THE HERD - Hour 1 - Indiana winning the National Championship is a great story, Sean McDermott why the Bills fired, Urban Meyer

Summary

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The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1 (Jan 20, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Colin Cowherd delivers passionate, insightful analysis on the seismic shift in college football, highlighted by Indiana’s stunning 16-0 run to the National Championship over Miami. Cowherd explores how mature rosters, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and the transfer portal are revolutionizing the sport and leveling the playing field. He also breaks down the firing of Bills coach Sean McDermott, the swirling NFL coaching carousel, and the new power dynamics in both college and pro football. Special guest Urban Meyer joins for an in-depth discussion on Indiana’s win, Miami’s resurgence, and how NIL is fundamentally altering college football’s landscape.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Indiana’s National Championship: A New Blueprint for College Football

[02:14–08:18, 39:17–47:54]

• Indiana defeats Miami for the national title, finishing 16–0—“the first 16 and 0 team.”
• Cowherd describes the game as feeling “50% NFL,” citing older, NIL-retained rosters, sophisticated offenses and defenses, and minimal mistakes.
• Quote (Colin Cowherd, 02:58):
  “Indiana, by design, is a roster filled with mature 22- and 23-year-olds. Both quarterbacks, three-year starters. That's why Indiana plays such mistake-free football.”
• The win shatters expectations for previously mid-tier programs: "Why not us?" asks Cowherd, suggesting Indiana's rise is a beacon for other programs with the right coach and NIL boosters.
• Quote (Colin Cowherd, 04:50):
  “The Indiana football story was not possible pre-portal. It was not possible pre-NIL. You couldn’t have done this.”
• Indiana’s head coach Kurt Signetti is praised as “Nick Saban without the charm and a little bit of a sense of humor. He's got neither. He is dead serious. He is all business.”
• Signetti’s post-game (as aired, paraphrased by Cowherd, 07:46):
  "You do it with people and a plan... We're 16-and-0 and national champions at Indiana, which I know a lot of people thought was never possible."

2. Miami’s Rise and the New Reality of College Football

[20:00–23:15, 46:30–47:54]

• Miami's combination of aggressive NIL, transfer portal savvy, and elite local recruiting positions them as a long-term threat.
• Cowherd highlights Miami and Notre Dame as perhaps “the two best recruiters in the country as coaches,” both now armed with big budgets.
• Quote (Colin Cowherd, 21:09):
  “With Mario Cristobal, you're getting a highly aggressive NIL, a highly aggressive transfer portal team, and Dade and Broward county, probably the richest counties in the country for high school football recruiting.”
• Miami’s pain at coming so close, as expressed by coach Mario Cristobal:
  Cristobal (22:39):
  “I'll take full blame for it. We're one drive short of winning the national championship, so I don't see anything negative. But I do see pain in moments like this. And we should. If we're a competitor that's worth anything, you feel it and you use it and you give those feelings of direction.”
• Urban Meyer says Miami "looked every bit of the old SEC dominant looking team" and are "not going away" (39:17).

3. NIL & The Maturation of College Football

[02:14–07:46, 40:09–41:42, 44:45–45:00]

• NIL is keeping players in school longer, making the sport “older and smarter.”
• Urban Meyer notes “an 80% jump in kids graduating playing college football” and how teams now look like pro squads:
  Meyer (41:13):
  “They are graduating. It's a phenomenal story... You're having grown ass men in that locker room.”
• Cowherd and Meyer agree that quality, maturity, coaching, and overall sophistication of the college game is at an all-time high.

4. Transfer Portal and Long-term Program Building

[04:55–07:46, 42:17–43:16]

• Cowherd and Meyer discuss maintaining culture as Indiana becomes a more attractive destination for top recruits.
• Meyer warns of possible cultural shifts:
  Meyer (42:17):
  “You start to lose a little bit of that underdog where the misfits... So I think they've got to be very cautious."
• Meyer predicts Indiana could lose key staff members to bigger offers.

5. Big Ten > SEC? The Power Shift

[16:20, 43:16–44:45]

• For the first time, Cowherd argues "the SEC has now fallen behind the Big Ten, Notre Dame, and Miami."
• Meyer agrees, noting the Big Ten’s depth:
  Meyer (44:07):
  “The depth of the Big Ten is greater than that of the SEC... Now all of a sudden you got Indiana, Oregon... you're not even counting Wisconsin's and Michigan State's who used to be very good.”

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6. Buffalo Bills Fire Sean McDermott: The Cost of Ambition

[08:18–12:04]

• Buffalo parts ways with head coach Sean McDermott after repeated playoff shortcomings.
• Cowherd gives context: McDermott “98 and 50 with eight playoff wins”—but could not surpass Mahomes and Andy Reid.
• Quote (Colin Cowherd, 11:42):
  “In their last six playoff exits, with a defensive coach and now a Bosa and previously Yvonne Miller, they're allowing on average 33 points per game in losses... Something had to change.”
• Boise fans are “tense” due to uncertainty around GM Brandon Beane.
• Cowherd respects Buffalo's willingness to take a risk:
  “Buffalo's a small town. They're taking a big swing. I respect it.” (11:22)

7. NFL Coaching Carousel Update

[24:08–28:18]

• Jeff Hafley joins Miami Dolphins as defensive coordinator.
• The Titans land Robert Saleh from the 49ers, with speculation about Mike McDaniel’s future alongside him.
• Cowherd sees this as a smart move:
  Colin Cowherd (24:43):
  “Salah was the best defensive coordinator this year. Mike McDaniel by next year would be a top two to three offensive coordinator.”
• Rankings of best open head coaching jobs: Bills (likely to retain Joe Brady as OC), Ravens (valuable due to Lamar), followed by the Raiders, Steelers, and others.
• Raiders’ attractiveness depends on potential to draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.

8. Spotlight: Fernando Mendoza's Prospects and Indy’s Stars

[14:32–15:41, 45:00–46:30]

• Fernando Mendoza’s 4th-and-5 scramble for a TD is lauded as a “legendary championship play” reminiscent of Andrew Luck or Tim Tebow.
• Nick Wright is bullish:
  Nick Wright (15:18):
  “I said a couple weeks ago, I see a young Tom Brady. Not Super Bowl 7 Brady, but in the pocket, takes the hits, keeps on ticking. This guy's a winner… that kid looks special, man. He's got everything you want in a quarterback.”
• Urban Meyer calls Mendoza “the most respectful kid,” comparing him to Tebow in intangibles and to Andrew Luck in physical makeup (45:29):
  "He's got Tebow software, but Andrew Luck hardware."
• Meyer admits to reversing his position—now sees Mendoza as ready for the NFL, likely headed to the Raiders.

