The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 3 (August 25, 2025)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd is a deep dive into college football's looming kickoff and major NFL storylines, hosted today by Jason Whitlock. The show features candid, analytical conversations with Fox Sports’ Jeff Schwartz and Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot. Key topics include preseason quarterback shakeups, early season outlooks for blue-blood programs, NFL camp buzz, injury news, and the perpetual search for franchise stability in Cleveland.

Main Segments & Timestamps

• Jeff Schwartz on College Football & NFL (03:14–16:32)
• Rachel Nichols with NFL News Headlines (21:30–28:18)
• Mary Kay Cabot on the Cleveland Browns (32:13–40:34)
• Hosts’ Closing Thoughts (40:34–41:56)

Detailed Breakdown

Jeff Schwartz: College Football Week 1 and NFL Futures

(03:14–16:32)

Ohio State vs. Texas Preview

• QB Changes & Uncertainty
  • Schwartz points to Ohio State's extensive staff and roster turnover, particularly at quarterback, as a major X-factor.
  • Quote (04:22, Jeff Schwartz):

    "There are a lot of quarterbacks making their first starts in week one... Ohio State has a new quarterback, new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator, new offensive line coach, new running backs... It's a lot of new in week one, Jason."

• Texas' Slight Stability Edge
  • Texas’s QB, Arch Manning, despite limited play, has more experience. Schwartz predicts a defensive battle, giving Texas a narrow edge.
• Line Movement & Value
  • Whitlock notes the line has dropped from 2.5 to 1.5 favoring Ohio State, acknowledging market uncertainty.

Evaluating Arch Manning

• Hype vs. Substance
  • Whitlock questions Manning’s pedigree vs. production:
    • Quote (07:02, Jason Whitlock):

      "We know he has a 5 star last name, but is he maybe a 3 star player? Let's be real."

  • Schwartz says it’s too early to judge Arch definitively but supports waiting for QBs to develop:
    • Quote (07:30, Jeff Schwartz):

      "There are certainly people that evaluate quarterbacks who think he's very good and there are the traits there that he has shown at certain times that are high-level traits.”

Miami vs. Notre Dame

• Schwartz is skeptical of rookie QBs on the road.
  • Quote (10:25, Jeff Schwartz):

    "I am just allergic to taking a quarterback making his first start on the road at a top 10 opponent."

  • Predicts a defensive-heavy game, with Miami favored in the early season.

Clemson’s Undefeated Bet

• Whitlock and Schwartz see Clemson as a dark horse, citing improved talent and Dabo Swinney’s adaptation to the transfer portal.
  • Quote (12:08, Jeff Schwartz):

    “I love Clemson as well, Jason... Dabo, we all have laughed at him over the years for not adapting sooner... Well, he did, Jason. He finally did okay.”

NFL Team Projections

• New York Giants Hype
  • Giants preseason excitement is overblown; Schwartz expects a tough season due to a brutal schedule.
  • Quote (13:33, Jeff Schwartz):

    "To change your mind at a win total over to me is kind of ludicrous... Dart's not going to play for at least the first month."

• Kansas City Chiefs Window
  • Preseason is not worrying. With Kelsey still a key, Schwartz sees the Chiefs as "Super Bowl or bust."
  • Quote (15:10, Jeff Schwartz):

    “If the Chiefs are going to run that style of offense... they're going to be really good again. And that window is not going to close this year.”

NFL News with Rachel Nichols

(21:30–28:18)

Ravens QB Update

• Lamar Jackson practiced after a mild injury scare, calming fears.
  • Nichols: “The real response from Lamar Jackson is that... he is on the field and practicing as we speak.” (21:30)
  • Discussion: Are we overcorrecting because of a preseason drop by Mark Andrews?

AFC Power Dynamics

• Ravens, Bills both have the talent but need to prove postseason mettle, with the Chiefs always in the mix.

Patriots’ Injury/Drama

• New era with Mike Vrabel. WR Jalen Polk is reportedly out for the season; Vrabel fends off rumors.
  • Quote (24:01, Mike Vrabel—via soundbite):

    "I'd like to find out where some of these come from. You know, some of these rats around here."

  • Nichols: “Vrabel posted a meme... Jack Nicholson from The Departed. So he has made his feelings on this—snitches get stitches—sort of thing.” (24:13)

Vikings QB Shakeup

• Vikings hand the keys to J.J. McCarthy; sign Carson Wentz as a reliable backup.
• Nichols (27:04):

  "Over the last 10 years... only 40% of teams have kept their starting quarterback for the entire regular season."

Mary Kay Cabot: Browns’ Franchise Outlook

(32:13–40:34)

Shador Sanders’ Future

• Sanders played through injury in preseason but struggled.
• Cabot assures he’ll make the roster; Browns will keep four quarterbacks.
  • Quote (34:42, Mary Kay Cabot):

    "I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Shador Sanders is going to make the Cleveland Browns roster."

• The team aims to see if a future franchise QB is already present before next year’s draft.

Stability for Browns’ Coach & GM

• Both head coach Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry are safe for now as Cleveland remains in quarterback evaluation mode.
  • Quote (36:01, Mary Kay Cabot):

    “They know right now that they are in quarterback finding mode... The owner knows that they are trying to figure out who that guy is.”

The National Narrative vs. Reality

• Cabot pushes back against the gloom, describing patient, aligned ownership despite league-wide perceptions of the Browns as a "dumpster fire.”
  • Quote (38:17, Mary Kay Cabot):

    "I think it will all come down to if they get good quarterback play. And that is the whole key."

4-QB Roster & Trade Rumors

• Browns intend to keep all 4 QBs unless blown away by an offer due to a starter injury elsewhere.

Final Thoughts & Miscellaneous

(40:34–41:56)

• Whitlock finds Cabot’s optimism refreshing and realistic, stressing that the team is building for the future.
• Quick notes: Matt Stafford’s practice participation reassures Rams fans; Micah Parsons' absence continues the Cowboys’ off-field drama.
• Nichols highlights the importance of reliable quarterback depth, especially for contending teams.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Schwartz (04:22):
  “There are a lot of new in week one, Jason. A lot of new.”
• Jason Whitlock (07:02):
  “We know he has a 5 star last name, but is he maybe a 3 star player?”
• Jeff Schwartz (10:25):
  “I am just allergic to taking a quarterback making his first start on the road at a top 10 opponent.”
• Mary Kay Cabot (34:42):
  "I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Shador Sanders is going to make the Cleveland Browns roster."
• Mary Kay Cabot (36:01):
  “They know right now that they are in quarterback finding mode... The owner knows that they are trying to figure out who that guy is.”

The Episode's Tone & Takeaways

The conversations are candid, often skeptical of preseason hype ("Changing your mind at a win total over to me is kind of ludicrous"—Schwartz, 13:33), yet measured and optimistic about long-term processes, especially in NFL franchise building. Mary Kay Cabot, in particular, provides grounded, insider clarity amid doomsaying about Cleveland.

In Summary

Whether you’re looking for a sharp edge betting advice (lean underdogs and low-scoring slugfests), insights on new QB transitions, or a reassuring take on the Browns’ plans, this episode dishes up expert perspectives and notable moments with plenty of wit and skepticism.