Podcast Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 2 – Yankees vs Giants Preview, Latest on Rams WR Puka Nacua
Date: March 25, 2026
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)

Overview of the Episode

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd dives into Opening Day of Major League Baseball, focusing on a detailed Yankees vs. Giants preview. Colin is joined by special guest Nick Swisher, YES Network baseball analyst and former Yankee, for a deep discussion on the current state of the Yankees, comparisons with the Dodgers, and broader MLB storylines. Additional topics include the Rams’ turmoil surrounding WR Puka Nacua, speculation on Joe Burrow's NFL future, the Denver Broncos’ outlook, and LeBron James’ media strategies. The episode is lively, opinionated, and rich with inside perspectives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. March Madness Ratings & Sports Fandom

[03:59] Colin Cowherd

• March Madness ratings are at record highs, largely because the Sweet 16 consists only of major conference teams two years in a row.
• Colin asserts the popularity of favorites over underdogs, challenging the “everyone loves a Cinderella” narrative.
• Notable quote:
  “You don’t know who I am. Here’s the rules. I don’t like underdogs. I like favorites. So do you. But it’s not cool to admit that. I’m just going to tell you right now. Yankees, Notre Dame, Duke, USC, Lakers, Celtics — those are my teams. I’m a front runner.” (05:36)

2. Yankees vs Dodgers – Powerhouse Comparison

Guest: Nick Swisher, YES Network Analyst & Special Advisor to Yankees' GM
[07:06]–[18:11]

• Colin and Nick Swisher discuss the Yankees’ branding and team construction in comparison to the Dodgers’ current dominance.
• Swisher’s take:

  “I’m never going to say anybody else is like the New York Yankees... but... for the first time in my life, it does feel like... that team out west is the Yankees.” (07:47)

• Dodgers’ infrastructure, leadership (Dave Roberts, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman), and culture are praised.
• Swisher, on the Dodgers:

  "That word 'dynasty' starts to come to mind. They're bringing in tremendous players and big-time names, but guys that can fill the slots they need. They just continue to replenish themselves year in and year out." (09:41)

3. Yankees’ 2026 Outlook & Key Players Under Pressure

[15:23]–[17:57]

• Colin asks Swisher if there’s a specific Yankee under pressure this season aside from Aaron Judge.
• Swisher highlights Jazz Chisholm as a player to watch:

  “Jazz... went 30/30 last year, could have gone 40/40 if he stayed healthy. That’s the guy I think is going to be a tone setter for this roster.” (15:52)

• On Garrett Cole’s injury return:

  “There’s been a little bit of rumblings about when he’s coming back. They're keeping that tight to the chest... being able to get a Garrett Cole back on your roster is going to be an absolute humongous boost for the boys come the second half.” (17:09)

4. Paul Skenes’ Future in MLB

[11:29]–[13:15]

• Colin and Swisher discuss the likelihood of Paul Skenes (Pirates) eventually moving to a big-market team:

  Swisher: “Hell yes. That’s the right answer. At the end of the day... he’s carrying himself as such a professional. This is one of those things where obviously Cy Youngs are huge in his future.” (12:11)

5. Mets’ Culture and Spending

[13:59]–[15:23]

• The Mets’ “money but no culture” issue is discussed, especially as big names like Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso left quickly.
• Swisher:

  “Uncle Stevie’s money can get you so far. But... this is not the first time this conversation has come up in the New York Mets locker room.” (13:59)

6. Rams WR Puka Nacua Situation

[18:11]–[26:19]

• Colin analyzes the emerging legal and maturity concerns surrounding Rams receiver Puka Nacua.
• Key points:
  • Nacua is accused of biting a woman; his attorneys call it “horseplay”; Colin expresses skepticism.
  • Rams are described as intolerant of off-field nonsense and are “very buttoned up.”
  • Colin:

    “If they think you have too much ego, they move on… You’re either all in on the team, or they move on… this does not bode well.” (21:54)

7. NFL QB Speculation – Joe Burrow, Steelers and Rams

[26:24]–[30:10]