9. Rams, Stafford, and the NFC Title Game

[28:18–33:34]

• Discussion of Rams’ playoff prospects and Stafford’s possible last shot at a championship.
• Cowherd and Nick Wright analyze draft strategies, with Cowherd arguing the Rams could maximize Stafford’s championship window by investing in the roster rather than a rookie QB.
• Quote (Colin Cowherd, 30:36):
  “If you're the Rams... we don't really like anybody but maybe Mendoza. We're just going to take all these top picks and make another Super Bowl run.”

10. End of an Era: LeBron Not an All-Star Starter

[32:38–33:51]

• LeBron’s streak as an All-Star starter ends after being edged out by younger stars.
• Cowherd notes the changing of the guard and predicts the Pistons could be contenders.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Indiana’s rise:
  Colin Cowherd (04:55):
  “If you get the coach right, with NIL and transfer portal, and you ask yourself: ‘Why not us?’ The Indiana football story was not possible pre-portal. It was not possible pre-NIL.”
• On NIL’s positive impact:
  Urban Meyer (41:14):
  “So [players] are graduating. It’s a phenomenal story... you’re having grown ass men in that locker room."
• On Buffalo’s bold move:
  Colin Cowherd (11:22):
  “Buffalo’s a small town. They’re taking a big swing. I respect it.”
• On the most critical plays:
  Urban Meyer (46:55):
  “They didn’t even try to block the punt. It was one guy out-efforting another guy. If they don’t block that punt, I think Miami is the national champion.”
• On Miami’s future:
  Urban Meyer (47:38):
  “[Miami’s] back, Colin. I felt it on the sideline. The crowd is Miami... They got money, they got a great place to go to school, now they are back. They’re not going anywhere.”

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Essential Timestamps

• Indiana’s win signals a new era: [02:14–07:46]
• Kurt Signetti’s post-game remarks: [07:46–08:18]
• Discussion of Buffalo Bills firing Sean McDermott: [08:18–12:04]
• NIL’s transformative effect: [40:09–41:42]
• Urban Meyer on Indiana’s future and challenges: [42:17–43:16]
• Miami & Notre Dame as new power brokers: [20:00–23:15]
• Analysis of Fernando Mendoza as NFL prospect: [14:32–15:41, 45:00–46:30]
• Rams playoff and Stafford contract strategy discussions: [28:18–31:50]
• NFL coaching carousel breakdown: [24:08–28:18]

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Tone & Style

Colin Cowherd’s tone is energetic, reflective, and often provocative, blending sharp analysis with colorful analogies and big-picture takes. Urban Meyer adds a coach’s insider gravitas and warmth as he celebrates the scope of change in college football.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode takes you deep inside the forces rapidly reshaping college football, examining Indiana’s stunning championship run as the harbinger of a new era fueled by NIL, older and smarter rosters, and national parity. The hosts dissect Miami and Notre Dame’s ascent, tackle the bold moves in the NFL coaching world, and debate which programs may be “next.” If you want to understand how college football and the pro game are evolving—and what makes this Indiana championship genuinely historic—this is essential listening.

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Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an I heart podcast, guaranteed human.

[Mike De La Rocha]

A new year doesn't ask us to become someone new. It invites us back home to ourselves. I'm Mike De La Rocha, host of Sacred Lessons, a space for men to pause, reflect and heal. This year, we're talking honestly about mental health, relationships, and the patterns we're ready to release. If you're looking for clarity, connection, and healthier ways to show up in your life, Sacred Lessons is here for you. Listen to Sacred Lessons with Mike Delaroach on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chelsea Handler]

This season on Dear Chelsea with me, Chelsea Handler, we've got some incredible guests like Kumail Nanjiani. Let's start with your cat. How is she?

[Colin Cowherd]

She is not with us anymore.

[Ross Matthews]

Great, great, great. Way to start.

[Chelsea Handler]

Maybe you will cry. Ross Matthews.

[Ross Matthews]

You know what kids always say to me? Are you a boy or a girl?

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, my God.

[Ross Matthews]

All the time. I know. So I try to butch it up for kids so they're not confused.

[Chelsea Handler]

Y you're butching it up is basically like an angry woman Doris Day.

[Ross Matthews]

Right now I turn into Bea Arthur.

[Chelsea Handler]

Listen to these episodes of Dear Chelsea on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Joel]

Hey, it's Joel and Matt from how to Money. If your New Year's resolution is to finally get your finances in shape, we've got your back prices, they're still high, and the economy is all over the place. But 2026 is the year for for you to get intentional and make real progress.

[Matt]

That's right. Yeah. Each week we break down what's happening with your money, the most important issues to focus on, and the small moves that make a big difference. Kick off the year with confidence. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[John Paulk]

I'm John Paulk. For years, I was the poster boy of the conversion therapy movement. The ex gay who married an ex lesbian and traveled the world telling my story of how I changed my sexuality from gay. You might have heard my story, but you've never heard the real story.

[Colin Cowherd]

John has never been anything but gay, but he really tried hard not to be.

[John Paulk]

