The Herd with Colin Cowherd 3 & Out - NFL Kicking off on a Wednesday, Latest with Puka Nacua, Final Four Picks
Mar 26, 2026
A lively debate over moving an NFL season opener to Wednesday and why Australia kickoffs clash with TV windows. A dive into how NIL cash reshaped college recruiting and program power. Updates on Puka Nacua’s off-field crossroads and Patrick Mahomes’ recovery timeline. Draft talk on Ty Simpson and how draft rooms think. Final Four picks and a rapid-fire mailbag closing out the show.
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Australia Opener Breaks NFL Game Day Rhythm
- The NFL's Australia opener forces a 10:30 AM ET kickoff that disrupts the league's built game-day rhythm.
- John Middlecoff argues moving two teams 45 minutes apart (49ers vs Rams) to that slot prioritizes international TV over player preparation and tradition.
College Jobs Now Depend On NIL Budgets
- NIL has shifted college sports from history-and-facility-driven choices to money-first decisions focused on player pay budgets.
- Middlecoff explains coaching desirability now hinges on NIL budgets and willingness to 'pay whatever it takes' to buy talent.
Puka Nacua At A Fork In The Road
- Middlecoff recounts conversations and impressions about Puka Nacua's off-field issues and how repeated headlines damage trust.
- He frames Nacua as at a 'fork in the road' where continued incidents could cost a massive guaranteed contract.