The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: College Football Picks

Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Jason Fitz (in for Colin Cowherd)
Guests: Colt McCoy (former Texas QB & NFL vet), Rachel Nichols
Main Theme: College Football’s Opening Weekend – Betting Picks, In-depth Texas vs Ohio State Preview, and NFL Impact of Recent Big Trades

Episode Overview

This hour dives deeply into the drama and hype surrounding week one of the college football season, spotlighting the Texas vs. Ohio State opener ("the biggest opener in forever"). Jason Fitz offers detailed game picks, then hosts an extended, candid conversation with legendary Texas quarterback Colt McCoy about Arch Manning’s debut, pressures of playing QB at Texas, the matchup’s X’s and O’s, and some big NFL storylines, including the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade. Rachel Nichols contributes analysis, especially on quarterback controversies and the broader NFL consequences.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jason Fitz’s College Football Picks & Betting Analysis

Timestamp: [02:25]–[06:38]

• Fitz opens with excitement, calling this "an insane week for college football, three monster games," and reveals his three picks:

  • Texas at Ohio State: "I'm on Ohio State here... even though the line flipped after a monster $550k bet on Texas moved the market. Love, love, love the Buckeyes at home. It's just Arch Manning hype."
    Predicted score: Ohio State 27, Texas 13
  • Clemson vs. LSU: "I’m buying the Clemson hype this year... I like the Tigers -4 at home."
    Predicted score: Clemson 31, LSU 21
  • Notre Dame at Miami: "I like Notre Dame on the road, minus two and a half. Marcus Freeman is too good. He bottles up the Miami offense in a slugfest."
    Predicted score: Notre Dame 17, Miami 13

• Fitz emphasizes betting logic: ignore public overreactions, watch for sharp money, and “don’t get emotional.”

  • Quote: "No emotions. Last weekend, everyone and their mom was on Kansas State... and everyone lost. Public money is dumb money sometimes." ([03:32])

2. Colt McCoy on Texas-Ohio State, Arch Manning, and Big Game Pressure

Timestamp: [06:38]–[21:43]

a) The Stakes & Atmosphere

• McCoy: "One versus two to start the season? This is what you dream about... So much hype around Texas, playing the defending champs. Columbus is a loud, tough place to play." ([06:59])
• Both agree, the environment will be electric and unforgiving for a young QB on the road.

b) Vibes Around Arch Manning

• Fitz presses McCoy about his contact with Arch Manning:
  • McCoy confirms, "I've talked to Arch. His message to me was: 'Man, it's about time to go cut it loose.' That fired me up." ([09:12])
• McCoy adds: "This is the dream for anybody who plays quarterback... but there's a lot of leadership in this team now. He's waited his turn and, trust me, Arch wants to make his own name. He's his own guy." ([09:12])

c) Is Arch Manning Really Good?

• Fitz: "Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer have asked... Do we even know if Arch Manning is good yet?"
• McCoy, candidly: "You don't know if anybody's good until they go out and play. All these guys are the top QB in the country when they show up, but you have to prove it. Arch has an opportunity now." ([11:10])
• Keys to watch: Mistakes, turnovers, adjustments under pressure—how does Arch handle adversity in front of a hostile crowd?

d) Four New Texas Offensive Linemen

• Fitz highlights a potential vulnerability: "Four new starters. Did you ever play behind a rebuilt line?"
• McCoy: "That's a challenge. Ohio State is not somewhere you want inexperienced linemen, communication will be hard. Texas is the most talented team in America, but they lack experience up front. They have to grow up quick." ([12:59])

e) Roster & Coaching Adjustments

• Edge to Ohio State? "They switched coordinators, know everything about Texas. Texas staff is more stable – so the first half will be both sides feeling each other out, then look for adjustments by Sark and Coach Day." ([07:41, 15:37])

f) Trash Talk & Rivalry

• Fitz: "Any trash talk?"
• McCoy: "Not much—both programs channeled by smart coaches. Classy universities. The noise will be on the field, not social media." ([17:08])
• On-air, McCoy sends a jab to Cardale Jones, scheduled guest: "Texas by 10. How about that, Cardale?" ([17:50])

3. NFL Impact: Micah Parsons Trade & Cowboys' Future

Timestamps: [18:13]–[21:23]