Listen to Atonement, the John Paulk story on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go on a Tuesday with all sorts of activity in the coaching industry. In the National Football League we are live. Or in Chicago it's the Herd you may be and however you may be listening, whatever the platform, thanks for making us part of your day. Well, I was like many of you, most of you watching a sports talk show. I sat and watched Indiana, Miami last night. Not only the first 16 and O team, but for the first time I ever remember watching a national championship in college football. It felt like 50% NFL and I am here for it. College football rosters are getting older, wiser. Miami's D line and O line, those are NFL bodies. Miami's got a defensive lineman about to turn 25. Indiana by design is a roster filled with mature 22 and 23 year olds. Both quarterbacks, three year starters. That's why Indiana plays such mistake free football. It's an older, smarter roster. What last night allows is more sophisticated defenses. Miami's doing part zone, part man to man on the same play you've got. Indiana never fumbles, no errant snaps. They don't throw interceptions, they rarely get penalized defenses, offenses much more sophisticated. That's why Sunday football has always been 3 times to 4 times higher rated than college football. College football can be regional and provincial and full of mistakes. It's rare that you see a good college program with even decent special teams. But college football has officially grown up and last night felt different. Three year starters at quarterback, players getting paid, players staying in college longer, that's never a bad thing. And the product on the field to me reflects it. Georgia won a national title in the early 80s and completed one pass. No thank you. Not interested. The SEC, which has now fallen behind the Big Ten, Notre Dame and Miami has always felt too ground and pound. Ole Miss is the new way to win. Lot of offense, lot of movement, some trickery and score points. Last night three of Indiana's biggest plays came after Kurt Signetti timeouts. Very NFL feeling. Fernando Mendoza on that TD run talked about expecting a zone seeing man to man. It was a little of both. And like Andrew Luck Elway, Josh Allen put his head down, got hammered and scored that touchdown. I don't know. Indiana to me is absolutely great for college football. It's a football starved Midwest base. Alumni, huge alumni that has always Been in the shadow of an Ohio State, a Michigan, a Penn State, a Wisconsin and Iowa for football. To me, Indiana is a shining beacon of hope. If you get the coach right, you got a couple of well healed nil boosters. You don't need five star recruits. It it'd be nice going forward to have some. But suddenly you look around if you get the coach right with the nil and transfer portal and you ask yourself, why not us? The Indiana football story was not possible pre portal. It was not possible pre nil. You couldn't have done this. Now you got to get the coach right. And Kurt Signetti is like Nick Saban without the charm and a little bit of a sense of humor. He's got neither. He is dead serious. He is all business. And the truth is Saban got funnier and more charming after the rebuild was complete at Alabama. This is probably right now for this time, what the Hoosiers need. But last night was also what college football needed. A new story, a new champion, a new way of doing business. That is the greatest script ever written in the history of college football. It was so totally cool and so totally 60 perfect. Indiana deserved every part of last night with this coach. The big boosters, they're going absolutely nowhere. Ask yourself, are you the next Indiana? Why not Purdue? Why not Michigan State? Why not Kentucky football? Why not us? Here's the humorless head coach, as brilliant as he is after.

[Urban Meyer]

It's a great thing, Indiana winning national championship two years into our tenure. You do it with people and a plan. Can't say enough about our senior leadership and the people we have in the locker room and the people we have on our staff. And we're 16 and 0 and we're, I guess we're 27 and 2 since Indiana, but we're 16 and 0. Sixteen national champions at Indiana University, which I know a lot of people thought was never possible.

[Colin Cowherd]

Couple more natties and my guess, he'll crack more regularly. A smile. There's a lot of tension in Buffalo today. Buffalo is one of those great American cities where people, despite the snow drifts, are proud of being from there. Buffalo has been a winning NFL city for a couple different stretches in my lifetime and probably yours. The Marv Levy, Jim Kelly years and now the Josh Allen, Sean McDermott years. And now he's gone. And the tension is because Brandon, being the general manager since Josh Allen arrived, has what, 56 draft picks? Two Pro Bowlers? Is he, as many are claiming, kind of a suck up to the owner. I was told months ago he's more of a cap guy than a personnel guy. He's a smart guy, got a little bit of an ego. But Buffalo fans and media are a little bit tense today because of the firing. But let me just say this, it's easy to do the Pittsburgh thing. Hey, we're over 500 playoff wins are overrated. It's hard to do what Buffalo did. Sean McDermott was well liked and respected. 98 and 50 with eight playoff wins. They just couldn't beat Mahomes and Andy Reid join the club. What probably was his undoing, because we all thought he was safe after beating Jacksonville in Jacksonville, a very good team, according to Vic Karuchi, a respected reporter covering the Bills for a long time. Five weeks ago, McDermott met with Brandon Bean and the owner. McDermott, and this takes some guts, sat down with his two bosses and said, I don't think we have enough all star level, Pro bowl level talent to win a Super Bowl. According to Vich Carrucci, it did not go over well. So, and I will say this, Buffalo found ways to lose every January. They couldn't get the tush push right. That was a year ago, the 13 second loss. This year, five turnovers and complaining about officiating as Bo Nix was more efficient than Josh Allen. But Dallas and Jerry Jones, it appears, will no longer pay top dollar for a head coach. And Pittsburgh, it appeared forever, was not willing to move off a coach who couldn't win playoff games. And as far as I can tell, Buffalo's willing to do both. So in their last six playoff exits, you can blame Brandon Bean, you can blame Sean McDermott. In their last six playoff exits, with a defensive coach and now a Bosa and previously Yvonne Miller, they're allowing on average 33 points per game in losses. So you can blame whoever you want. Something had to change. You may not like the gm, maybe you'll miss the head coach, but they're willing to take a swing. It's so much easier to do the Pittsburgh thing. Nobody's offended. Everybody in the building is happy. Yes, people from the outside, the dark side, may criticize the Steelers, but hey, we do what we do. Buffalo's a small town. They're taking a big swing. I respect it. Albert Brewer, yesterday on the move. There was a different feel in that building the last couple of months. More tension, I think more pressure on everybody. They realize that they've got in front of them the opportunity that Josh Allen.

[Urban Meyer]

As a quarterback gives them.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I think some of that spilled out Colin after the game on Saturday. Yeah, listen, I understand the tension, but you know, Jerry Jones is ironic because he always talks about every time he seeks a bargain, that's exactly what he gets. And I feel like Jerry Jones should listen to his own words. It feels like he's always trying to get a bargain at head coach. Look around the playoffs. No Mahomes, no Allen Loan, no no Lamar, no Burrow. Once you pay that star quarterback, it doesn't matter if Andy Reid's your coach. It's hard to be great. Buffalo is suffering through what the Chiefs, what Cincinnati, what a lot of these highly compensated quarterback franchises are struggling with. Their roster's got some holes, Buffalo's does. Chiefs do right. The difference is one of those franchises has the trophies, but they're not just going to sit here and they're going to. They're going to make a move. And you don't have to love the gm, but by and large, when we think about the Buffalo Bills over the last seven, eight, nine years, you know what we think? Smartly owned, great quarterback, pretty well run. That's why so many people are uncomfortable with the McDermott stuff, because he was a really good coach. You didn't swing and miss on four. You swung and connected on one. But it is time. And it is the kind of thing that can make the smaller town that doesn't love change a little uncomfortable. But I think it's the right move. I got to tell you, J. Mac, watching that game last night, Robert Sally got the Titans job. We'll talk more about that. As I was watching that game last night, I am not saying Andrew Luck is John Elway or Andrew Luck the two best quarterback prospects ever out of college. If you talk to longtime NFL guys, those are great prospects. But Fernando Mendoza on that touchdown run, that looked like Andrew Luck, that. That mean that was. Andrew Luck is one of those guys, big fit kid who actually seeks. Remember, you still would say, I don't feel like the game starts until I get popped.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mendoza similarly, multiple times this year, Lip is bloodied off the field. Back on like that, that run, that was so Andrew Luck. I mean, it was. It had a Josh Allen, Andrew Luckfield. And I'm not. He's not that kind of prospect. He's a very good prospect. He's not that level of prospect. But that run was. I mean, if you were on the fence on Fernando Mendoza after that run, tear the fence down.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's the number one pick.

