THE HERD - Hour 3 - USC HC Lincoln Riley joins The Herd

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 - USC HC Lincoln Riley joins The Herd
Date: February 2, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts / The Volume

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd is joined by USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley along with regular guest Albert Breer and show co-host J. Mac. The hour is packed with discussions on the evolving college football landscape—particularly USC’s strategic position in the new Big Ten, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on recruiting and roster construction, the challenges of modern scheduling, player development, and the increasing 'professionalism' of college football. The show also features conversations on NFL coaching hires, the importance of getting the quarterback position right for NFL GMs, and Super Bowl storylines.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Big Ten Football, NIL, and the New-Look USC

(31:34 – 37:54)

• USC’s Roster Construction:

  • Colin opens by highlighting a trend—successful teams in college football are increasingly built with older, more experienced players. He asks Lincoln Riley if USC will have enough of those to contend for a National Title.
  • Lincoln Riley: “We do, we do. We’ve got a good mix of, you know, the freshman class that you referenced... But honestly, most importantly, we return so many guys, especially at key positions... We’re going to be very experienced at O line, at quarterback, at running back, at linebacker, at defensive line.” (31:34)
  • Riley is optimistic about the blend of youth and returning experience, emphasizing critical returning contributors at core positions.

• The Makai Lemon Effect:

  • Colin singles out receiver Makai Lemon, drawing comparisons to JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and Amon-Ra St. Brown, suggesting NFL evaluators see him as a possible mid-first-round pick.
  • Lincoln Riley: “He just got better and better as time went... he really established himself as the best receiver on our roster... He’s just such a consistent player. He was so easy to teach, so easy to coach because he was hungry and really understands the game on top of having some of the physical skills.” (33:00)
  • Riley notes Makai Lemon’s strong work ethic and football IQ, crediting his rise to development and confidence.

• Big Ten Schedule & the Notre Dame Rivalry:

  • Colin defends USC’s move away from playing Notre Dame annually, citing the toughness of the new Big Ten slate.
  • Lincoln Riley: “One, we tried to allow for the game to continue. The other side didn’t. And that therefore it’s not going to get played... our strength of schedule, the quality competition that we’re going to play... is as good as anybody in the country.” (34:32)
  • Riley emphasizes the breadth of USC’s new challenges and asserts the Notre Dame absence was not of USC’s doing.

• Jaden Mava’s Return & Quarterback Development:

  • Colin praises USC’s returning QB Jaden Mava, noting his leap in performance and pro potential.
  • Lincoln Riley: “The difference from two years ago to last year, how much he improved, his awareness, his confidence, his command of the offense was so much better... Those of us around him feel this kid still got a whole nother level to his game.” (35:37)
  • Riley describes Mava as “all in” and highlights the value of stability and experience at QB.

• NIL’s Parity & New Stories:

  • Colin and Riley agree that NIL has made stories like Indiana’s and Ole Miss’s recent rises possible and has injected new parity into the sport.
  • Lincoln Riley: “I think the parody, I think it’s what you said. It’s stories that wouldn’t have happened before that are happening now... Now there’s not just one part of the country paying players. Everybody’s able to do it... It’s created a much more level playing field.” (36:46)
  • Riley shares positives on NIL: broader competitive balance, more compelling player stories, and opportunity for schools to invest and contend.

• Gary Patterson’s “Mean Guitar” & Team-Building Culture:

  • Colin jokes with Riley about new DC Gary Patterson's guitar skills.
  • Lincoln Riley: “We do a coach’s charity golf tournament, Pebble Beach every year... every year he gets up on the guitar and entertains the crowd. He’s pretty good.” (37:43)

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2. NFL Coaching and GM Talk: Quarterbacks & Franchise-Building

(02:35 – 17:47)

• Super Bowl Storylines: Pacific Northwest vs Patriots

  • Albert Breer details key Super Bowl subplots, focusing on the Seahawks’ youth movement reminiscent of the team’s previous era and Sam Darnold’s shot at redemption.
  • Albert Breer: “You have this team around him that looks like it could be another version of what John Schneider and Pete Carroll built 12 or 13 years ago.” (05:18)

• Power of Quarterbacks in GM Job Security

  • Colin argues that all a GM really needs is to “hit” on the QB, with plenty of room for other mistakes.
  • Colin Cowherd: “You can do a lot wrong as a GM... but Brandon Bean got Josh Allen right... If John Lynch doesn’t draft Brock Purdy, that Trey Lance draft pick, he could have lost his job.” (08:19)
  • Breer expands, outlining how missing on QBs shrinks a GM’s margin for error, referencing Minnesota’s failed pursuit of Drake May.
  • Albert Breer: “When you compound that with mistakes that are made in the draft... and then you do what you did at quarterback and it doesn’t work out, like, obviously then everybody’s going to point right back to the other stuff and say that was the problem.” (09:37)

• Coach and GM Hires: Positive Outlooks and Caution

  • Discussion of Clint Kubiak (Raiders), his strong reputation for discipline and self-awareness.

