The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: THE HERD - Hour 3 - Robert Griffin III Joins The Herd
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd (with Jason McIntyre)
Guest: Robert Griffin III (RG3)

Overview

This episode of The Herd features an engaging conversation between Colin Cowherd, guest contributor Jason McIntyre, and former NFL quarterback turned analyst Robert Griffin III. The trio dives into pressing NFL and college football topics, with RG3 providing insider quarterback perspective. The episode spotlights the emergence of Shedeur Sanders, the nuances of quarterback accuracy, college coaching loyalty amid increasing poaching, and hot takes on upcoming pivotal college football matchups.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Shedeur Sanders’ Impact and Maturity (03:09 - 07:06)

• Colin’s Perspective: Compares early media narratives of Tim Tebow and Shedeur Sanders, but notes Shedeur's ability to make “NFL throws” is a key differentiator. Wonders about Shedeur’s self-awareness and maturity, given his upbringing, but ultimately backs giving him the starting nod for the season.
  • “The difference is Shedeur can play. Shedeur can make NFL throws... I’d give Shedeur the season.” — Colin (03:09)
• RG3’s Analysis: RG3 emphasizes Shedeur’s playmaking lifts the Browns’ energy and excitement:
  • “The Browns played with more energy, more purpose and more excitement than they have all season… because of [Shedeur’s] ability to make the extended play.” — RG3 (04:20)
  • Recognizes Shedeur’s mindset:
    • “He is self-aware that he believes he is going to be successful. So he speaks confidently, he walks around confidently and that is why he's not afraid to make those types of throws.” — RG3 (04:20)
  • Acknowledges the risks: Shedeur will make “bad interceptions” but bounces back quickly.
• Locker Room “Belief Bump”:
  • Jason and RG3 discuss how certain athletes—like Michael Vick—infuse their teams with confidence and higher performance, and how Shedeur Sanders shares this intangible trait.
    • “He’ll make the team feel bigger and brighter about themselves… the defense had 10 sacks. I think that’s a byproduct of being excited to have Shedeur out there.” — RG3 (06:20)

The Specialness of Seattle’s JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) (07:06 - 08:47)

• JSN is poised to break NFL rookie records, and the hosts probe what makes him excel despite not being the biggest or fastest.
  • RG3’s (playful) take:
    • “The hips don’t lie. And that’s what Shakira told us… He’s a hip connoisseur.” — RG3 (07:44)
  • RG3 credits JSN’s ability to:
    • Win on leverage and find open space.
    • Play with confidence—catching and thinking about the next play simultaneously.
    • Be the ultimate “quarterback’s best friend”—consistently open, in rhythm, on time.

Caleb Williams’ Accuracy Debate and QB Development (08:47 - 11:28)

• Caleb Williams’ Stats: Under 60% completions in four straight games.
  • Jason argues ceiling is more important; Colin asks if accuracy can truly be “fixed.”
• RG3’s Bold Statement:
  • “Accuracy is a myth.” — RG3 (09:42)
  • Argues accuracy is context-dependent—“right place” for a throw varies by defensive positioning and intent.
  • Suggests Caleb’s lower completion rate is due to high-risk, high-reward throws.
  • “Do you want a check-down Charlie? Or a guy who takes risks?... What Caleb gives you: the ability that when you get in the playoffs, it’s no longer just about the X’s and O’s… it’s about the Jimmies and the Joes.” — RG3 (10:30)
• Lions Playoff Chemistry: Stresses that Caleb and Ben Johnson have a perfect coach-QB dynamic—scheme plus off-script talent.

Coaching Loyalty and the College Game’s “Free Market” Issue (11:28 - 13:59)

• Colin’s Take: Compares coach poaching to unregulated Wall Street/Silicon Valley. If there are no rules, aggressive programs will poach freely.
  • “If you don’t have stipulations… I’m just gonna go buy your coach. I don’t blame the individual—I blame the sport.” — Colin (11:28)
• RG3’s Response:
  • Loyalty exists “when the price is similar”—otherwise, coaches should leave for significantly better offers.
    • “If Ole Miss is saying ‘here’s $60 million’ and LSU offers $90, there’s no loyalty there. Anyone telling you they’d take the $60 is lying.” — RG3 (12:20)
  • Coaches are right to seek security for themselves and their families.
  • Lane Kiffin’s pattern of movement makes sense under these conditions.