[Nick Wright]

I think Tommy Frazier of Nebraska had an incredible run against Florida national championship.

[Colin Cowherd]

Remember that?

[Nick Wright]

You. Okay, this was to me, like the equivalent of that. It was a big play. Fourth down. But here's the other thing. Mendoza. I don't even think he had 200 yards passing.

[Joel]

Colin.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, but it was the important passes he needed. Third and seven.

[Colin Cowherd]

Boom.

[Nick Wright]

Got it. Fourth and five. Got it. I'm just telling you, man, I said a couple weeks ago, I see a young Tom Brady. Not Soup 7, Super Bowl Brady, but like in the pocket, takes the hits, keeps on ticking. This guy's a winner, man. I'm if I'm the Jets, I have to at least think about trading up or trying to for him. And I know Raiders fans are going to say no way, but that kid looks special, man. He's got everything you want in a quarterback.

[Joel]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

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, is Cavino and Rich from Fox Sports for Radio. Now, in addition to hearing us live weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, we're excited to announce a brand new YouTube channel for the show. Yup, that's right. You can now watch Covino and rich live on YouTube every day. All you got to do Search COVINO and Rich FSR on YouTube again. Go to YouTube. Search COVINO Enrich FSR. Check us out on YouTube. Subscribe. Hit that thumbs up icon and comment away.

[John Paulk]

I'm John Paulk. For years, I was the poster boy of the conversion therapy movement, the ex gay who married an ex lesbian and traveled the world telling my story of how I changed my sexuality from gay to straight. Once upon a time I was on 60 Minutes, Oprah, the front cover of Newsweek, and you might have heard my story, but you've never heard the real story. So join me as I peel back the layers and expose what happened to me in the midst of conversion therapy to shine a light on what the X Game movement does to people and the pain it continues to cause.

[Mike De La Rocha]

I had lost £150 because if I couldn't control my sexuality, I was going to control my weight.

[Colin Cowherd]

It sounded like, and this is the word I used, a cult.

[John Paulk]

And as I look too, at the harm I did from within, listen to Atonement, the John Paulk story on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mike De La Rocha]

Every January, we're encouraged to start over. But what if this year is about slowing down and learning how to understand ourselves more deeply? What if this year is about giving ourselves permission to feel what we've been holding and knowing that it's okay to ask for help. I'm Mike delarocha, host of Sacred Lessons. This is a podcast for men navigating stress, emotional health, fatherhood, identity, and the unspoken pressures we're taught to carry alone. We talk honestly about mental health, about healing generational wounds, and about learning how to show up with more presence and care. If you want a healthier relationship with yourself and the people you love, then Sacred Lessons is the podcast for you. Listen to Sacred Lessons with Mike De La Rocha on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Sacred Lessons with Mike De La Rocha and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.

[Chelsea Handler]

This season on Dear Chelsea with me, Chelsea Handler. We've got some incredible guests, like Kumail Nanjiani. Let's start with your cat. How is she?

[Colin Cowherd]

She is not with us anymore.

[Ross Matthews]

Okay, great, great, great way to start.

[Chelsea Handler]

So this is a great beginning, and hopefully you'll be able to. I don't know, maybe you will cry. Amanda Seyfried.

[Colin Cowherd]

Life is so short. If you feel something like that, you have that fire in you for this.

[Chelsea Handler]

Experience, it's not for a guy.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's for the experience of being in love. And, like, it's bigger than a guy.

[Chelsea Handler]

Elizabeth Olsen. I love swimming naked so much. And I know you love taking pictures of yourself naked. I love to be naked. I just want to be in my bra underwear all the time. Ross Matthews.

[Ross Matthews]

You know what kids always say to me? Are you a boy or a girl?

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, my God.

[Ross Matthews]

All the time.

[Urban Meyer]

I know.

[Ross Matthews]

So I'm always like, hi. I try to butch it up for kids, you know, so they're not confused.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah, but you're butching it up.

[Ross Matthews]

It's basically like an angry Woman.

[Chelsea Handler]

Doris Day, right?

[Ross Matthews]

No, I turn into Bea Arthur.

[Chelsea Handler]

Listen to these episodes of Dear Chelsea on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or. Or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt]

New year, new goals. And in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt.

[Joel]

And I'm Joel.

[Matt]

We are from the how to Money podcast. And every week we help you to spend smarter, save more, and make sense of what's going on out there.

[Joel]

If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your money, we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here's what The SEC should truly be concerned about Miami and Notre Dame. They're not in the Big Ten. Maybe the two best recruiters in the country as coaches. Two unique but magnificent college football brands and both with massive nil checkbooks. We all know the Big Ten is separated. They'll be favored to win the Natty next year. They already are. But with Mario Cristobal, you're getting a highly aggressive nil, a highly aggressive transfer portal team, and Dade and Broward county, probably the richest counties in the country for high school football recruiting. And Cristobal has made it his sole purpose to build a fence around Dade and Broward. And he is an unbelievable recruiter. So adding to that, Miami's economy is on fire. It is the fastest growing tech startup city in the country. Translation, there is an ocean of cash in Miami now and they want to spend it and a lot of people want to spend it on the U. It is their college program of choice. So the consensus for 2026 recruiting, Mario Cristobal in Miami, and they're just starting, had a better class than Florida or lsu, Notre Dame, Oregon, usc. Bought better classes than anybody not named Alabama. Bama had a good one. But for the record, Miami's now going to buy Duke's quarterback. Reportedly, he's good. He'll get better. Surrounded by Sunday bodies. So the new reality of college football, if you look at the odds, it is not just the Big Ten, it is Miami and Notre Dame are going to be a major problem. The top five odds to win next year. The only SEC team is Texas, and that is oil money. And the reason Texas is even in there, reportedly spending $40 million on next year's roster. So my takeaway, the three best teams I saw play this year, if I had a vote today, number one, Indiana, number two, Miami, and number three, Ohio State. Nobody in the SEC felt like this. Physically punishing, relentless defenses. Here's Mario Cristobal after the loss.