  • Albert Breer: “He was genuinely uncomfortable pursuing the opportunities that were in front of him because he really was truly committed to the Seahawks playoff run... Clint was very disciplined about that.” (11:38)

  • Breer notes Kubiak’s ability to learn from setbacks.

  • Quick takes on other coaching hires:

    • Jeff Hafley praised as a “logical” hire for Miami because of his track record developing young talent at Boston College and Green Bay.
    • Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy viewed as a sign they want to stay competitive rather than rebuild.
    • Green Bay’s hiring of Jonathan Gannon as DC receives positive notes for personnel fit.

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3. Super Bowl MVP Odds & NFL News

(23:14 – 27:00)

• Super Bowl MVP Favorites:

  • J. Mac runs through odds: Sam Darnold is the favorite, followed by Drake May and JSN.
  • J. Mac: “Darnold going from cast off by the jets and the Panthers, bench warmer on the Niners to MVP... You’re going to be more insufferable than normal [Colin].” (24:12)

• Other NFL News:

  • Rams extend Sean McVay and Les Snead (25:53), praised for roster construction and player development.
  • Packers hire Jonathan Gannon as DC to replace Jeff Hafley; expectations are high, especially with a healthy Micah Parsons returning.

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4. Notable Quotes & Exchanges

• On NIL Leveling the Playing Field:

  • Lincoln Riley (36:46):
    “Now, you know, now there’s not just one part of the country paying players. Everybody’s able to do it... and it’s a great thing because I do think it’s created a much more level playing field.”

• On USC’s Strength and Schedule:

  • Lincoln Riley (34:32):
    “We tried to allow for the [Notre Dame] game to continue. The other side didn’t... our strength of schedule, the quality competition... is as good as anybody in the country.”

• On Makai Lemon’s Potential:

  • Lincoln Riley (33:00):
    “He really started playing well, really established himself as the best receiver on our roster... so easy to teach, so easy to coach because he was hungry and really understands the game... I think this is a guy... that could fit in at any offense at the next level.”

• On Jaden Mava:

  • Lincoln Riley (35:37): “The difference from two years ago to last year, how much he improved, his awareness, his confidence, his command of the offense was so much better... this kid still got a whole nother level to his game.”

• On Parity in College Football:

  • Colin Cowherd (38:40):
    “That’s why. What does that help the fan? Well, you watched Indiana, Miami. It felt a little bit like a pro game... the quality of the games and quarterback play, I think college football with older players has just gotten smarter.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Big Ten, NIL, & USC Roster Talk (Lincoln Riley): 31:34 – 37:54

• Makai Lemon’s NFL Potential: 32:13 – 33:57

• Notre Dame Rivalry/Scheduling: 33:57 – 35:03

• Jaden Mava and QB Development: 35:03 – 36:20

• NIL Creating Parity: 36:20 – 37:31

• Gary Patterson Guitar Anecdote: 37:31 – 37:54

• NFL QB/GM Dynamics (Albert Breer): 02:35 – 10:47

• Coaching Hires Analysis: 10:47 – 14:29

• Super Bowl MVP/NFL News: 23:14 – 27:00

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Memorable Moments

• Lincoln Riley’s “Five-Star Jab” on NIL:

  • J. Mac (38:40): “I like his little dig there. More than one part of the country paying players. Very nicely done, Lincoln. That was a five star jab.”
  • Colin Cowherd: “Just slid it in.”

• On College Football’s New Professionalism:

  • Colin Cowherd: “You want mustaches and beards on your football team.”

• On the Absence of Notre Dame in USC’s Schedule:

  • Colin responds humorously to fan gripes and Notre Dame’s softer scheduling compared to Big Ten.

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Conclusion

This episode delivers an insightful look at how college football is rapidly professionalizing—on the back of older, more mature rosters, NIL-driven parity, and intensified schedules. Lincoln Riley reveals confidence in USC’s blend of veteran experience and top-end youth, while also defending the school’s controversial scheduling decisions. Additional segments—anchored by Albert Breer—highlight the existential importance of the quarterback position for NFL decision-makers and dissect high-leverage coaching hires around the league. The overall tone is candid, insider-driven, and laced with spirited banter that enhances both clarity and engagement for listeners at every level of football knowledge.

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For more detail on any segment, see the timestamps above for direct navigation.

Transcript

[Albert Breer]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Colin Cowherd]

We are not on Radio Row at Super bowl week, although I'm dashing up there Wednesday. Albert Brer is Monday morning quarterback. He is joining us live from San Francisco. You know, it's interesting. People have said, I've heard this from friends, like it doesn't really move me. You got a team from the Pacific Northwest and then the Patriots feel like they're still a little bit in a rebuild. Is there a storyline that intrigues you the most? And maybe it is Darnold that's predictable is there's one thing that jumps out to you that if you ran the network you would sell this as the storyline.

