3 and Out with John Middlekauff Colin Cowherd Podcast - NFL Win Totals, USC vs. Notre Dame Revival? Steelers Headed For Disaster?
May 12, 2026
John Middlekauff, former NFL scout and football analyst, joins to break down college and pro personnel moves. They discuss Notre Dame reaching out to USC amid NIL-driven scheduling problems. They debate Bill Belichick’s fit with young players and evaluate strange Steelers roster choices. They also weigh NFL win totals for teams like the Patriots, 49ers, Vikings, Packers and Bengals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
NIL Inflation Could Force Caps On College Pay
- College sports face unsustainable NIL inflation that could force conferences to cap player and coach earnings to avoid NFL-like payrolls.
- Colin warns rosters could cost $50–100M soon and conferences might limit player pay and coach salaries to rein in the arms race.
Why The Patriot Way Fails In College Football
- Bill Belichick's coaching style doesn't translate well to college because 18–19 year olds need different management than veteran NFL players.
- John and Colin argue Belichick treats teenagers like seasoned pros, missing the relational and developmental side younger players require.
Nick Caserio's Drafting Success After Leaving New England
- John Middlekauff recounts Nick Caserio leaving New England and drafting success in Houston, showing personnel skill can emerge after leaving a dominant boss.
- Colin notes Caserio's Texans have drafted well, contrasting with New England's poor recent drafting under Belichick.