[Urban Meyer]

Got to the playoffs for the first time in Miami history and then beat four top 10 teams, beat seven top 25 teams, won the Fiesta bowl, won the Cotton bowl. And you know what? I'll take full blame for it. We're one drive short of winning the national championship, so I don't see anything negative. But I do see pain in moments like this. And we should. If we're a competitor that's worth anything, you feel it and you use it and you give those feelings of direction. I know the guys coming back will. And I know that the guys moving on will also use that as fuel.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hard Enough to beat Indiana. Probably not going to do it if you get a punt blocked and it becomes a touchdown for the Hoosiers. But I thought Miami played great. I think they played a smartly coached, physical game with the kind of skill players that can beat Indiana. The only two teams I watched play Indiana this year was not Alabama. I can assure you that the only two teams that matched up with Indiana, Ohio State and Miami. And a lot of it was the checkbook. Sorry, A lot of it was the checkbook. Good coaching, good quarterback play. This is now a very administrative business. A little NFL, a lot NFL. But Miami and Ohio State came the closest and it, it started with grabbing a pen and, and signing a check. J Mac with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news.

[Nick Wright]

This is the Herd line news. All right, let's dive right into the NFL head coaching situation. The carousel is spinning wildly. Colin. Yesterday Jeff Halfley from the packers landed with the Miami Dolphins. Miami fans are non pulsed. Did I say that right? Non plussed by the higher athlete. You know, he's fine, but he doesn't bring Micah Parsons with him. Meanwhile, overnight there was a big one. The Tennessee Titans got Robert Salah from the Niners. This is being ballyhooed as a big time get. They're curious to see who his offensive coordinator will be. A lot of chatter about Mike McDaniel.

[Colin Cowherd]

That would be a good hire. To me. Salah was the best defensive coordinator this year. Mike McDaniel by next year would be a top two to three offensive coordinator. You could do far worse than sol and Mike McDaniel. And McDaniel now has head coaching experience. I think that always helps for a coordinator. They sort of understand the macro. Day to day play to play. Understanding a coach has to deal with. I think Tennessee, they didn't get a John Harbaugh or a Stefanski necessarily, but Salah and Mike McDaniel, those. I mean, listen, remember they work together. Salah knows he's from the San Francisco tree.

[Nick Wright]

The only problem with that is if McDaniel absolutely cooks and is awesome and Cam ward is great, McDaniel is going to get a head coaching job. And so now you're going for a third straight offensive coordinator. But that's kind of the world. That's the way it works, right? Colin? If you hire a defensive coach and you got a great offensive coordinator, he's going to be in demand. If he, if he does well.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I. When a head coach thinks he's going to be retained and gets fired, it can leave a sour taste in your mouth. There are also worse places to live in America than Nashville, Tennessee. It's a great, great place to live. And if you start winning for the first time consistently since Rabel, I could see Mike McDaniel saying, Dude, I'll sign a long pack here. And I also think Mike McDaniel's quirky. He's not Campbell or Vrabel or Sala. He was a quirky hire. I don't think he should have taken most of the blame. That's more two in the gm. But I don't think everybody's going to be lining up for Mike McDaniel. I think he could go there for four years and he and Robert Sala could win that division multiple times.

[Nick Wright]

Well, there's a lot of chatter. Tampa Bay wants him. He likes Florida. The weather might, might want to stay in Tampa. I'll just say this about Salah. They've got a couple defensive pieces on the line, Jeffrey Simmons and a young kid from Texas. Other than that, there's not a lot. There's a lot of rebuilding to do. But we just saw Salah with very little do a great job in San Francisco. I will just say here are the head coaching openings still available. Pittsburgh Steelers.

[Joel]

Wow.

[Nick Wright]

Baltimore Ravens. Good job. We know that Raiders is open. Cardinals, Browns and Bills. I think the Bills probably get their choice of guy. I'm going to guess they're going to stay with Joe Brady. Would you agree? The oc?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know. I think. Oh, very interesting. I, I, I.

[Nick Wright]

How about this, Rick? Can you rank the seven vacancies for me? We'll just give you Bills at one and I guess Ravens at two because they have Lamar. What? What's three on that list? Is it Raiders because of Mendoza?

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, they've been so dysfunctional. But if you give me Mendoza, Brock Bowers, Ashton Genty and I just have to clean up the defense. Was okay if I, if I have to clean up the offensive line. I, I, I, I think the Raiders are very interested.

[Nick Wright]

So the Raiders are a better job right now than the Steelers. Pittsburgh fans don't want to hear this, Colin. They don't right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now the Steelers have a lot of interesting draft picks. They also may move up to get Ty Simpson who appears to be clearly, the number two quarterback. So let's wait. Post draft, the Steelers could look like a mess today, but if they get the coach they want and they get Ty Simpson, you know, who's viewed as kind of a late first round quarterback, then maybe I don't feel that way, I would say the Steelers have not really been in the let's find a new coach business for a long time. So this is all very, very new for them.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah. All right, let's move on to Matt Stafford and the Rams. They're playing Seattle in the NFC Championship game. It's on FOX this weekend. Stafford will turn 38 a day before the Super Bowl. Colin and was asked if he considers this his last shot at winning it all.

[Urban Meyer]

I try not to think about that kind of stuff. I just try to enjoy the team that I'm on and the moment that I'm in. I love coming to work. I love the group that we get to do it with. These, like I said, opportunities don't come every single year. So I just try to live in them and cherish them when they're here. I sure hope it's not my last opportunity, but we'll see. You never know. Take these, these games and these seasons one at a time and figure it out from there. But I just know that I'm happy, you know, happy in the moment that I am right now doing what I'm doing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, here's the thing. I thought a lot about this. They have two first round picks, a second, a third, couple of fifths, couple of six, couple of sevens. What if you go to Stafford? Because you know the contract now you go to Stafford and say, listen, we're not going to draft a starting quarterback. It's not a good class. We may draft a quarterback with one of our fifth round picks, but what we're going to do if you take the kind of deal that we'd like you to take any extension are two. First we'll go get a tackle, a corner, a star wide receiver that we're going to take our elite picks and go one more great year with you, he'll probably want a two year deal. But I could see them saying, listen, we're not going to go get a quarterback. Don't worry about that. We'll keep Garoppolo. We got stats in Bennett. It's not a good quarterback class. We don't really like anybody but maybe Mendoza. And we're just going to take all these top picks and we're going to make the O line better and the secondary better and we're going to make another super bowl run. Now, the following draft. Matt, we are going to go get a quarterback. Our scouting department likes it. But I've thought about this. If you're the Rams and you're trying to get. Because to me, Stafford's now a top five quarterback. He's been healthy this year. He's playing great. The symmetry with him and McVeigh is amazing. All these skill people. I can see the Rams going, hey, we don't like any of the core. We don't give up six picks to go get Ty Simpson and just say, the reality is we'll load up for one more super bowl run. We'll attack all of our deficiencies. Tackle, corner. I could see the Rams doing that.

