Podcast Summary: "What's Wright – Nick Wright reacts to College Football Week 1, Arch Manning & Belichick Debut, Micah Parsons-Packers Trade"
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Nick Wright with Damanze
Episode: 361
Overview
This episode of "What's Wright" features Nick Wright diving deep into the opening week of college football, the much-discussed debuts of Arch Manning and Bill Belichick in their new collegiate roles, and the blockbuster Micah Parsons trade to the Packers. The episode also includes NFL season gambling previews, discussion on the fallout within the Dallas Cowboys, and lively banter with co-host Damanze.
Wright brings his signature mix of sharp analysis, humor, and blunt honesty as he takes on storylines dominating both college and professional football as the NFL season looms just days away.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Survivor Gambling Contest (02:44)
- Nick discusses his involvement in two survivor NFL pools on Splash Sports—one high-roller ($5K) contest and his own $25 contest.
- Transparency: Nick discloses "a little, tiny, tiny, tiny stake" in the company.
2. Tyreek Hill Not Named Dolphins Captain (04:41)
- Nick views the Dolphins' decision as counterproductive:
- "You can't have the best player on your team not be a captain." (06:22)
- Predicts likely eventual Tyreek Hill release and a return to the Chiefs.
3. Nepotism in Sports & Belichick Family (08:39)
- References to Steve Belichick’s defensive struggles in UNC's opener, using this as a jab at public inconsistencies on nepotism criticism in sports.
4. Bill Belichick’s Debut at North Carolina (10:09)
Breakdown:
- Strong start, then UNC is "dog walked" by TCU.
- Nick stresses that in college football, "scheme matters to a degree. Talent matters more." (12:20).
- Wright was not surprised by the loss, expected TCU to cover and doubts about UNC’s quarterback play and defense.
Belichick’s Legacy & Distractions:
- Raises question if Belichick is distracted by his public relationship:
- "How much of Belichick... do your job... has been weakened by this three-plus year... relationship with wannabe starlet Jordan Hudson?" (14:07)
- Projects a rocky future for North Carolina and predicts struggles against Clemson (16:58).
Legacy Impact:
- Failing at UNC "will not negatively affect his [NFL] legacy," but it does reduce his shot at an NFL return and passing Don Shula’s win record (19:01).
- Memorable: "He went and coached college and dated this 20 year old… kind of the last thing you remember about him." (18:46, Nick Wright)
5. Arch Manning’s College Debut (23:45)
Media & Social Backlash:
- Nick highlights how media and social discourse pivot quickly from performance to narratives about the reaction itself.
- "Before there's even been a news cycle about the event, the news cycle turns to the reaction to the event." (24:12)
Performance Analysis:
- Wright not shocked by Arch’s struggles against Ohio State’s pro-level defense.
- Concerned about Arch’s odd passing mechanics and missed opportunities.
- Points out high school stats and pedigree strong but not overwhelming—suggests if his name wasn't Manning, there’d be much less hype.
Key Quote:
- "If his name weren’t Manning, the hype would be drastically, drastically different." (31:30)
Looking Ahead:
- Predicts Arch can rebound against weaker opponents but places him as unlikely for Heisman this year.
- Sets up key judgment games vs. Florida and in the Red River Shootout.
6. NFL Attention Shift Post College Week 1 (33:45)
- College football remains culturally huge, but NFL will dominate focus with the season starting.
- Nick lists marquee college games but admits, "I always am" more NFL than CFB.
7. Micah Parsons Trade: Cowboys → Packers (40:02)
Locker Room Fallout & Perception:
- Damanze raises rumors that Parsons was disliked in the Dallas locker room.
- Nick is skeptical: "I don’t need my star pass rusher to be the most popular guy in the locker room." (40:43)
- Highlights that star pass rushers often have “a little extra there” and pushes back on Dallas’ reframing of Parsons as a problem.
On the Trade:
- Admits Dallas was in a "no win situation": couldn’t pay all their stars.
- Predicts the trade is about cap management, not Parsons being a bad teammate.
- "Jerry got in a battle of egos with the agent and traded away their best player." (43:24)
Dak Prescott’s Comments:
- Damanze criticizes Dak for benefiting from the trade despite average play.
- Nick: "He’s a company man, that’s for sure… But they didn't start having those 12-win seasons until Micah got there." (45:31)
Parsons’ Future in Green Bay:
- On Parsons’ role and podcasting: "He really likes it… To me, that would be almost conceding that he did something wrong here. Again, I don't feel he did." (47:33)
- Injury concern is more about lack of training camp than his back specifically.