[Albert Breer]

Yeah, I'd say a couple things, Colin. The first thing would probably be trick Mays shoulder is something we're going to be following all week and kind of how that storyline took on a life of its own last week. And so where is he at? He was limited in practice on Thursday. He didn't practice on Friday. So just in the micro sense, that would be one. As far as like a macro storyline, I think the Seahawks feel like they're on the verge of where they were 12, 13 years ago on the front end of something and that this is not a one off. And if you look, you see a lot of really solid pieces at the premium positions. And I said this to you, I think before the year I looked at the Seahawks, the Packers in the same category. This is before the packers traded for Micah Parsons. They had a lot of very good young players where if those guys could just elevate to become great players, they'd really have something. And that's more or less happened, hasn't it? I mean, you look at it across the board. Jackson Smith in Jigba, really good receiver now. He's a great one. Charles Cross at left tackle, Kenneth Walker at running back, Byron Murphy at defensive tackle, Devin Witherspoon at corner. You know, you have guys that were probably Pro bowl type players becoming all Pro type players. And those guys are all young. And so, you know, just talking to Seahawks people over the course of the last few months, they really felt like the team was continuing to get better over the course of time. That was because of that individual improvement. Now what Sam Darnold is on this stage is going to be really interesting because for the most part, outside of a couple of games, he's been the same guy for two years now. Like those games in Minnesota last year at the end of the Year, he didn't have his left tackle. The offensive line in general didn't do a good job of protecting him against Detroit or the Rams. But for the most part, he's been the same guy over the course of the last couple of years. So now you're looking at, like, this quarterback with a chance to have full redemption and become the guy that everybody thought he was going to be when he was picked third overall coming out of USC to the jets, and you have this team around him that looks like it could be another version of what John Schneider and Pete Carroll built 12 or 13 years ago.

[Colin Cowherd]

We were, you know, I was saying about 30 minutes ago, I said Vrabel could be the best X player coach ever. Mike Ditka obviously formed the 85 Bears. I just think when I look at Vrabel intellectually and his ability to compartmentalize, media responsibility, players drafting, developing. You know, so much of sports debate is about hoisting trophies. I don't think there are three coaches in this league smarter than Mike Vrabel, just in terms of. And you know, this Albert, he is the one Patriot ever that didn't suck up to Belichick first day. I mean, he has always challenged Belichick.

[Albert Breer]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

When you cover this team and you're in that part of the country, there's a certain reverence he's almost held in, like he's. He's like the guy you don't want to mess with. I mean, how would you categorize him?

[Albert Breer]

Well, I mean, he's always been that guy. That's the other thing. I could tell you a story. When he's 18 years old, as a freshman at Ohio State, his high school coach showed up at the Ohio State facility to go and visit him. And a couple other guys there asked where Mike was. Somebody told him, Mike is in Cooper, in John Cooper's office, the head coach's office. And the coach walks in there and he sees Mike in there with his feet up at 18 years old. And so this is sort of like always who variable has been. And I think what he's evolved into is the total package as a head coach. Leadership, relationships, scheme, game management, roster building. I just think when you're talking about the totality of what a head coach is, Mike Frable checks every single box. And I think it really crystallized for me when I was hearing about how they put the team together during the last off season. Right. And this isn't really Gerard Mayo's fault, but the personnel department the year before went into it with Gerard Mayo as the coach. And they had a bunch of new guys and those guys didn't really know what they wanted at every single position. And so it kind of became hard for them to put the team together. When Vrabel came in there, he knew exactly what he wanted from an intangible standpoint, from a skill set standpoint at every single position. And that weaponized the personnel department to go up and find guys who are fit. And that I think is why, I mean, you look across the board, it's home run after home run after home run at different levels of free agency. They hit in the draft like they would tell you. Craig Woodson was a fourth round pick. They would tell you. They viewed him as a starter from the time they drafted him. And he winds up starting. And so I just think Mike has grown into becoming the total package as a head coach. And I think the last piece came together at the end in Tennessee when there was some dysfunction in the building that really wasn't his fault. But I don't know that he did everything to bring things back together either. And you saw the lesson he learned when he came in, in the first day in New England and said, I'm going to unify the building. And he's really been able to do that. And again, like, I think he checks every box as a head coach and you put them together with that quarterback and they should be able to sustain success.

[Colin Cowherd]

So a couple of things happened this weekend. You know, I was saying earlier a couple hours ago, you can do a lot wrong as a gm, you can miss in a lot of picks. But Brandon Bean got Josh Allen, right? And he got promoted. Okay, if. If John lynch doesn't draft Brock Purdy, that Trey Lance draft pick, he could have lost his job. And I look at Minnesota firing their young Princeton, Stanford, Wall street gm, and my take is if Darnold goes to Seattle and struggles and wins six games. But it was the weekly reminder, okay, you had Daniel Jones in the building, you had Darnold in the building. I read a lot of stuff about fraternity leave and relationships. Isn't so much of this job Albert just hit the quarterback and owners forget about a lot of other mistakes.

[Albert Breer]

Well, I made the point in my column this morning like that they actually offered a haul for Drake May and they loved Drake May. Kevin O' Connell loved him. Josh McCown, who's their quarterbacks coach, actually coached Drake Bay in high school. And so they were all in and trying to trade up for him. Now New England, to its credit, wouldn't Budge. But how different does this look if Drake may as the quarterback right now?