[Nick Wright]

If you're looking for best storyline left in the playoffs, it would be Stafford winning another Super Bowl. I think that's undeniable. I know people are all aboard. The Drake may train. He's got 15 more years. Sam Darnold, you know, reinvention stories, excellent. But Stafford is the man. And Colin, I'm surprised even out here in la, you know, I talk to people in the building. They're not giving the Rams a chance. Nobody is. This is people living in Los Angeles think, oh, Seattle, it's a wrap. Everybody on your Seahawks. Any, any read on how that. You think that's going to go there, big guy? You know where I'm leaning.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't think the Rams can play as perfectly as they played in Chicago. No drop passes, no penalties, no picks. And I think Seattle's better than Chicago. And that game went overtime. Seattle should be favored. But last weekend, fewer turnovers won every game and Seattle is more reckless than the Rams. Rams play at their best, nearly perfect football. I mean, I mean, no penalties or one penalty. They just don't get penalized. And so I don't think they can duplicate the efficiency of last week because I think Seattle's defense forces you into more mistakes. Penalties, internal rovers to not have a drop pass. And that Chicago weather, that's incredible.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I don't think they'll be as clean, but I do think they have what you need to beat Seattle. And that is a defense that will speed Sam Darnold up. And that's the way to beat Seattle, force Sam into a couple reckless throws. Because you're not, you're not just going straight up on Seattle. You got to make them uncomfortable because the Seahawks make everybody else uncomfortable. When you watch them play, they make Christian McCaffrey disappear. So you have to make Seattle a little uncomfortable. And I think the Rams are one of the few teams that can do that with their defensive front.

[Nick Wright]

Do you remember that Thursday night game, what, six weeks ago, that Rams did whatever they wanted for three and a half quarters.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Until the punt return triggered some Wackiness. Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, Seahawks, big edge, special teams. Big edge, special teams.

[Nick Wright]

Yes, for sure. Final story, Colin, is to the NBA where NBA All Star voting is complete and LeBron's streak of being a starter for 21 straight years is over. He was edged out by young bucks like Wemby Jokic, SGA And Luka Doncic in the west starting five. I know a lot of people are making a big deal out of this. I'll remind everybody. When Michael Jordan was in his final year with the Wizards, age 39, he was not voted an All Star starter. Vince Carter gave up his spot so Jordan could get it. I don't think this is a huge story. It's a young man's game and LeBron, you know, got. Got missed a couple games early. First 14. Yeah, he's got good numbers. He's averaging 23, six and whatever.

[Colin Cowherd]

LeBron is not an NBA starter any longer. All Star starter. He's not. You look at these players. You know, the kid that doesn't get a lot of. Of press because it's the pistol. Cade Cunningham is a great player.

[Nick Wright]

He's awesome.

[Colin Cowherd]

He is a great, great player. And you know, you get one superstar, the right coach, and some complimentary pieces. Detroit has every opportunity to win the east as long as Jason Tatum is out right for the year. Keep your eye on the Pistons.

[Nick Wright]

So. So I'm just curious, do you see a situation where Lucas says, lebron, hey man, you're the man. Love you, bro. You can have my starting spot in the All Star game? Do you think Luka or anyone would do that?

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, I think this whole, you know, LeBron situation with his agent, I think it's a little tense because these new owners, they don't care. They're not beholden to any great fading star. That's this franchise. Is Luka first, J.J. redick second, Austin Reeves third. Everybody else, you can move those chairs. Everybody else, including LeBron J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news.

[Chelsea Handler]

And thanks for stopping by.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Herd lie news. I will defend the NFL getting rid, dismissing for the time being, many of them will get second chances. 10 coaches. Urban Meyer right around the corner on what he witnessed last night. Can Indiana keep doing this? I mean, they had the 60th best recruiting class. Won't it get better? Bloomington's a nice town. They got nil money. What to make of Indiana? Is it a one off? They can't do this again, right? Or can they? Urban Meyer next. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[John Paulk]

I'm John Paulk. For years, I was the poster boy of the conversion therapy movement, the ex gay who married an ex lesbian and traveled the world telling my story of how I changed my sexuality from gay to straight. Once upon a time I was on 60 Minutes, Oprah, the front cover of Newsweek, and you might have heard my story, but you've never heard the real story. So join me as I peel back the layers and expose what happens happened to me in the midst of conversion therapy to shine a light on what the ex gay movement does to people and the pain it continues to cause.

[Mike De La Rocha]

I had lost £150 because if I couldn't control my sexuality, I was going to control my weight.

[Colin Cowherd]

It sounded like, and this is the word I used, a cult.

[John Paulk]

And as I look too at the harm I did from within, listen to Atonement, the John Paulk story on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mike De La Rocha]

A new year doesn't mean erasing who you were. It means honoring what you've survived and choosing how you want to grow. It means giving ourselves permission to feel what we've been holding and knowing that it's okay to ask for help. Hello, I'm Mike De la Rocha, host of Sacred Lessons. This podcast is a space for men to talk openly about mental health, grief, relationships, and the patterns we inherit but don't have to repeat. Here, we slow down, we listen, we learn how vulnerability becomes strength and how healing happens in community, not in isolation. If you're ready to let go, what what no longer serves you and step into the year with clarity, compassion and purpose. Sacred Lessons is your companion on your healing journey. Listen to Sacred Lessons with Mike Delaroche on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Follow Sacred Lessons with Mike Delarocha and start listening on the free iHeartRadio app today.

[Chelsea Handler]

This season on Dear Chelsea with me, Chelsea Handler. We've got some incredible guests like Kumail Nanjiani. Let's start with your cat. How is she?

[Colin Cowherd]

She is not with us anymore.

[Ross Matthews]

Okay, great, great, great. Way to start.

[Chelsea Handler]

So this is a great beginning and hopefully you'll be able to, I don't know, maybe you will cry. Amanda Seyfried Life is so short.

[Colin Cowherd]

If you feel something like that, you have that fire in you for this experience. It's not for a guy. It's for the experience of being in love and like, it's bigger than a guy.

[Chelsea Handler]

Elizabeth Olsen I love swimming naked so much and I know you Love taking pictures of yourself. I love to be naked. I just want to be in my bra and underwear all the time. Ross Matthews.

[Ross Matthews]

You know what kids always say to me? Are you a boy or a girl?

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh my God.

