Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode "Hour 3 - Urban Meyer Stops by The Herd"

Episode Details:

• Title: Hour 3 - Urban Meyer Stops by The Herd
• Host: Colin Cowherd
• Guest: Urban Meyer, Fox Sports College Football Analyst
• Release Date: June 10, 2025

1. Introduction of Urban Meyer

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd welcoming Urban Meyer, a renowned figure in college football, to discuss the current landscape of the sport.

2. The Impact of Transfer Portal and NIL on College Football

Urban Meyer delves into the significant shifts in college football dynamics due to the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal. He highlights how prominent coaches like Brian Kelly, Lincoln Riley, Deion Sanders, and Bill Belichick are actively engaging with these changes.

Key Points:

• Heavy Portal Strategy: Meyer observes that coaches are increasingly utilizing the transfer portal to bolster their teams, citing Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly as prime examples who have effectively integrated transferred players without disrupting team chemistry.

• Ohio State's Success: Ohio State's strategic recruitment and cautious approach to integrating transfers have allowed them to maintain strong team cohesion while enhancing their roster.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [02:46]: "I think Lincoln can coach. I think Brian can coach. I think Deion's been a good coach. How is Ohio State use the nil and it worked for them. It hasn't disrupted chemistry."

3. NCAA Rule Changes and Enforcement

The conversation shifts to the new NCAA commission tasked with enforcing rules more stringently, a move Meyer views with cautious optimism.

Key Points:

• Enhanced Enforcement: The new commission is expected to have subpoena power, which Meyer believes could lead to more effective investigations and timely punishments.

• Skepticism Based on History: Despite the potential improvements, Meyer remains skeptical due to the NCAA's historical challenges with rule enforcement and compliance.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [05:07]: "I'm skeptical because of 40 years of watching it. And if that can happen, then you can officially say that college football was in compliance. I hope it does."

4. Conference Realignment and Notre Dame's Position

Meyer discusses the ongoing realignment within conferences, particularly focusing on Notre Dame's independence and its impact on scheduling and rivalries.

Key Points:

• USC's Scheduling Dilemmas: USC's reluctance to play traditional rivals like Notre Dame in November affects their conference alignment and scheduling flexibility.

• Notre Dame's Independence: Meyer suggests that Notre Dame might benefit from joining a conference to alleviate these scheduling constraints.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [10:05]: "Maybe Notre Dame should consider joining a conference."

5. Quarterback Development and Media Pressure

The episode addresses the pressures faced by emerging quarterbacks in the age of social media, using Arch Manning as a case study.

Key Points:

• Media Scrutiny: Unlike previous generations, today's quarterbacks are under constant media observation, which can impact their performance and mental health.

• Comparisons to Tim Tebow: Meyer compares Arch Manning's situation to Tim Tebow's tumultuous final year at Florida, emphasizing the importance of a robust support system.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [16:41]: "He's a potentially a great quarterback. Embrace it. That's life in the big city and you're going to get scrutinized and you're getting far too much credit for when the team plays well."

6. Ohio State's Challenge of Back-to-Back Titles

Meyer analyzes Ohio State's prospects in achieving consecutive national titles, highlighting the challenges of maintaining excellence amidst roster turnover.

Key Points:

• Rebuilding Efforts: With approximately 16 starters leaving, Ohio State faces the daunting task of rebuilding while retaining top talent like Caleb Downs and Smith.

• Coaching and Organizational Culture: The main challenge lies in avoiding complacency within the coaching staff and the broader organization to sustain high performance.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [18:37]: "When a team wins a national championship, everything changes. Complacency sets in the program. So I think that's Ryan Day's number one and not so much with the players."

7. NFL Quarterbacks: Shador Sanders and Daniel Jones

Transitioning to the NFL, Meyer critiques the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation, focusing on Shane Steichen's decisions regarding Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

Key Points:

• Richardson's Injuries: Concerns are raised about Anthony Richardson's shoulder injuries and his ability to develop into a franchise quarterback.

• Daniel Jones' Role: Meyer suggests that Jones may take over as the starter if Richardson doesn't improve, though he expresses doubts about Jones' potential.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [28:05]: "When Shane Steichen can't get Trey Lance right, there's a signal it's not going to work. When Shane Steichen can't get improvement, it's over."

8. Bo Nix and Young Quarterbacks

The discussion shifts to Bo Nix, praising his resilience and mindset despite a turbulent college career with multiple coaching changes.

Key Points:

• Positive Mindset: Nix's humility and determination are highlighted as key traits that could drive his success in the NFL.

• Coaching Compatibility: Meyer believes Bo Nix's style aligns well with NFL coaching strategies, particularly those that value play design and quarterback reads.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [34:05]: "Bo Nix runs the plays and makes the reads. He wants to with some mobility. So I think a lot of Peyton, Bo Nicks is their styles work together."

9. MLB Highlight: Defensive Play of the Year

A brief segment showcases a spectacular defensive play in Major League Baseball, drawing parallels to legendary catches from Japanese baseball history.

Key Points:

• Highlight Play: A remarkable catch by Denzel in center field, compared to historic moments in baseball.

• Viewer Engagement: Encourages listeners to seek out historical footage of similar plays.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [35:02]: "You can't believe what this kid is doing in center field. He got himself suspended on top of the wall and brought it back for out number two."

10. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Urban Meyer wraps up the discussion by expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming college football season, despite the ongoing changes and challenges.

Key Points:

• Optimistic View: Meyer remains hopeful about the evolution of college football and the opportunities presented by new policies.

• Engagement with Fans: Invites listeners to stay engaged and look forward to an exciting season.

Notable Quote:

Urban Meyer [21:26]: "I love college football. I'm pouring over my magazines, flying and hanging out this weekend. I'm all fired up."

Final Thoughts: This episode of "The Herd" provides an in-depth analysis of the transformative elements reshaping college football, with Urban Meyer's expert insights shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges ahead. From strategic coaching maneuvers in the transfer portal era to the evolving role of quarterbacks under intense media scrutiny, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the sport's current landscape and future trajectory.