane is fortunate that the Mara is patient.

[Urban Meyer]

Got a stay of execution, but I don't see him lasting after this season. Let's move on to the Chargers. Colin. They moved on from Joey Bosa, but decided to get one more year out of Khalil Mack. Los Angeles keeps max for his 12th NFL season fourth of the Charger. Max said he has unfinished business with the Chargers, which I guess means winning a playoff game. Maybe, I don't know. He knows the potential for the group.

[Colin Cowherd]

I was told last year when Harbaugh arrived that the Chargers had sort of identified Khalil Mack is the one they would keep more of a team leader.

[Unknown Analyst]

They.

[Colin Cowherd]

They felt he was good in the room. He was good for the young players. Khalil Mack has been better than I thought he would be for them. I thought he was kind of tail end of his career. I think he's been great for them and I think that. I think, listen, you have to make choices. Mike Williams, they liked him, got hurt too much, they let him go. Keenan Allen, injuries. Bosa, injuries. So Harbaugh's having to make tough choices. But I will. What I'VE been told inside the building is they really think Khalil Mack puts in the effort. He helps young players. He, he kind of galvanizes the room. Harbaugh loves that. So he, he has been a really good player.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, I know. If the Chargers have had a weirdly quiet free agency so far. Well, they don't in the mix for devonte. How did that happen?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think if you look at what they need, I think they look at it and think. I think they kicked the tires on DK Metcalf but the Steelers overpaid him. Yeah, they lost Palmer the wide receiver.

[Urban Meyer]

So Palmer, he's like their number two or three receiver.

[Colin Cowherd]

I wouldn't be shocked if the, if the paid if, if the Chargers didn' grab like a second tier receiver here in the next day or two. But I think they're going to draft wide receiver. I don't think it's a great wide receiver class but I, I think if you, if I had to guess what the Chargers are going to do. They're going to take a tight end Loveland from Michigan with their first pick. That is my guess. And then after that they're going to go get another rush end to replace Bosa. Then they're going to go back to the wide receiver. Well, it'll, it'll be skilled players. They'll get another running back as well.

[Urban Meyer]

I just. In a city where it isn't really Rams vs Chargers but it is a battle for relevance. Rams are winning that because they won the Super Bowl. To see the Rams get Devontae Adams and the Chargers needing receiver not be in the mix. A little depressing if you're a Chargers fan.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, but Harbaugh's history, college and pro is he's never been a guy that spends a lot of money on the perimeter. He is tackles in. So he loves tight ends because they block and they're tough and physical. That's why he loves Herbert. He's tough and he's physical. They could have gotten Brian Thomas or a star receiver last year in the first round. They chose Notre Dame's tackle.

[Urban Meyer]

By the way, Brian Thomas was excellent.

[Colin Cowherd]

And by the way, Harbaugh loved him. So it came down to Joe Alter, Brian, Tom. I was told Harbaugh thought he was great. Their front office loved him. But Harbaugh's. That's not what he's going to do. I mean when he was in San Francisco, Michael Crabtree was a good receiver. He was their guy. He won a Natty at Michigan. They had like one big Time receiver. Yeah, they, they re. By the way, this is so Harbaugh. They resigned Bradley Bozeman, their center, great kid, you know, multi year deal. So what does he care about the big uglies? Yeah, so that, that's just who Harbaugh is. It's worked for him. For the record, if you look at his brother with the Ravens, what's the one position they've been wonky? Wide receiver. They've been good at? Tight end, O line, D line linebacker, corner. Ravens have always been a little hit and miss on wide receiver. The culture of the Harbaughs beat you up at the line of scrimmage.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah, smart final. Speaking of ugly, you said the big uglies, how about the Dallas Cowboys? Oh boy, it's been ugly. And listen, the audience has to love it. We haven't talked Cowboys at all today. I don't think maybe not even yesterday. But Colin, they cleared cap space last week and they did it to get Javante Williams.

[Colin Cowherd]

Not bad. Not behemoth.

[Urban Meyer]

Not bad.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, he's a good get.

[Urban Meyer]

I think they got it for three million dollars. For three and a half million for one one year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Sean Payton, great running back. Sean Payton lets him go because Sean Payton's take is it's a great running back class.

[Urban Meyer]

Jerry doesn't see that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, no, but they're desperate. They have the worst running back room in the league. So I like Javonte Williams. I think the Cowboys will draft another running back. They are so they have to. Oh God, they got nothing there. So I think Javante Williams, it to me would be a really good a week one. No, no.

[Urban Meyer]

But a really good job in Denver to unknown.

[Colin Cowherd]

But listen for Dallas, if they don't drive the running back, he's your starter.

[Urban Meyer]

They gotta draft one. They also added offensive guard Rob Jones.

[Colin Cowherd]

What did they pay?

[Urban Meyer]

He is on a one year deal. 4.75 million. And they got of course the long snapper which you made fun.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

I love that move I got. If you're a Cowboys fan, you are just ticked off right now. These moves just non factors left and right. I. I don't see it.

[Colin Cowherd]

I didn't mind.

[Urban Meyer]

The good news is we won't have to talk about them this year. You know, they're not gonna be good.

[Colin Cowherd]

So free agency is official tomorrow. I think Thursday I may do my first. You know, because I do, I do my division predictions after free agency, after coaching hires in free agency. I do one and then I do one after the draft because then you have your coaching Hires free agency, draft. Then I wait through the summer and I do two more small tweaks. But I think, I think Thursday I will be able to have my first. You know, last year we had a good year. We nailed the afc. So I think Thursday we're going to say, okay, this is, this is what it's going to look like.