[Ross Matthews]

All the time. I know. So I'm always like, hi. I try to butch it up for kids, you know, so they're not confused.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah, but you're butching it up.

[Ross Matthews]

It's basically like an angry woman.

[Chelsea Handler]

Doris Day, right?

[Ross Matthews]

No, I turn into Bea Arthur.

[Chelsea Handler]

Listen to these episodes of Dear Chelsea on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt]

New year, new goals. And in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt.

[Joel]

And I'm Joel.

[Matt]

We are from the how to Money podcast. And every week we help you to spend smarter, save more and make sense of what's going on out there.

[Joel]

If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your money, we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, welcome back. Well, I listen in terms of talent, Miami had more Sunday NFL bodies in terms of efficiency, Indiana is one of the best teams I've ever seen. Urban Meyer, three time national champ, two at Florida, one with a Buckeyes, three time coach of the year. Fox Sports is joining us. So what, let's start with this. What was your big takeaway from the game?

[Urban Meyer]

First of all, great show, great environment. That's what makes college football is what it is. I was with Tebow and we stood about 15 yards away from where he threw the jump pass in 08. So just great memories. And but I'm telling you, this Miami outfit, they're not going away that, that on, on paper Miami had a roster that I, I stood next to Miami and Washington warm up. That was every bit of the old SEC dominant looking team. But Indiana football right up there with the Vince Yan rung and the Tebow jump pass and some of the other iconic moments, the 4th and 5 QB draw and I'm launching so I can't wait to see the bronze statue in Bloomington of Mendoza diving across the end zone and one of the great all around football teams in college football history. Incredible, incredible night.

[Colin Cowherd]

I said this because the NIL is keeping more and more kids in college for a year, that the game is getting older and because of that it's getting smarter. You can, you're dealing with 23 and 24 year olds. Miami's got a guy that's going to be 25 and, and to me it's a little more pro football which, which people can be uncomfortable with. But the quality of defenses, the quality, the layering of the offenses in college football. Last night urban that felt 30% pro football. The quality of coaching and play and bodies. I thought it was a spectacular showcase of talent, coaching and maturity.

[Urban Meyer]

Yeah. I was with Eric Shanks too, obviously the boss at Fox and he mentioned this, he said all the chaos that's going on in college football, all the negativity about nil. This, this he looked at me goes keep bringing the chaos. It's never been better. College football arguably has never been better for a lot of the reasons you just said. Kids are grad. I mean how about this stat? I want to say it's an 80% jump in kids graduates playing college football.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

So they are graduating. It's, it's, it's a phenomenal story. And you're seeing, you know who's going to watch for Oregon next year? They're going to follow the same template that the Wolverines did, Ohio State did and now Indiana did, where you're having grown ass men and you got, you got grown men in that locker room.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

Instead of the eight year you're counting on, you used to count. I used to count on 17, 18, 19 year olds. These are 24 year olds. So it's a, it's, it's a phenomena that's really great to watch.

[Colin Cowherd]

So Indiana's been doing it with a lot of three star guys now, now everybody will say, myself included, well Mark Cuban now is on board, they can go get five star guys. But I would say they just won a natty went 160 with three star guys. Does Kurt Signetti have to be careful to keep this culture which is very much team first. But listen, if you get a five star left tackle, take him. But would you be a little concerned that the culture could take, could veer off if you do start getting opportunities to find five star kids everywhere?

[Urban Meyer]

You know the great story was back with Michigan State under Dantonio and defense coordinator Pat Narduzzi. And I talked to one time about that and they were them in Wisconsin back in the day were the best in the business in Utah, Kyle Winningham taking that three star guy and making them an NFL player. And then Michigan State started winning, went to the Rose bowl, won the Rose bowl and now all of a sudden they're getting the highly Highly high, highly recruited guys to either for visit or sometimes come and you start to lose a little bit of that underdog where the misfits we're going to just out, you know, outwork you. So I think they got to be very cautious and I think the other thing he's got to be aware of, he's going to start losing that staff.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

Those are those two coordinators. How they're not head coaches yet. There they are. What they've done there, if there's ever more deserving of two coordinators that belong to be a head coach, is Shanahan and Haynes. The two offensive defense coordinator in Indiana.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'll tell you, and I know people, you know, they don't want to hear this, but for years and years I said even when I worked here at Fox, which has a Big Ten deal, I'm like, the games down south look different. They're bigger, faster. Well, Ohio State last year, Michigan the year before Miami. The SEC doesn't look the same. Alabama and Georgia do not look the same. Ole Miss with that offense and all that movement and creativity. That to me is the future of college football in the South. Can we now say definitively, and it may be the gap's not huge, but it does feel like Big Ten football. Oh, look at all the quarterbacks coming back next year. Mayava, Dante Moore, Julian Sand. It just feels like the Big Ten's better. My eyes. That's what that, that's what it tells me. What does it tell you?

[Urban Meyer]

I think that the Wolverines and Ohio State prove that the Big Ten is better at the highest level. But what's happened, Colin, now there's depth and there's never been depth in the Big Ten. It used to be the big two and little eight back when I grew up. Now all of a sudden you got Indiana, Oregon and you're not even counting the Wisconsin's and Michigan states who used to be very good. Penn State was down, the Wolverines were down. So yeah, I think it's not only the top now, and this is actually so hard to believe, the depth of the Big Ten is greater than that of the sec.

[Colin Cowherd]

Look how good Illinois was this year.

[Urban Meyer]

Seriously. The hell out of I think Tennessee and then Iowa beats Vanderbilt. Yeah, I think the, the shift and I think Saban or someone said the reason is, is they're paying kids to go up north now.

[Colin Cowherd]

They are. What do you make of Fernando Mendoza? Is there any. I mean I, you know, it's, it's. He's got. I. How about this? He's got Tebow software, but Andrew Luck hardware is that he's got all the intangibles that Tebow had. Humility and decency and just this, this commitment to the game. But he's got a little Andrew Luck. He's just big strong arm. I mean if you, who would you, who does he remind you of?

[Urban Meyer]

I think Tebow in a lot of ways just because I know the kid now. He was on our podcast. We covered him so many. I text with the guy all the time. He's the most respectful kid. You know, it just reminds me of Tim and then you watch him play and he throws his body around. So I would say that here's what's interesting to Colin is that, you know, mid season, Todd McShay, myself, we just were talking and on air somewhere and I think his podcast, we all felt he needed one more year because there was a time to start the season. He was okay even mid season, just okay. And then he went on a five game, five game run that made him a bunch of money to be the number one pick. He won the Heisman and a national champion. He'll go down is one of the great stories. And I, I didn't believe he was a ready to go the NFL. I do now what he's done the last five weeks, you know, he's going to go the Raiders, I'm sure and they're going to try to build a franchise around the guy. And I, I would not bet against what I've witnessed and up close and got to know this guy. I would not bet against that cat.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now let's give Miami a little love in that second half. Urban, they look the part that was, I mean, Indiana was holding on for dear life in the second half. What did it, what did it feel like being there?