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Albert Breer]

Like, I mean, like it looks, it's a totally different deal if now Sam Darnold was your quarterback in 2024 and you're offloading him to go to Drake Bay in 25. I mean they may still be playing right now, like based on where the rest of the roster is. And so, you know, I, I, I, I think like with Kwesi it was the totality of everything. It was some of the work hours he kept and that stuff was out there and had been kind of circulating in NFL circles for quite some time. Not as much internally, but externally. You heard it from a lot of people that were out on the road and scouting and that that sort of stuff gets around. And I think when you compound that with mistakes that are made in the draft and you compound that with roster building issues and then you do what you did at quarterback and it doesn't work out, like, obviously then everybody's going to point right back to the other stuff and say that was the problem. And so I think it's, it's the totality of it in that I think some of those things shrunk Quesi Adolfo Mensah's margin for error with everything else. And then when he slipped up, all that stuff came back to Hana.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I think, and I haven't thought this very often, but Clint Kubiak, Fernando Mendoza, I like their general manager. I think when they make that move, I worry about Clint Kubiak. I don't care who it is. Albert, what career? When you get your, when you get the greatest job you've ever had in your career, it is hard to focus. I worry a little bit about that with Darnold and the Seahawks, but I, I, let's talk about that. I think this one of the few times I really feel positively about the Raiders. From Brady's Association, Spy tech Clint Kubiak, Fernando Mendoza, how is he viewed around the league? And you tell me Kubiak's got a sounds like Arizona wanted him as well. How is he viewed?

[Albert Breer]

I think that's the highest compliment I can give him. Like his dad, you know, I think that that's, that's how people view him. He carries himself the same sort of way. And I think one of the best things you can say about him is he was genuinely uncomfortable pursuing the opportunities that were in front of him because he really was truly committed to the Seahawks playoff run. Now everyone says that, right? Like, but the reality is like you've got this job in front of you that could be the greatest opportunity you'll ever have. And it's hard to keep your focus on the task at hand when that's kind of on the side there. But Clint was very disciplined about that. This. Clint didn't want to. Didn't want a big deal made of it. Like, I knew some things here like that were like, very difficult to report about what was going on because Clint was very tight about the way that he was handling all of this. And so I think that that's a, I think that's a, a good sign of his self awareness, which is an important piece of being a head coach. We know what he can do from a scheme standpoint. I think what's cool about him is that he kind of fell on his face at the end in New Orleans, and I know he learned from that and took valuable lessons from that. And the Seahawks are reaping the rewards of that now. And I think he'll be able to put together a good staff. Like, I. I think there's a possibility he's going to try to get Jim Schwartz out of Cleveland.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep.

[Albert Breer]

And so now you start to talk about some of these pieces coming together, and because of his connections in the league and because of the respect he engenders, now you can start to build a program. And so obviously a lot of this is still going to come down to is Fernando Mendoza the right guy and are they able to put the right pieces around the young quarterback? Like, it's always going to come down to that. But I mean, Clint was in high demand for a reason, and his name picked up steam in December. And I think he went from thinking, maybe I get one or two interviews to everyone wanting to talk to him, and then at the end having his pick of two jobs, which is pretty remarkable when you consider where he was a year ago.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, so every, I'm looking at every coach hired from Mike LaFleur to Brady to Monken to Hafley, Stefanski, Harbaugh, Jesse Minner, Mike McCarthy, Robert Sala. Is there one of these? Now, most of us, we feel very strongly about a John Harbaugh we're not sure about, you know, Todd Monken. Is there one of these hires that if I said to you, Albert, in four years, one of them ended up being sneaky good that you looked at it and you went, wow, that really fell together. I mean, J. Mac made this point earlier that if you look at Arizona's talent, you know, Mike LaFleur walks in there, if they Ever get the quarterback right? Like, they have some really interesting elements now. The division is tough, but is there one to you that you're like, that one's going to be better than the market thinks today.

[Albert Breer]

So Stefanski is too obvious. Right? Like, so I won't go Stefanski because I think he was kind of like right there with Harbaugh as far as the pursuit. Teams loved him and really had a lot of respect for the job that he did in Cleveland.

[J. Mac]

Give me.

[Albert Breer]

I like Jeff Halfley in Miami.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow.

[Albert Breer]

And I like Jeff Halfley in Miami. Here's why. All right. And I feel the same way about Jesse Mentor, but like, that might be a little too easy too, because of the program. Like, he's going into a program he was already in. I like what they're doing because I think they're focused on the right things and I think the front office there, before they went out, went look for a new general manager. New head coach says, we did not do a good enough job over the last four years drafting and developing. They had fewer draft picks than any team in the league over the last four years. Like, their 22 draft class was an abject disaster. There's just not young talent on that roster. And I look at John Eric Solden coming from Green Bay where they draft and develop their own, and that roster always has good young talent on it. And then I look at Jeff Hathley who was there in Green Bay and was a part of that. Not only that was a college head coach playing at a disadvantage. Right. Like at Boston College where he had to develop young guys to be competitive. And I just, I mean, when you're talking about, like, I always think of it this way, right. Could I explain this to my 11 year old or 9 year old son? Why this is logical, right? Like, I think it's one of those where it's like, we didn't have good enough young talent. We're bringing in guys who can develop young talent. And so, like, I kind of like where Miami is and I think that one has a chance to look a little bit better than people think.