NFC North Outlook:
- Nick: "That’s the toughest division in football… It’s such a huge bet on Jordan Love." (49:20)
- Points to Jordan Love's playoff interceptions not getting major attention.
8. NFL Top 100 (53:09)
- Top 5: Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Ja’Marr Chase, Patrick Mahomes.
- Nick is fine with Mahomes at #5, seeing the list as more about "who had the most record-breaking year."
- "I obviously think he’s the best player in the sport…But Saquon being number one is fine." (53:23)
9. NFL Season Betting Picks (56:02 onward)
Nick’s Six “Over” Bets:
- Jags over 7.5
- Bears over 8.5
- Chiefs over (not specified, but implied every year)
- Bucs over 9.5
- Raiders over 6.5
- Falcons over 7.5
Nick’s Six “Under” Bets:
- Bengals under 9.5
- Colts under 7.5
- Broncos under 9.5
- Cowboys under 8.5
- Vikings under 9.5
- 49ers under 10.5
Playoff Bets:
- Jags, Chiefs, Raiders (to make the playoffs)
- Giants, Bucs (to make the playoffs)
- Steelers, Colts, Broncos, Cowboys, Vikings, Cardinals (miss playoffs)
- Parlay: Saints, Jets, Browns, Colts ALL miss playoffs (-135) — Nick admits "terrible value, but just feels right." (65:31)
Division Winner Picks:
- Chiefs to win AFC West (-115)
- Bucs to win NFC South (-115)
- Parlay: Ravens + Bills to win their divisions (+106)
Super Bowl Exacta:
- Chiefs vs. Bucs (Rematch) at +5500
- Chiefs to defeat Bucs at +11,000
- "The Chiefs with Mahomes have been to five Super Bowls—all rematches." (69:32)
Damanze’s Top 5 Preseason Bets:
- Jags to win AFC South (+300)
- Bengals to lose in divisional round (+425)
- Joe Burrow most passing yards (+450)
- Ravens to win Super Bowl (+600)
- Bijan Robinson, most rushing touchdowns (+1100)
10. Listener Q&A (75:22)
-
Which teams has Nick been most right/wrong about?
- Most right: Chiefs, then Bills
- Most wrong: Eagles, then Jaguars
-
Invitational for Nick to play Augusta National gets immediate "yes!" (76:35)
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Tyreek Hill as captain: Nick refutes criticism, noting Hill was a captain in Miami, not KC. (77:00)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
"You can't have the best player on your team not be a captain... If you’re so mad at him for what he said, then just trade him." – Nick Wright [06:22]
"I think folks that expected Belichick to come in and do a snap, turn them into a contender turnaround were foolish..." – Nick Wright [13:45]
"If his name weren’t Manning, the hype would be drastically, drastically different." – Nick Wright [31:30]
“I don't need my star pass rusher to be the most popular guy in the locker room... Micah is not a, you know, he's incredibly available, he's a hard worker, he's wildly productive.” – Nick Wright [40:43]
"The Cowboys were already Cowboys, but the Cowboys big return is draft picks. The Mavs big return was a player... The Luka trade is the most shocking trade in sports in 30 years. It was like the Micah trade to me is in a totally different bucket." – Nick Wright [52:31]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Splash Sports Survivor/Gambling – 02:44
- Tyreek Hill Captaincy Rant – 04:41
- Belichick’s UNC Debut & Legacy – 10:09–19:41
- Arch Manning’s Debut & Hype – 23:45–33:33
- Focus Shifts from CFB to NFL – 33:45
- Micah Parsons Trade Deep Dive – 40:02–51:33
- NFL Top 100 Reactions – 53:09
- Nick’s Season Gambling Picks – 56:02
- Damanze’s Season Bets – 73:12
- Listener Q&A – 75:22
Final Thoughts
The episode masterfully blends rapid-fire takes on current events, nuanced long-term analysis, and the gambling wisdom fans expect as the NFL season nears. Nick doesn’t hold back on controversial opinions or on dissecting evolving narratives, especially around hyped figures like Arch Manning and Bill Belichick. The Parsons saga illustrates classic franchise tensions, while Nick’s transparency about his own picking track record and survivor pools makes for a relatable, authentic listen for fans seeking both insight and entertainment.