USC’s Mindset and Lincoln Riley’s Pressure (20:15 - 22:10)

• Jason’s Rant: Cites USC’s continued failure to compete in big games under Riley, especially in run offense and special teams. Frustrated by Riley’s “we’re close” mantra.
  • “27 carries, 52 yards—if Kirby Smart had a team that ran for 52 yards… he would be outraged.” — Jason (19:55)
• RG3’s Nuanced Response:
  • Acknowledges USC’s rough adjustment to Big Ten-level physicality. Cites key injuries and that Riley’s answers are about not fueling more media backlash.
    • “In order for the show to be there, you have to win the big games… I do think they get there.” — RG3 (20:47)
  • Adds, Riley still a great coach, but under pressure to deliver on 10-year deal.

Ohio State vs. Michigan – Preview and Predictions (22:10 - 24:23)

• Hot Take: Jason predicts Ohio State will “bury” Michigan in Ann Arbor.
  • “You have to go back… the Jalen Carter Georgia defense… I’m telling you, linebacker, secondary, the windows are tiny. It’s a freshman quarterback. I think Ohio State’s going to bury Michigan.” — Jason (22:19)
• RG3’s Contrarian View:
  • Refuses to dismiss Michigan: rivalry factors, unknowns about health of key OSU receivers, JJ McCarthy’s (Underwood’s) dual-threat ability.
  • “When you have this rivalry, the records go out the window… this game means everything.” — RG3 (22:44)
  • Proposes a bold scenario: If Michigan wins, the Big Ten might get four teams into the College Football Playoff.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Shedeur Sanders:
  • “He is self aware that he believes he is going to be successful. So he speaks confidently, he walks around confidently.” — RG3 (04:20)
  • “The Browns played with more energy, more purpose… than they have all season long because of his ability to make the extended play.” — RG3 (04:20)
• On JSN:
  • “The hips don’t lie. And that’s what Shakira told us… He’s a hip connoisseur.” — RG3 (07:44)
• On Caleb Williams:
  • “Accuracy is a myth.” — RG3 (09:42)
  • “Do you want a check-down Charlie? Or a guy who takes those risks deep down the field?” — RG3 (10:22)
• On coaching loyalty:
  • “If they fire me in four years… I’m going to the bank with $90 million. I might never have to coach ever again in my life.” — RG3 (13:11)
• On rivalry games:
  • “When you have this rivalry, the records go out the window.” — RG3 (22:44)

Other Important Segments

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ Offensive Woes (32:22 - 34:23)

• The hosts question Lamar’s health after a weak performance and debate if the Ravens are a real postseason threat:
  • “Their offense has no rhythm… Right now, they don’t have an identity.” — Colin (34:06)

New England Patriots, Drake Maye, and Red Zone Frustrations (34:23 - 36:15)

• Scrutiny of the Patriots offense and struggles on the goal line, with Josh McDaniels criticized for failure to score from the 1-yard line.
  • “They had seven plays in the game from the 1 yard line… Zero touchdowns.” — JMac (35:49)

Lions and Giants Review, Jameis Winston Deep Dive (36:15 - 38:47)

• Praise for Jameer Gibbs’ performance (219 yards rushing), Giants blown leads, and Jameis Winston’s unexpected standout game.
  • “Jameis Winston looks better than Russ at any point this season… did Jameis not to you look like somebody who could compete for a starting spot?” — JMac (37:32)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 03:09: Shedeur Sanders discussion kicks off
• 04:20: RG3 on Shedeur's impact
• 07:44: RG3 on JSN’s unique traits
• 09:42: RG3’s “accuracy is a myth” comment on Caleb Williams
• 12:20: RG3 on coaching loyalty and Lane Kiffin
• 20:15: Critique of USC under Lincoln Riley
• 22:10: Ohio State vs. Michigan predictions
• 32:22: Ravens’ offensive struggles/Lamar Jackson’s performance
• 34:23: Patriots red zone frustration
• 36:15: Jameer Gibbs’ game, Giants/Lions review, Jameis Winston discussion

Conclusion

This episode is a showcase of high-level football analysis—balancing technical breakdowns (especially from RG3), big-picture debates about the state of college football, and predictions for college and NFL playoff races. Listeners are treated to candor, humor (“the hips don’t lie”), and an honest appraisal of how confidence, coaching, and intangible traits blend to shape winning teams and programs.