[Colin Cowherd]

What was around the league? What did people say about Mike McCarthy and Steelers to you?

[Albert Breer]

So I think that one, what most. The way most people digested it was the Steelers don't want to be bad. And I. And I wonder what this is going to look like in two years. Because a lot of people's logic on the Steelers was it's time now to tear it down. Right? It's time at this point to go in Jalen Ramsey's in his 30s, T.J. watson his 30s, Aaron Rodgers in his 40s. You're going to have to go and find a new quarterback. I think it's something like nine of the 22 starters in their last game or 29 or older. It is an older team, and it just felt like the right time to say we're going to jam on the reset button. Go with the young coach. Like we always have, like a Chris Shula, somebody in their 30s that we can build around, and maybe we'll be bad in the here and the now, but, like, we're going to try to build this thing back up. And that's not what they did, you know, like, what they did, I think, is Art Rooney telling you, I want to remain competitive. I don't want to sink to the bottom of the league. I want to. I want to try to get them get, get, get, get a little bit more out of the core I have in place. And the best way to do that is to bring in a guy who's got experience and who's won in two different places. So I think the message here is we don't want to sink to the bottom of the league. We feel like we have a team that can still win right now. Whether they're right or not, I'm not sure. And we'll see. But it felt to me at the end of the year like that was a place in need of a reset. And I don't think that they're going to go through a full reset now based on. Based on who they hired as their head coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

Albert Brear. Enjoy it. Hope to see at the Volume party on Wednesday, buddy. And thanks.

[Albert Breer]

All right. Thanks, Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

You bet. Of course, we'll both be having iced tea. Stay laser focused. Don't stay out late. All about. All about clarity, J. Mac. We're not out there on the mean streets the Bay Area. That's why you got to be careful when you travel with J. Mac here. Things get a little randy.

[J. Mac]

Well, first of all, I'm not a lock to be joining you. 5050 coin flip, but depends. What's it? Is it an open bar? Are we talking?

[Colin Cowherd]

Of course. If it's my party.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Of course it is. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Albert Breer]

I have a podcast empire. It continues to grow and I have brought it here to Ivar. I'm also doing a live radio show from 3 to 5pm Eastern because my wife wanted to kick me out of the house. It's called Stugac Company Live, which is available in podcast form right when the show finishes every single day. Some of the biggest names in sports, a lot of phone calls. I love you guys show. It's one of my favorites. A lot of interaction. Guys not taking themselves too serious seriously. Those are just some of the things that you can expect from Stugouts Co. And Stugots Co. Live. So listen to Stew Godson Co. Live and our original podcast. Please subscribe, rate and review Stugots Co. And God bless football. Taylor's livelihood depends on it. Do it today and you can check all of those out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Two Truths and a Lie Here we go. I went to college with college football coach Jim McElwain, I began my broadcasting career doing play by play for the Las Vegas Stars and I've been a Verizon customer for 15 years. Okay, I lied. All three are true. Verizon isn't as expensive as you think. In fact, if you bring in your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store, they'll give you a better deal. That's right, a better deal on the best network with the most ways to save on plans, streaming and phone deals. So take that AT and T or T Mobile build to your local Verizon store today, get a better deal and start saving based on root metrics. Best Overall Mobile Network Performance U.S. 2nd Half 2025 All Rights Reserve must provide recent consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures breaking.

[Colin Cowherd]

News not Everything's terrible. We repeat, not everything is terrible. The ripple Effect is proof that the Internet hasn't ruined humanity entirely. Hosted by Jenna Kim Jones, it's funny and uplifting Podcast spotlights the quiet, powerful ways people still choose good. Each episode features real stories of kindness, of barbers changing more than just their client's haircut, of the secret life, of leftover hotel soap, of vending machines that dispense just the help somebody needs. Like magic. If you're tired of outrage, if your thumbs are sore from doom scrolling, if you just need a reason to smile again, this podcast is your new favorite Scroll Break. It's heartfelt, hopeful, a gentle reminder. Goodness is still out there. Surprisingly contagious too. So put down your phone, pick up your faith in humanity and join Jenna for the Ripple Effect. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. Listen to the ripple effect on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Lavor Arrington from Up on Game. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. It's a great time to apply for an Apple Card. You'll love earning unlimited daily cash on every purchase. That includes 3% daily cash when you buy the latest iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at Apple through this special referral offer. When you get a new Apple Card, you can earn bonus daily cash. To qualify, you must apply at Apple Co. Get daily cash Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City. Branch offer may not be available elsewhere. Terms and limitations apply. Go see Melania this weekend. That documentary is catching fire.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, opening night I was there. Great, great film.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's getting some assorted mixed reviews.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, it had a kind of a Godfather vibe to it. Like just an all time classic right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Out of the gate. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news.

[Albert Breer]

This is the herd line news.

[J. Mac]

All right. You know we love gambling, Colin, and it's time to start thinking about Super Bowl 60 MVP. I was surprised to learn that Sam Darnold is the MVP favorite. I mean it shouldn't be, right? Quarterback of the team that's favored by.