• Former Steeler James Harrison humorously claims he's recruiting Joe Burrow to Pittsburgh.
• Colin dispels the reality of that scenario but speculates Burrow may want out of Cincinnati due to the franchise’s lack of aggressiveness.
• Colin:

  “I think Joe would love to go to like the Rams if Stafford retired. I think he’d love it.” (27:34)

8. Denver Broncos Outlook & AFC Power Rankings

[30:11]–[32:11]

• Broncos add Jalen Waddle, prompting optimism about their offense.
• Colin says Denver has “the best roster in the division,” while Jason McIntyre is bullish on their AFC prospects.
• Notable moment: Shock at Denver’s season win total (over/under 9.5), which both Colin and Jason see as a great betting opportunity.

9. LeBron James, Lakers, & Austin Reaves

[33:16]–[35:57]

• Discussion of LeBron’s media savvy regarding elevating Austin Reaves’ status through strategic podcasting.
• Colin:

  “LeBron is incredibly intentional. Nothing with LeBron is random... He's willing to do the role guy. And that… that’s a big ask.” (35:10)

10. NFL Draft QB Debate – Ty Simpson vs. Fernando Mendoza

[41:08]–[52:26]

• A segment comparing the merits and NFL readiness of Ty Simpson and Fernando Mendoza for the upcoming draft.
• Insights:
  • Simpson praised as a late first/early second round project, but needs right environment (ideally Pittsburgh or Detroit).
  • Mendoza extolled for size, leadership, clutch play, and SEC competition.
  • Discussion about the significance (or lack thereof) of 300-yard passing games as a metric.
• Colin’s Mendoza comparison:

  “He’s a bigger, stronger plus arm Matt Ryan… has the aggressiveness of Andrew Luck, deceptive athleticism of Daniel Jones, and is tough and humble.” (49:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nick Swisher on Dodgers’ culture:

  “When you roll into [the Dodgers] locker room, you know exactly what's expected of you. It's almost like when I showed up to the Yankees in 09. The Core Four had already set the expectations...” (10:15)

• Colin on Yankees/Dodgers arms race:

  "The Yankees and Dodgers make a ton. ... but for the first time ... that team out west is the Yankees." (07:47)

• Swisher on player pressure:

  “You can’t bank on Aaron Judge hitting a three-run homer in the eighth inning every single game. You’re going to need some other people to step it up as well.” (15:52)

• Colin on Rams’ organizational values:

  “The Rams are very buttoned up. Maturity matters a lot. ... They just don’t have time for nonsense.” (21:10)

• Colin on LeBron’s intentionality:

  “LeBron’s a very intentional guy. ... He’s willing to do the role guy. And that’s a big ask.” (35:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Yankees vs. Giants / March Madness Ratings: 03:59 – 07:06
• Dodgers Discussion with Nick Swisher: 07:06 – 13:15
• Mets Culture/Burrow Speculation: 13:59 – 15:23; 26:24 – 30:10
• Yankees Roster Pressure & Cole’s Status: 15:23 – 17:57
• Puka Nacua Situation (Rams): 18:11 – 26:19
• Broncos Outlook: 30:11 – 32:11
• LeBron, Lakers, Austin Reaves: 33:16 – 35:57
• NFL Draft QB Debate: 41:08 – 52:26

Natural Tone & Language Highlights

• The show is conversational, occasionally playful or irreverent, especially during Colin’s monologues, Swisher's energetic insights, and debates with Jason McIntyre.
• Swisher’s “baby!” exclamations and positive energy are evident.
• Colin’s direct, opinionated style frames most topics: “I don’t like underdogs. I like favorites. So do you. But it’s not cool to admit that.”

Conclusion

This episode stands out for its energetic, in-depth baseball preview and smart, candid breakdowns of trending NFL stories. Nick Swisher’s appearance brings positive clubhouse energy and valuable insider perspective, while Colin and Jason navigate NFL rumors and strategic moves with their usual candor and humor. Listeners leave with a strong sense of where key franchises stand entering the MLB season and intriguing speculation on NFL player movement and draft prospects.