Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 3 – Notre Dame, College Football Playoff Fallout, and Joel Klatt
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Notable Guests: Doug Gottlieb, Joel Klatt, Shad Khan

Overview

This episode is a deep dive into the major controversies and narratives surrounding the 2025 College Football Playoff selections—especially Notre Dame’s exclusion and the reactions from college football elites. Joel Klatt joins Colin and Doug to analyze the playoff system, the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and the shifting power structures in college football. The show also explores top NFL storylines involving quarterback development and team dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The College Football Playoff & “Elitism”

• Debate on Inclusion of Smaller Programs
  • Both Colin and Doug agree that Group of Five teams (Tulane, James Madison) shouldn’t be included in the playoff—not out of malice, but from an honest evaluation of their readiness.
  • Colin Cowherd [04:22]: “The only reason that [Group of Five teams] have access to this playoff is to avoid litigation... It doesn’t serve anybody’s purpose.”
  • Doug Gottlieb [05:31]: “I wouldn’t put Tulane or James Madison in, but I’m, you know, I’m an elitist.”

2. Notre Dame’s Outrage and Conference Commitment

• Notre Dame’s Reaction to Missing the Playoff
  • Doug argues Notre Dame is “petty, little whiny” for expecting playoff consideration without full conference commitment. Uses marriage analogy: “They won't put a ring on it, but they want the benefits of marriage.”
  • Colin agrees: Notre Dame is led by emotion, looks “petty” by refusing to play in a bowl.
  • Both say the root issue is the ACC’s flawed tiebreaker—if Miami had been properly placed, Notre Dame would have gotten in anyway.
  • Colin Cowherd [06:00]: “Notre Dame is very emotional right now... They’re allowing the kids in the room to kind of govern the boat. And I don’t love that.”
  • Doug Gottlieb [05:31]: “Don’t be shocked if you don’t get [the ACC’s] full support. You’re not a full member.”

3. Indiana’s Defensive Dominance & Playoff Prospects

• Indiana Bullies Ohio State
  • Doug notes Indiana’s defensive front “bullied” the Buckeyes, surprising many.
    • Doug Gottlieb [08:11]: “I was a little surprised that Indiana’s defensive front bullied the Buckeyes.”
  • Joel Klatt shares that Indiana’s coach predicted three key advantages: freshness, focus, and hunger—each proved accurate.
  • Indiana’s defense sacked Oregon and Ohio State QBs 11 times; elite front seven creating havoc.
    • Colin Cowherd [10:25]: “The biggest revelation for the country... was actually like, oh, wait, Indiana's defense is also elite.”

4. Impact & Nuance of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)

• NIL Doesn’t Just Help the “Usual Suspects”
  • Colin and Doug discuss how NIL is actually elevating “brain schools” with wealthier alumni.
    • Colin Cowherd [12:15]: “Really smart alumni bases have done really well and now they can donate for NIL.”
    • Examples: Indiana, Vanderbilt, Tulane.
  • Discusses financial education for athletes—NIL gives players “a little taste of money” before the NFL.
    • Doug Gottlieb [11:26]: “It’s almost like a financial class for a year or two before you go to the pros and get a big fat contract.”

5. Quarterback Analysis & Draft Outlook

• Who’s NFL Ready?
  • Both agree: Arch Manning, Ty Simpson, Dante Moore should stay in school another year.
    • Colin Cowherd [12:36]: “I don’t think so either. I would agree with you on that. I think they all need another year.”
  • Fernando Mendoza is projected by Colin as a “number one pick, start day one” quarterback, with traits reminiscent of Kirk Cousins (personality) and a blend of Jared Goff/Justin Herbert (playing style).
    • Colin Cowherd [13:31]: “He’s very smart, very team-oriented… reminds me… of Kirk Cousins. On the field… like a Jared Goff that can move, more in line with Herbert, but not quite as gifted.”

6. Playoff Predictions

• Ohio State as Favorite

  • Both Colin and Doug pick Ohio State to win it all, citing their defense and coaching adjustments.
    • Colin Cowherd [15:17]: “It’s going to be very difficult to beat them a second time... My favorite is going to be Ohio State.”

• Miami’s Chances Against A&M

  • Doug likes Miami’s chances due to their quarterback play and defensive front, but Colin is cautious, citing A&M’s pass rush and tough home environment.
    • Colin Cowherd [16:28]: “I get a bit nervous about the A&M pass rush getting to Beck. ... I would lean A&M, but [Miami] has a team capable of going in there and winning."

