The Herd with Colin Cowherd Colin Cowherd Podcast - INSTANT REACTION: Indiana Wins National Championship, Miami Clearly 2nd Best Team, NIL Has Transformed College Football
Jan 20, 2026
John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout and insightful football analyst, joins the conversation after Indiana's thrilling victory over Miami in the National Championship. They dissect quarterback Fernando Mendoza's impressive skills and his potential as the clear #1 NFL draft pick. The duo explores Miami's talent and their strong chances in the ACC next year. They emphasize how NIL has reshaped college football, paving the way for a wealthier, more competitive landscape that challenges traditional powers like Alabama and Georgia.
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Mendoza As A Franchise-Caliber QB
- Colin elevates Fernando Mendoza as a distinct top prospect with size, accuracy, and toughness.
- He compares Mendoza to franchise quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Dak Prescott rather than elite arms like Caleb Williams.
Build Around The Quarterback
- Build the NFL team around a quarterback like Mendoza rather than expecting him to carry everything alone.
- Prioritize roster construction and coaching to turn a good QB into a playoff franchise leader.
NIL Shifts Traditional Power Balance
- Colin argues Georgia and Alabama will lose ground because NIL redistributes talent and money across programs.
- He highlights Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Big Ten schools as emerging power centers with strong financial backing.