The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2 (Sept 26, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose:
This episode covers Colin’s NFL Blazin’ 5 Picks for the week, features a deep dive with former coach Dave Wannstedt into NFL and college football storylines, and examines how teams like USC are thriving under new dynamics. Major topics include the Lakers’ coaching decisions, Denver and Minnesota’s QB situations, the evolution of USC football, and college/NFL game previews.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lakers, JJ Redick Extension & Team Direction

• Colin opens with thoughts on the Lakers: Surprised by JJ Redick’s contract extension after a mixed playoff performance.
• Insight: The extension signals Lakers’ commitment to the future centered around Luka Doncic and JJ Redick, rather than LeBron James.
• Notable quote:

  "Ownership is sending a signal to LeBron. This is JJ Redick and Luka’s franchise 100%... LeBron, you’re our third pitch."
  — Colin Cowherd (04:23)

• Tone: Direct, slightly incredulous.

2. Blazin’ 5 NFL Picks

(Starts at 06:06)
Colin lays out his betting picks and reasoning, focusing heavily on team trends, matchups, and statistical insights.

• Vikings vs. Steelers:
  • Minnesota (-2.5), citing better staff, offense, and defense; Steelers' offense is a mess.
  • "Minnesota 27-20 covers here." (06:45)
• Panthers at Patriots:
  • Likes the over 43.5 points, expects both QBs to have time due to weak pass rushes.
  • "New England wins 26-23. Take the over." (07:40)
• Colts vs. Rams:
  • Rams (-), stronger squad, best receiving tandem, dominant D-line, Colts defense "has major holes."
  • "Rams win 30-24." (08:40)
• Bears at Raiders:
  • Takes Raiders due to Bears’ poor road record, leaky defense.
  • "Raiders to win it 27-23."
• Bengals vs. Broncos:
  • Denver favored. Key: elite D, Sean Payton’s coaching, offensive improvement coming.
  • "Denver controls the game... Broncos cover."
• Theory on Sean Payton QBs & Slow Starts:
  • Payton’s QBs (historically Brees, now Bo Nix) struggle in September due to complex playbooks and lack of preseason reps.

  • "Sean Payton never been a great September coach... but October, November, December they get it."
    — Colin (13:28)

3. Chicago Bears Analysis with Dave Wannstedt

(Begins at 20:03)

• Chicago as a football city: Dave loves Chicago’s passion, likens it to Pittsburgh.
• Bears’ road struggles and defensive injuries:
  • Secondary is banged up, notably Jalen Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and key backup out for the year.

  • "You blitz, you're going to play man. You play man, and guys can't cover, you give up touchdowns."
    — J. Mac (22:24)

4. Sam Darnold’s Career Arc

• High praise for Darnold’s character & resilience:
  • "Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling." — J. Mac (24:09)
  • Minnesota stint restored Darnold’s confidence.

5. Kyler Murray’s Leadership & Struggles

• Critique of Kyler’s leadership intangibles, especially in late, close games.
• Supporting cast criticized:
  • “If your tight end’s your leading receiver… you’re not going to score many points in this league.”
    — J. Mac (27:17)

6. NFL Team ‘Juice’ & Identity

• Kansas City Chiefs: Colin senses a lack of energy (“juice”), especially compared to teams like Seattle and Philly.

  "When I watch Kansas City, I don’t see any juice." (28:10)

• Baltimore Ravens: Great offense but underperforming defense.

7. College Football Big Ten / USC Resurgence

• Home field advantage in college football: Young teams often struggle on tough road trips; veteran leadership and defense are crucial.
• Oregon vs. Penn State preview:
  • Oregon has many freshman skill players facing an elite Penn State D-line (starts 30:11).

  • "Penn State starts four seniors on that defensive line; they are really good."
    — J. Mac (31:25)

• Expectation on Penn State’s QB Drew Allar: Huge pressure as a returning, draft-eligible QB.

8. USC’s ‘Quiet Resurgence’

• USC now a run-first team: 55% run calls, big, physical lines built for Big Ten adjustment.

• Investment in infrastructure, coaching, and NIL athletes:

  "Nobody’s talking about them right now, but Jen Cohen, the athletic director, they built a $300 million facility, they’re paying Lincoln 80 million. And their boosters came in hot. Their defensive line, they went and bought size."
  — Colin (33:32)

9. Big Ten & Pac-12 Merger Performance

• Pac-12’s creativity and speed complement Big Ten’s tradition and power.
• Oregon’s "speed team" success in the Big Ten discussed (34:42).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling.”
  — J. Mac on Sam Darnold (24:09)

• “Ownership is sending a signal to LeBron. This is JJ Redick and Luka’s franchise 100%... LeBron, you’re our third pitch.”
  — Colin Cowherd (04:23)

• “When I watch Kansas City, I don’t see any juice.”
  — Colin Cowherd (28:10)

• “You blitz, you’re gonna play man. You play man, and guys can’t cover, you give up touchdowns.”
  — J. Mac on Bears’ defensive struggles (22:24)

• “Nobody’s talking about [USC] right now, but Jen Cohen, the athletic director, they built a $300 million facility, they’re paying Lincoln 80 million. And their boosters came in hot.”
  — Colin Cowherd (33:32)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• JJ Redick/Lakers extension: 02:40–05:32
• Blazin’ 5 NFL Picks: 06:06–15:08
• Sean Payton/Bo Nix discussion: 12:30–13:40
• Bears & Dave Wannstedt interview: 20:03–29:37
• Sam Darnold and NFL QBs: 22:50–26:47
• Kyler Murray & leadership chat: 25:43–27:33
• Chiefs/Ravens/NFL identity: 27:33–29:05
• Big Ten/College Football strategy: 29:37–34:38
• USC transformation & NIL: 32:30–34:42

Summarized Flow with Natural Commentary

Colin kicks off by questioning the surprising JJ Redick extension, suggesting the Lakers are pivoting to a younger core around Luka rather than staking their future on LeBron. This leads into Colin’s signature “Blazin’ 5” betting segment, where he breaks down the week’s most strategic bets, diving into injury reports, coaching history, and team tendencies.

Dave Wannstedt joins and brings candor and warmth, reminiscing about Chicago before turning a sharp eye on the Bears’ injury-riddled defense and analyzing the quarterback carousel across the NFL. The conversation naturally transitions to bigger-picture leadership questions (Kyler Murray versus Sam Darnold), and how different organizations support or subtly undermine their young QBs.

In the college football segment, Colin and Dave dissect how the Big Ten’s traditions and climate have forced incoming Pac-12 teams like USC and Oregon to “buy bigger bodies” in the NIL era, noting USC’s rapid climb back to prominence via boosters, elite facilities, and a run-first, physical style that few expected under Lincoln Riley.

The episode is rich with actionable insights and distinct opinions, all delivered in Colin's breezy, conversational tone. It is especially valuable for listeners seeking both tactical football analysis and a feel for deeper league trends.

For full detail, listen from [02:40] for NBA/Lakers talk, [06:06] for NFL betting, and [20:03] onward for in-depth football insights with Dave Wannstedt.