[Albert Breer]

Four and a half.

[J. Mac]

JSN JSN is third. Drake May is second. Okay, so Darnold plus 120 Drake May plus 235 JSN followed by Kenneth Walker, who's an interesting choice.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[J. Mac]

With Charbonnet out, he's going to get a lot of touches.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right. And.

[J. Mac]

And the Patriots linebackers are not great in coverage. I don't know that he's gonna have a lot of running room. I Interestingly, no defensive players in the top six. Now if you like an under like me, you start looking at some DeMarcus Lawrence. DeMarcus Lawrence, possibly. Is there somebody in the secondary? You know the young safety you love, Iman Wari. I hope I said his name right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, he's tremendous.

[J. Mac]

Rashid Shahid, plus 3,000.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you could see him having a. A kickoff for a touchdown.

[J. Mac]

Special teams, he's a beast. Ramandre Stevenson plus 2800. Interesting. Yeah, anything. I mean, listen, if you're Guy Darnold gets mvp. Holy cow. You're going to be more insufferable than normal.

[Colin Cowherd]

Come on.

[J. Mac]

Darnold going from cast off by the jets and the Panthers, bench warmer on the Niners to.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen, I this is the second time Seahawks and Patriots have met in a Super bowl and I have mixed feelings because I grew up in the Northwest. I love the Seahawks, I love Darnold. But I spent 10 years with new England and I'm a big. I. I know Mike Frable. I. It's if, if there was a team beyond the Seahawks to win it that I'd be happy. It would be the Patriots. So there's certain teams like the Rams here in Los Angeles. Now I know some people with the Bears you want to see people that you like rewarded. So I when these two teams meet, I have. I just. I just want it to be a really good game.

[J. Mac]

But don't you want Texas at your sister who's a big Seahawks fan, always checking in. Come on, we gotta go Seahawks here. We gotta become the Seahawks.

[Albert Breer]

Talk.

[J. Mac]

So I will say I watched your favorite movie the Big Short over the weekend.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

And I wonder if there's a long shot defender that will give out maybe later on the weekend. There's got to be somebody. I can't go with the quarterbacks. All right, next up, let's go with the Rams. Some news today, Colin. Good stuff in that Sean McVeigh and Les Snead, the Dynamic Duo head coach NGM they have announced a multi year extension for both Rams came within one game of the Super Bowl. They were thought to be pretty much the best team in the league for most of the season. McVay has just been such A home run as a head Coach, playoffs in seven of nine seasons. He's 10 and 6 in the playoffs. And you know what less needs done, obviously in the draft and free agency.

[Colin Cowherd]

Dante Adams, they don't miss a lot. You know, I mean, they draft and develop and they don't miss a lot. And if you look at that offense is Higby the tight end and Kyron Williams and Puka Nukua.

[J. Mac]

Great roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jordan Whittingham. And there's a lot of third, fourth, fifth, sixth round guys that can really play.

[J. Mac]

All right, final story is Green Bay packers have a new defensive coordinator and that's Jonathan Gannon. He will replace Jeff Halfley. By the way, the Albert Breer take on Jeff Halfley with dad had to be floored that Halfley's going to be a home run. I like this Gannon move, by the way. Obviously having Micah Parsons back in Green Bay will be very important. Gannon was thought to be a good defensive mind. It didn't totally translate with the Cardinals, but it's Arizona. They don't have a ton of talent. Any thoughts on Gannon in Green Bay?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I mean, I think I know one person in the league who knows him and speaks highly of him, and I think Green Bay is a place where they have their act together. So most of the time, if you go to Green Bay, you know, you're working in a really smart work environment. And I thought Halfley was great.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, he was good.

[Colin Cowherd]

So remember, he's getting a healthy Micah Parson.

[J. Mac]

Well, with Micah, Halfley was great. Without him, they started to hemorrhage points at the end.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right. J. Mac of the News.

[Albert Breer]

Well, that's the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

And thanks for stopping by. The Herd LIE news, Lincoln Riley at USC is around the corner.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, two truths and a lie. Here we go. I went to college with college football coach Jim McElwain. I began my broadcasting career doing play by play for the Las Vegas Stars. And I've been a Verizon customer for 15 years. Okay, I lied. All three are true. Verizon isn't as expensive as you think. In fact, if you bring in your AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store, they'll give you a better deal. That's right, a better deal on the best network with the most ways to save on plans, streaming and phone deals. So take that AT and T or T Mobile Bill to your local Verizon store today. Get a better deal and start saving based on root metrics. Best Overall Mobile Network Performance U.S. 2nd Half 2025 All Rights Reserve must provide recent consumer Mobile Bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

[Fox Sports Radio Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc, SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures breaking.