7. Money and College Football’s Shifting Powers

• NIL’s Role in New Power Structures
  • Doug predicts college football’s elite will now be shaped by the wealth of alumni and NIL collectives, comparing it to NFL teams with rich owners.
    • Doug Gottlieb [18:05]: “Now it’s about how rich your NIL is, about how rich are your graduates.”
    • Schools like Vandy, Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Oregon (Phil Knight) will thrive.

8. NFL Segment: Bears WR DJ Moore & Quarterback Preferences

• DJ Moore’s Future in Chicago
  • Discussion suggests Moore is out of step with new QB Caleb Williams and rookie receivers—predicting this could be Moore’s last year in Chicago.
    • Doug Gottlieb [25:32]: “D.J. Moore… feels like if I had to guess, this is DJ Moore's last year in Chicago.”

9. Modern Quarterbacking: “Fighter Pilots” vs. “Hot Air Balloons”

• Colin and Doug’s Two Tiers of QBs
  • “Fighter pilots” can elevate teams regardless of surroundings: Joe Burrow, Mahomes, Herbert, Josh Allen, Jordan Love.
  • Most QBs (Hurts, Purdy, Goff) are “weather dependent”—need good circumstances to excel.
    • Doug Gottlieb [37:48]: “There’s the hot air balloons… then there’s the fighter pilots… Just give me the coordinates.”
  • Dak Prescott is now considered closer to the top tier, showing resilience amid adversity.

10. Closing Thoughts on College Football Culture

• Colin concludes the playoff field “feels right,” despite the controversies, and credits the season’s drama—from Lane Kiffin to the playoff committee—for an exceptional year.
  • Colin Cowherd [30:37]: “All the teams that need to be in are [in]. Vandy and Notre Dame had to win one more game and they didn’t. It’s that simple.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Notre Dame’s Outrage:
  • “They don't want to commit fully to a conference. They won't put a ring on it, but they want the benefits of marriage.” — Doug Gottlieb [05:31]
• On Indiana's Defensive Mastery:
  • “They did not get blocked up front... That defensive line is slippery. They're active, they're very good.” — Colin Cowherd [10:25]
• On NIL's Surprising Impact:
  • “Really smart alumni bases have done really well and now they can donate for nil.” — Colin Cowherd [12:15]
  • “Football sport drives the revenue. … Now it's about how rich the nil is, about how rich are your graduates.” — Doug Gottlieb [11:26, 18:05]
• On Fernando Mendoza:
  • “He’s a football nerd. He’s very smart, he’s very team oriented, loves the game… reminds me… of Kirk Cousins.” — Colin Cowherd [13:31]
• On Quarterback Tiers:
  • “There’s the hot air balloons… then there’s the fighter pilots. Just give me the coordinates.” — Doug Gottlieb [37:48]
• On College Football's Money Race:
  • “If it was not for Texas and Texas A and M... SEC would be falling off a cliff.” — Doug Gottlieb [19:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Debate on Playoff Elitism & Group of Five – [03:52]–[05:31]
• Notre Dame Exclusion & Reaction – [05:31]–[08:11]
• Indiana’s Win Over Ohio State – [08:11]–[11:26]
• NIL’s Unexpected Impact – [11:26]–[12:22]
• QB Staying in College (Arch, Ty, Dante) – [12:31]–[13:14]
• Fernando Mendoza’s NFL Comp – [13:14]–[15:13]
• Playoff Picks: Ohio State, Miami-A&M Preview – [15:13]–[17:13]
• NIL, Alumni Wealth, and College Football Dynasties – [17:19]–[19:00]
• NFL QB Room: DJ Moore & Caleb Williams – [24:24]–[26:36]
• Philosophy: Two Types of QBs – [35:49]–[43:44]

Tone & Style Notes

• Direct, opinionated, and conversational. Lots of friendly ribbing, fast-moving takes. Colin and Doug bounce ideas fluidly, with Joel Klatt providing thoughtful, measured analysis.
• Frequent analogies (marriage for Notre Dame, “fighter pilots” for QBs, “hot air balloons” for circumstantial QBs).
• Emphasis on business and structural changes in the college football landscape, especially with NIL and conference realignment.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed this episode, you’ll walk away understanding:

• Why there’s controversy around Notre Dame’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff
• The new hierarchy in college football shaped by NIL and alumni wealth
• How Indiana’s rise and other underdog stories reflect broader changes
• Evolving opinions on what makes an NFL-ready quarterback
• Why the playoff field, despite the drama, mostly got it right this year

The episode is a snapshot of a pivotal moment for both college and NFL football—where tradition meets change, and money, power, and preparation shift the game’s balance.