Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 3 - Urban Meyer Stops by The Herd
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the third hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in a dynamic conversation with notable figures from the sports world, including Urban Meyer and Tyler Adams. The episode delves deep into the evolving landscape of college football, the intricacies of NFL player evaluations, and the financial nuances of athlete contracts. Additionally, the episode features an insightful interview with Tyler Adams about his experiences and perspectives on the upcoming World Cup.

College Football: Big Ten vs. SEC

Timestamp: [02:18] - [20:36]

Colin Cowherd initiates a robust discussion on the shifting power dynamics between the Big Ten and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in college football. He highlights his belief that the Big Ten has surged to rival the traditionally dominant SEC, citing the depth of talent and successful recruiting strategies.

Key Points:

• Talent Depth and Recruitment: Cowherd and guest Tyler Adams discuss the significant increase in draft picks from the Big Ten, noting that the conference produced 71 players in the past year compared to 28 a decade ago.

• Program Strengths: Emphasis on programs like Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, and Washington, with discussions on their national championship prospects and recruiting prowess.

• Coaching Excellence: The conversation underscores the importance of elite coaching in elevating team performance, with mentions of coaches like James Franklin, Ryan Day, Dan Lanning, and the impact of recent coaching hires.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd:
  "There was about a 15-year period that I thought outside of Ohio State, Big Ten schools just didn't have the depth of talent that the LSU's and the Alabamas had."
  [02:30]

• Tyler Adams:
  "The transition of the Big Ten has been phenomenal... In 08-09, there were 28 players drafted, this past year there were 71. That's over double."
  [05:42]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "The Big Ten now has excellent recruiting coaches. That feels like a big part of it."
  [07:00]

NFL Player Evaluations: Travis Hunter and Kyler Murray

Timestamp: [21:47] - [27:27]

The discussion transitions to the NFL, focusing on emerging talents like Travis Hunter and the quarterback landscape featuring Kyler Murray. The conversation critically analyzes player potential, performance metrics, and overall impact on their respective teams.

Key Points:

• Travis Hunter's Versatility: Exploration of Hunter's dual-role capabilities as a wide receiver and defensive back, assessing his athleticism and potential to influence games on both sides of the ball.

• Kyler Murray's Positioning: Debates whether Murray is underrated or overrated, with consideration of his performance stats and comparison to other quarterbacks in the league.

Notable Quotes:

• J. Mac (Guest):
  "He [Travis Hunter] has the best athlete right now Jacksonville has."
  [22:37]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "I think Kyler Murray is rated exactly where he should be... somewhere between 13 and 16 in terms of Sunday opening kickoff."
  [24:42]

• Unknown Speaker:
  "Do you consider Kyler Murray underrated?"
  [23:44]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "If you had to take Jalen Hurts or Kyler Murray, I'd take Jalen Hurts."
  [27:23]

Contract Nuances: The Bobby Bonilla Annuity

Timestamp: [27:28] - [29:59]

A fascinating segment explores the legendary Bobby Bonilla contract with the New York Mets, drawing comparisons to modern athlete contracts. The conversation delves into the financial wisdom of long-term annuities versus lump-sum payouts.

Key Points:

• Bonilla's Contract:
  A unique agreement where Bonilla receives $1.2 million annually until 2035, highlighting it as one of the wildest contracts in sports history.

• Investment Strategies:
  Discussion on the merits and drawbacks of taking immediate payouts versus opting for long-term financial security through annuities.

• Modern Comparisons:
  Analysis of how current young athletes could benefit from similar contract strategies, ensuring sustained financial stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd:
  "If you trust yourself and have discipline, you take the money immediately and invest it."
  [28:09]

• Unknown Speaker:
  "Paul Skeens, who is like a phenom and a superstar... Bobby Bonilla is making more money than him. It's just a genius contract."
  [29:28]

Interview with Tyler Adams: Perspectives on the World Cup

Timestamp: [36:22] - [43:05]

In an in-depth interview, Tyler Adams shares his thoughts on participating in the World Cup, balancing professional commitments with national representation, and the future of U.S. soccer talent.

Key Points:

• National Representation vs. Professional Career:
  Adams discusses the importance of playing for one's country and how elite athletes navigate the decision to participate in international tournaments.

• Team Dynamics and Leadership:
  Insights into team chemistry, mentorship from experienced players like Christian Pulisic, and the role of leadership in high-stakes competitions.

• Future Talents:
  Highlights emerging young players within the U.S. national team, emphasizing their potential and the impact of global experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd:
  "When athletes get to that level, they should play for cash and then play for country."
  [36:22]

• Tyler Adams:
  "We have amazing analysts in the club that set up for success... confidence to step up to the spot."
  [37:29]

• Tyler Adams:
  "Christian's one of my best friends... he's a special player and we're lucky to have him."
  [41:50]

Closing Remarks

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by emphasizing the shifting tides in college football, expressing optimism for Big Ten programs like Ohio State and Penn State, and congratulating guests on their insights and contributions. The episode concludes with well-wishes for upcoming sporting events and a nod to the collaborative effort of the show's guests.

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd:
  "The Big Ten at the top is better than the SEC. If Ohio or Penn State wins this year, you can't argue it. It's over."
  [20:40]

• Colin Cowherd:
  "Tyler Adams, who has been on that team, captain of the last World Cup since 2017... All right. Good luck to you and the guys."
  [43:05]

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape, blending expert opinions with engaging discussions. From the resurgence of the Big Ten in college football to the nuanced evaluations of NFL talents and the financial strategies of athlete contracts, listeners are provided with in-depth insights. The conversation with Tyler Adams adds a personal touch, shedding light on the dedication and mindset required to excel on both national and international stages.

Note: Advertisements, introductory segments, and unrelated promotional content from the transcript have been omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussions and interviews central to this episode.