[Colin Cowherd]

News not Everything's terrible. We repeat, not everything is terrible. The Ripple Effect is proof that the Internet hasn't ruined humanity entirely. Hosted by Jenna Kim Jones, it's funny and uplifting. Podcast spotlights the quiet, powerful ways people still choose good. Each episode features real stories of kindness, of barbers changing more than just their client's haircut, of the secret life, of leftover hotel soap, of vending machines that dispense just the help somebody needs. Like magic. If you're tired of outrage, if your thumbs are sore from doom scrolling, or if you just need a reason to smile again, this podcast is your new favorite Scroll Break. It's heartfelt, hopeful, a gentle reminder. Goodness is still out there. Surprisingly contagious too. So put down your phone, pick up your faith in humanity, and join Jenna for the Ripple Effect. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. Listen to the ripple effect on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is lavar Arrington from Up on Game. This message is Brought to you by Apple Card. It's a great time to apply for an Apple Card. You'll love earning unlimited daily cash on every Purchase. That includes 3% daily cash when you buy the latest iPhone, AirPods and Apple. Watch at Apple through this special referral offer. When you get a new Apple Card, you can earn bonus daily cash. To qualify, you must apply at Apple Co. Get daily cash Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch offer may not be available elsewhere. Terms and limitations apply. Big Ten schedules came out and there's so many interesting things about what nil is doing to college football and college basketball. The rosters are older. I saw something the other day where the last three national champions, Michigan, Ohio State, Indiana are older teams. And like all these young freshmen you bring in, they're flashy. You want mustaches and beards on your football team. And Lincoln Riley, the USC coach who just got his Big Ten schedule. You know, it's interesting, you actually have both. You had a number one recruiting class in the country. But I want you to talk about that. How nil. I mean, the bottom line is if I have a guy that's been in my weight room four years opposed to right out of high school. Do you have, do you, do you believe you have enough 23 year olds to compete for the national championship next year?

[Lincoln Riley]

We do, we do. We've got a good mix of, you know, the freshman class that you referenced, a really good freshman class that came in I think provides some talent and depth and really, I think just upgrades our roster. But honestly, most importantly, we, we return so many guys, especially at key positions, guys that have been major contributors for us the last few years. We're going to be very experienced at O line, at quarterback, at running back, at linebacker, at defensive line. So kind of those core positions on your football team, we're going to have a nice mix of experience, guys that have done it with also a really, really talented freshman class that we expect several of those guys to come in and contribute as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

So two players I want to talk about, Lemon, the receiver, is a remarkable player. I have, I have been told, and two people in the NFL have said, I'll deny it if you say it, they think he is a kind of a JSN player that could go mid first and be dynamic as a rookie in the NFL are Makai Lemon. Did you think he would be this good? When did you drive home one day and go, and this kid is different because he, he's got a little JSN route running Hands, strong hands. Once he gets it, you can't get it away. But not a burner. When did you realize how good he was?

[Lincoln Riley]

Yeah, the two comps I hear the most are JSN and then St. Brown, even past just the USC ties. And he's a special player. He just got better and better as time went through. He got more confident, he was able to stay healthy. And I think the time we really started to see what this kid could be was, was a year ago, kind of the back half of that year, he really started playing well, really established himself as the best receiver on our roster. And then from there, even though he started to have some success, it's like that fueled more confidence, it fueled the work ethic continuing to grow. And he just, he just got better and better. And he's just such a consistent player. He was so easy to teach, so easy to coach because he was hungry and really understands the game on top of having some of the physical skills. So, yeah, I think this is a guy I think that could fit in at any offense at the next level. Does so many things well and somebody's going to be really happy with this kid.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I defended un USC about the Notre Dame game and my take was go look at the Big Ten schedule, folks. Give me a break. Indiana is now formidable. Iowa's. Iowa should have beaten Indiana. Penn State hired Matt Campbell. He excellent coach, you know him well. Michigan, Ohio State. And my takeaway was I saw, I saw a fan the other day and I said, do you know where the Notre Dame game would go? That'd go right in between Ohio State and Indiana. You really think that's the way to get to the playoff? So when people push back on that, your take was what?

[Lincoln Riley]

Two things. I mean, one, we tried to allow for the game to continue. The other side didn't. And that therefore it's not going to get played the next few years. And then past that, like our strength of schedule, the quality competition that we're going to play both here in LA at the Coliseum and on the road is as good as anybody in the country. And that's part of being in this league. So we're excited about our schedule. We got a lot of great games, a lot of great challenges that are coming up that will give our team, our program, a chance to prove everything that we want to prove next year.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jaden Mava is coming back. It is unbelievable how many top Big Ten quarterbacks are going to be Sunday players. I thought he was about, you know, second round player. I'm like he could use an extra year. I'm not sure. Did you have to re recruit him or did he come to you and say, hey, listen, if the NIL thing worked? Because I think he's a Sunday player, but you really transformed him this year. I didn't think that a year and a half ago, mid season, I went, wow. I remember the Illinois game going, man, he is making really tough throws. How good can he be?

[Lincoln Riley]

I think he can be really good. As you said that the difference from two years ago to last year, how much he improved, his awareness, his confidence, his command of the offense was so much better. And I think those of us around him feel this kid still got a whole nother level to his game and still so much he can improve on. So he was, he was all in really from the beginning for returning for next year. I think he knows what this team's capable of. I know that he wants to continue to improve as a player and lead this program and has a lot of unfinished business here at sc. So glad to have him back. It's obviously a key position to, to be able to return a guy that's been productive, that's been consistent, has experience. He does. So a great thing for our program to have Jaden back.