[Urban Meyer]

NFC Thursday and AFC Friday or both of them on deck.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's a good call. Maybe I'll do that. Cause I'm working a full week this week. I decided, you know what? I'm gonna give the. I'm gonna give an effort. I'm not gonna mail in Friday this week.

[Urban Meyer]

You mail in Friday last week?

[Colin Cowherd]

Kinda.

[Urban Meyer]

I couldn't tell.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, I didn't give a f. I.

[Urban Meyer]

Was so locked in. I couldn't tell.

[Colin Cowherd]

I was, I was like Luca. I played on one end, not the other. And you complained a lot to the officials. Our producer. All right, J. Mack with the news. Well, that's the news.

[Urban Meyer]

And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news.

[Colin Cowherd]

Who. I was just looking at this. Highest paid running backs in the league right now. They, I, it was just a couple years ago. People were freaking out. Nobody pays running backs. They're fine. They're going. Running backs have huge. You know, the thing about running backs that I've, I've always believed that you. It's hard to have a great O line and a bad team because the O line is the one unit that even helps the defense because it keeps the defense off the field. So the most, the most unheralded unit in pro football my entire life is offensive line. You could have a great defensive line. It doesn't necessarily help the offense if you don't have a good quarterback. If you have a great offensive line, like right now, Philadelphia, Detroit, it's impossible to be bad because it keeps your defense off the field. You pick up more first downs on third and fourth and one. You, you just play, keep away from teams. Also, when you get a lead in the second half late in games and you want to kill the clock, no better ally than a running back in a good old line. But you know, I think between Saquon Barkley and this draft class where running backs are in abundance, it's going to be a really good. And, and I will say this. I think Genty is the best running back in the draft. The Boise State kid. I think the North Carolina back is really close. Genti's got a little more, maybe a little more wiggle, I don't know. But Mike, my question Isn't whether or not he's a first round pick. I think he's got first round talent. But when you have a draft where and Genti Special, he's got a little sake one. He's got speed, he can jump over guys. He's a great player and we've seen this before. Sauce Gardner went to a smaller school, Cincinnati. He was the best corner. Happens all the time. Mahomes didn't go to a football power. Josh Allen went to Wyoming. So it's nothing against Boise State. I think he's the best back. But the question is this, this running back class is so good. Can I get 80% of him in the third round? And I think the answer may be yes. But he will go somewhere and start now. I don't think Dallas, because Dallas sign the running back from Denver. I'm less inclined to believe they'll go running back with their first pick. I. My guess is they'll go best available player. I. You know what's interesting? I looked at mock drafts last night. I do this because I have no life. And the guy that keeps dropping, I do not get it. Somebody is going to get. I don't get it. That corner from Michigan, Will Johnson, I'm seeing him like 11, 12, 14. I'm like timeout. In a weak draft, you're going to get him middle of the first round. Maybe it's an injury thing. Anytime Will Johnson was healthy, that is what a first round corner looks like. So it's funny to watch the guys dropping in the draft. Will Johnson, Michigan. Now these are just mock drafts, but like almost as a rule, he's like 11 on. I'm going to tell you something. If, if, if a team gets Will Johnson outside of the top 10, you crushed it.

[Urban Meyer]

Well, he's not. There was chatter the jets because everybody knew they were losing DJ Reed, but the jets just signed the kid Brandon Stevens from Baltimore. So the jets are not taking them. I can't see Carolina taking a corner that high. Saints need a million things.

[Colin Cowherd]

Who did you have the Giants taking? Travis Hunter.

[Urban Meyer]

Where? The Giants.

[Colin Cowherd]

Three?

[Urban Meyer]

No, I had them going Abdul Carter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. And you have the Patriots doing Travis Hunter. Patriots.

[Urban Meyer]

Travis Hunter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, if you look at the Patriots moves, it makes sense because the Patriots went and got big thick girth. They went and got big strong guys. They're still slow in the perimeter.

[Urban Meyer]

Probably not taking Campbell, the offensive lineman, the big kid. They're probably not going with him at 4.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, they went and got a tackle.

[Urban Meyer]

Morgan Moses from the Jets. Yeah, they got other guys.

[Colin Cowherd]

So if you look at the Patriots, they went and got big, strong, physical guys in the free agency. They're probably in this draft going to go speed. So I think they'll take Travis Hunter, they'll take a running back. They'll, they'll, they'll probably take another tight end. Patriots should go heavy skill in this draft because they just, you can't beat at some point, Philadelphia, beyond beating you up, could beat you down the field. You need some occasional pop. All right, good stuff today. Nick Wright, Urban Meyer, Jordan Schultz. Love today's show. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glazer Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other, because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out, and you can learn more by following Hat'supwithhate. What's up, everyone?

[Urban Meyer]

It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL Draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents, we'll have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

In Mississippi, Yazoo clay keeps secrets.

[Unknown Analyst]

7,000 bodies out there or more.

[Colin Cowherd]

A forgotten asylum, cemetery.

[Unknown Analyst]

It was my family's mystery.

[Colin Cowherd]

Shame, guilt, propriety. Something keeps it all buried deep. Until it's not. I'm Larison Campbell, and this is under Yazoo Clay. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. We live in a divided country, and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson.

[Urban Meyer]

It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week, we hear from ordinary Americans.

[Colin Cowherd]

From all over the country.

[Urban Meyer]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses.

[Colin Cowherd]

On just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.