• Fitz pivots to the NFL: "Colt, you finished with the Cardinals – sleeper team for you this year?"
• McCoy: "They could surprise. I love Kyler, love James Conner, great draft. Tough division, but I still root for them." ([18:13])
• On the Micah Parsons trade to the Packers:
  • McCoy: "It's everywhere around Dallas. Parsons is a game-wrecker you can't replace. The Cowboys get four first-rounders for him—could work out long-term, but short-term, it's stings." ([19:12])

a) Cowboys’ QB Future & Arch Speculation

• Fitz: "Cowboys have all those 1st round picks. Is there a world where Jerry Jones tries to trade up for Arch Manning if he blows up this year?"
• McCoy (laughing): "It's a long season, but if Arch balls out, more than the Cowboys will want him. You never know." ([21:03])

4. Rachel Nichols on Podcasting Quarterback Controversies & The NFL News Cycle

Timestamps: [27:30]–[33:49]

a) Travis Kelce Audio on Shador Sanders, Quarterback Drama

• Discussion about NFL players openly campaigning for college QBs:
  • Nichols: "You're an active player, you don't campaign for guys on other teams. It's out of pocket, even if you say 'no offense.'" ([28:56])
  • Fitz: "Is this engagement farming, post-Taylor Swift podcast boom?" ([29:07])
• Both agree it's fun for fans but risky and potentially undermining for locker rooms.

b) NFL after the Micah Parsons Trade

• Nichols: "The Packers front four now is elite. Parsons and Gary together? That's a game-changer for the NFC North." ([30:01])
• Conversation on how media attention may play out differently for Parsons in Green Bay versus Dallas.

5. The Arch Manning Hype—Media & Fan Speculation

Timestamps: [46:08]–[52:44]

• Fitz and Nichols consider the national obsession with Arch. Vegas odds, mock drafts, and the AP Poll are all hyping him as 'the guy,' even though, as McCoy and Urban Meyer agree, he hasn't proven anything on a big stage yet.
  • Quote: Urban Meyer: “Arch Manning hasn’t done a thing yet. I’m hearing Heisman, national champion, first pick... Let’s see him get a couple first downs.” ([46:08])
• Dez Bryant tweets: "Arch Manning will have a star on his helmet. Nobody can tell me different."
• Nichols warns: "If you're the Browns or another team with the number one pick and you need a QB, you’re not trading that pick—no matter how many future picks Dallas has." ([47:15])
• Fitz points out the reality of sports media: “It’s so fun to speculate, but we still don’t know — it’s all hype until the lights come on.” ([49:18])
• Both hosts debate how the game will impact the hype cycle. Nichols notes, “There is no middle anymore. Either someone’s awful, or they’re the best thing going.” ([52:13])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Man, it’s about time to go cut it loose. That fired me up.”—Colt McCoy relaying Arch Manning’s message ([09:12])
• “You don’t know if anybody’s good until they go play. Prove it on the field.”—Colt McCoy ([11:10])
• “Texas is the most talented football team in America, but they lack a little bit of experience, especially up front.”—Colt McCoy ([12:59])
• “Do we know if Arch Manning is good? You don’t know if anybody’s good until they go out and play, right?”—Jason Fitz & Colt McCoy ([11:10])
• “Texas by 10. How about that, Cardale?”—Colt McCoy (to Cardale Jones) ([17:50])
• “There’s no middle anymore. Either someone’s awful or they’re the best. That’s just where our society is right now.”—Rachel Nichols ([52:13])

Important Timestamps

• [02:25] — Fitz’s week one CFB picks and analysis
• [06:38]-[21:43] — Extended Colt McCoy interview: Texas-Ohio State, Arch Manning, team insights, NFL
• [27:39]-[33:49] — Rachel Nichols and Fitz break down Kelce podcast remarks & NFL trade fallout
• [46:08]-[52:44] — The Arch Manning debate: hype, media cycle, and NFL draft trade speculation

Conclusion

This episode is a lively, informed primer for college football’s opening weekend, especially the Texas–Ohio State showdown. Jason Fitz blends sharp betting analysis and fandom, while Colt McCoy gives credibility and insight into the mindset of young quarterbacks under immense pressure. The discussion seamlessly weaves in the impact of major NFL news, all with engaging banter and honest takes that balance hype with grounded reality. If you want to understand both the spectacle and substance of college football’s biggest storylines this weekend—plus their NFL ramifications—this hour’s a must-listen.