[Colin Cowherd]

A lot of people grumble about the nil, but I don't get the Indiana story without it, and I love that story. And I don't get the Ole Miss story without it. And I was getting tired of being Alabama and Clemson. I like the Blue Bloods. I love the sport. Now that things have settled with the nil, is there, is there anything that you love about it? I know it's not traditional, but is there anything you're like, you know what, guys? This part of it is excellent.

[Lincoln Riley]

I think the parody, I think it's what you said. It's stories that wouldn't have happened before that are happening now. I mean, now, you know, now there's not just one part of the country paying players. Everybody's able to do it. And, and it's a great thing because I do think it's created a much more level playing field and it's given schools the opportunity to, to really compete if they want to invest. And I think it's been a great thing for players. We all know there's still parts of it to be worked out. It's obviously not a finished product by any stretch of the imagination, but it has gotten better. There has been a lot of positives and I think you're going to continue to see a Lot of great stories, a lot of new opportunities for all different types of program programs, which I think is really good for the sport as a whole.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, before we go, your new dc, Gary Patterson. Do you know he plays a mean guitar? Have you ever heard him?

[Lincoln Riley]

Oh, yes, I have. I've heard it live.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, wow. Yeah, yeah, he's talented, dude. Congrats on that.

[Lincoln Riley]

He can do it. He can do it. We do a coach's. A coach's charity golf tournament, pebble beach every year. And so every year he gets up on the guitar and entertains the crowd. He's pretty good.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, good seeing you again, coach.

[Lincoln Riley]

You too, you too. Gone. Thanks.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Lincoln Riley. Yeah, it's, it's really interesting about Nil J. Mac. Like, you get older players and if you. I went. There was a graph on the Internet. Michigan, Ohio State, Indiana, a lot of 23 year old dudes. Yeah. And so that's why. What, what does that help the fan? Well, you watched Indiana, Miami. It felt a little bit like a pro game. Yeah. Like, I mean, the Miami was running like half zone, half man to man. Indiana's fourth down play calls. You're like, this is really high end level football. It's not pro, but it's not college from eight years ago. And I think the sport, the quality of the games and quarterback play, I think college football with older players has just gotten smarter.

[J. Mac]

Oh, definitely. And I like his little dig there. More than one part of the country paying players. Very nicely done, Lincoln. That was a five star jab. You, you've been saying the same thing. I mean, a lot of people have said it. I just like how he slid it in there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just slid it in. Yeah, yeah. Notre Dame. I, I was. There we go. I was at the airport yesterday. A couple Notre Damers, the husband and the wife. The wife's name was Ginger. They, they want to see USC and Notre Dame play.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, I don't think Lincoln Riley wants to see that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I told those Notre Dame fans, I said, well, when you guys play, maybe a varsity schedule Instead of the JV, what are you calling it?

[J. Mac]

A Big 12 schedule.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, go look at Notre Dame schedule and any Big Ten schedule. Go look at Ohio State schedule. Go look at Texas schedule and look at Notre Dame's.

[J. Mac]

Don't hate the player, hate the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right. Don't hate the player. All right, we got through it. Super bowl week. Got Christian McCaffrey coming on this week. Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT&T or T mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in, run in, pogo sticking, teleport if you can, ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or fly in on the wings of a majestic falcon. Any way you can bring your AT and T or T Mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal on the Best network based on route metrics Best Overall Mobile Network Performance US Second Half 2025 all rights reserved. Must provide a very recent postpaid consumer mobile bill in the name of the person redeeming the deal. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Imagine never buying gas again. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and perfect for everyday life. Drive daily with confidence everywhere you go. Most Americans drive 40 miles a day. Most EVs are equipped with 200 to 400 miles of range. They've got fewer parts, fewer repairs, and fewer headaches. With hundreds of new and used EV models available today, there's an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. I love my electric vehicle. It's easy. No more gas stations. The way forward is electric. Learn more atelectric for all.org Black history lives in our stories, our culture, and the conversations we still having today. I Didn't Know this Black History Month, the podcast I Didn't Know. Maybe you didn't either digs into the moments, perspectives, and experiences that don't always make the textbook. Let me tell you about Garrett Morgan Bruh had to pretend he didn't even exist just to sell his own invention. Listen to I Didn't Know. Maybe you didn't either. From the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or simply wherever you get your podcast. What is something you've had to unlearn about love?

[J. Mac]

That it's earned, That I was unworthy of love, that it needs to be.

[Lincoln Riley]

Forever for it to count.

[Albert Breer]

February is the month of love.

[Colin Cowherd]

Whether you're in a relationship, casually dating.

[Albert Breer]

Or proudly single, it's a great time to reflect on yourself and what you want.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Hope Woodard, host of the Voiceover Podcast, and each each week we're looking at love from every angle. Listen to Boy Sober. That's B O Y S O B.

[Albert Breer]

E r on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Colin Cowherd]

Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Albert Breer]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Guaranteed Human.