[Urban Meyer]

Well, as Miami had almost 300 yards offense and they held Indiana to 155, it felt like a mismatch. It felt like Miami is going to win the national title.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Urban Meyer]

But I'm sure Coach Cristobal is going to address this. They are a mistake team. Yeah, they've been a mistake team all year. And you think about the offsides by Baines, you think about the pass interference penalties. And one of the worst penalties of the night was that third and 17 face mask. Oh, and then the play, and then the play, Colin. And they didn't even try to block the punt. It was one guy out efforting another guy. That'll, you know, I mean that might. My, my heart hurts for that player. And whoever coaches that position. Walking in the office today knowing if they don't block that punt, I think Miami is the national champion.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. No, they looked apart. Man, I love having Miami back. I know a lot of people don't like Miami. I think they're. I love them.

[Urban Meyer]

They're back, Colin. They're. They're. I felt it on the sideline. The crowd is Miami. I was worried that with the Miami crowd even show up, that that program is not good. They got money, they got a great place to go to school, and now they are back. You watch Miami, they're not going anywhere.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, by the way, you got some rich buddies. Would you try one more coaching stint if you got the right nil, Guys, No. Great seeing you, coach.

[Urban Meyer]

Great seeing you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Stay warm, all right? Well, of course, Chicago, the sun's coming out. Maybe in June, but it's coming out here eventually. The great Urban Meyer, Nick Wright, top of next hour. Yeah, I mean, that second half, that, that, that block kick is it. I mean, Miami looks the part and there's a way to beat Indiana. Ohio State did a lot of it. You got to have skill players that can. That can shorten drives like Fletcher's run. Tony's incredible talent for Miami. He's only a freshman. So you got to have the right kind of skill people to beat this Indiana team because you're not going to get 14 play drive, 15 play drive. You got to go over the top. You got to have better than average quarterback play. Carson Beck's better than your average college quarterback. And you got to be. You got to be relentless, tough, disruptive, physical, and a little chippy. You had to get Ohio State, Miami, you got to be almost play through the whistle. There were some personal fouls that were not called. One of them I can't believe. Helmet on. Helmet on. Mendoza wasn't called. It wasn't whatever. But, but I mean, you. Miami played and was coached to beat Indiana. This is not on crystal ball. I thought their game plan was excellent. I thought from the beginning of the game, I'm like, okay, this 10 nothing at half. They've got to open up the offense. Saban said that they had to open up the offense, and they did. But I will say Miami, that's how you coach. To be the perfect team, you got to be a little chippy. You got to get in their head, hit them a little late, bloody a lip, and then you got it. Then you need some great offensive skill down the stretch. And between Tony and Fletcher, they had it. So, I mean, that, that's Mario Cristobal for years has been, well, he's just a recruiter. I thought the game plan was outstanding. I thought his staff was great, and I thought the second half coaching for Miami. Listen, Miami was not very good mid season. They were good enough to win a natty by the end of the year. That's called coaching. So you can say whatever you want about Cristobal being a better recruiter than the coach. I thought the coaching was great. I thought their game plan, that's exactly what you do. You write it down, chippy early, lean on him, be physical, maybe a little inappropriate, bloody a lip, and then open it up at halftime. I mean, Nick Saban said it. They got to open it up is exactly what they did. So I thought it was a great game plan and a great season, man. So exciting. J. Mack, you know, I love college football. A lot of people are saying 10 new coaches is over the top. I'll make an argument. You could have gone to 12 and it would have been okay.

[Nick Wright]

A lot of people are often wrong. I mean, come jets could have fired Aaron Glenn, nobody would have batted an eye. It would have been like, oh, yeah, that makes total sense. I get that. I see that. And I'm sure you can find another one somewhere around the league. All the bad teams were really rotten this past year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Joel]

All right.

[Colin Cowherd]

In fact, there's only one team that fired their coach that I disagree with. I'll talk about that. Nick Wright, coming up, hour two. It is a Tuesday. We're live in Chicago.

[Mike De La Rocha]

A new year doesn't ask us to become someone new. It invites us back home to ourselves. I'm Mike De La Rocha, host of Sacred Lessons, a space for men to pause, reflect and heal. This year, we're talking honestly about mental health, relationships, and the patterns we're ready to release. If you're looking for clarity, connection, and healthier ways to show up in your life, Sacred Lessons is here for you. Listen to Sacred Lessons with Mike Delaroach on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Chelsea Handler]

This season on Dear Chelsea, with me, Chelsea Handler. We've got some incredible guests, like Kumail Nanjiani. Let's start with your cat. How is she?

[Colin Cowherd]

She is not with us anymore.

[Ross Matthews]

Great, great, great. Way to start.

[Chelsea Handler]

Maybe you will cry. Ross Matthews.

[Ross Matthews]

You know what kids always say to me? Are you a boy or a girl?

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, my God.

[Ross Matthews]

All the time.

[Chelsea Handler]

Funny.

[Urban Meyer]

I know.

[Ross Matthews]

So I try to butch it up for kids so they're not confused.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah, but you're butching it up.

[Ross Matthews]

It's basically like an angry woman.

[Chelsea Handler]

Doris Day, right?

[Ross Matthews]

No, I turn into Bea Arthur.

[Chelsea Handler]

Listen to these episodes of Dear Chelsea on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Joel]

Hey, it's Joel and Matt from how to Money. If your New Year's resolution is to finally get your finances in shape, we've got your back prices, they're still high, and the economy is all over the place. But 2026 is the year for you to get intentional and make real progress. That's right.

[Matt]

Yeah. Each week we break down what's happening with your money, the most important issues to focus on, and the small moves that make a big difference. Kick off the year with confidence. Listen to How To Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[John Paulk]

I'm John Palk. For years, I was the poster boy of the conversion therapy movement, the ex gay who married an ex lesbian and traveled the world telling my story of how I changed my sexuality from gay to straight. You might have heard my story, but you've never heard the real story.

[Colin Cowherd]

John has never been anything but gay, but he really tried hard not to be.

[John Paulk]

Listen to Atonement, the John Paulk story on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.