The Herd with Colin Cowherd

John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout and host of '3 and Out,' joins Colin to dissect the thrilling college football playoff scene. They celebrate Indiana's shocking triumph over Alabama, diving into Curt Cignetti's elite coaching methods. The duo thoroughly analyzes quarterback Fernando Mendoza's standout qualities. Oregon's dominance over Texas Tech is another highlight, showcasing their youthful talent. They also explore Miami's impressive upset against Ohio State, crediting Mario Cristobal's recruiting brilliance. Finally, they critique Lincoln Riley's struggles to build a solid defense at USC.

Happy New Year to gamblers! The hosts dive into their top betting picks for Week 18, analyzing pivotal matchups like the Panthers versus the Bucs and the Seahawks battling the 49ers. They highlight surprising moves from professional bettors on teams like the Giants and discuss key player dynamics, including Aaron Rodgers' impact against the Ravens. With insights on Bengals' explosive offense and the uncertainty surrounding the Packers, they share their final picks and favorite parlay ideas for this exciting finish to the NFL regular season.

Yogi Roth, a Big Ten Network analyst and podcast host, joins the discussion to explore the implications of Miami's stunning upset win over Ohio State. The conversation pivots to how college football can reclaim December Saturdays from the NFL and the effects of playoff scheduling on team preparedness. Yogi highlights the Big Ten's quarterback evolution and the ongoing debates surrounding playoff fairness. He also shares insights on the current dynamics of college football and its branding challenges.

Carmen Vitale, a Fox Sports Radio host and NFL analyst, joins the discussion to dive into the thrilling narrative of NFL Week 18. She shares insights on Lamar Jackson’s health and its implications for the Ravens' playoff chances. The conversation shifts to the Texans and rookie C.J. Stroud, stressing the importance of patience in his development. Lastly, the team debates Matthew Stafford's MVP candidacy, with questions about his recent performance dampening his chances. Vitale’s takes make for an engaging and informative wrap-up!

Hosts Rob Parker and Kerry Rhodes dive into the intense quarterfinal matchup between Oregon and Texas Tech, highlighting crucial fourth-down decisions. The debate heats up over whether Lamar Jackson should start against the Steelers, with an emphasis on his potential game-changing impact. They also discuss the playoff stakes for Sam Darnold and Kyle Shanahan, contrasting their postseason pressures. Finally, the duo recalls the biggest sports moments of 2025, reflecting on gambling scandals that have shaken trust in sports.

Yogi Roth, a college football analyst and host, shares insights on the College Football Playoff, focusing on Ohio State's long layoff and Miami's rising credibility. He dives into the Big Ten's competitiveness and quarterbacks. NFL analyst Carmen Vitale discusses the critical decision for the Ravens regarding Lamar Jackson's health, debates the viability of Tyler Huntley, and evaluates C.J. Stroud's growth with the Texans. The conversation wraps up with discussions on playoff implications and coaching futures for both the Ravens and Steelers.

J-Mac, a regular co-host known for his insightful commentary, joins Colin to dissect the Lakers' significant roster flaws after a blowout loss to the Pistons. They highlight the lack of essential traits like defense and athleticism. The conversation then shifts to college football, praising the top eight teams for their reliability. They also delve into the future of Lamar Jackson, examining trade rumors and reflecting on his impact in Baltimore. Commentary on head coach JJ Reddick's frustrations adds to the engaging dialogue.

Greg Cosell, a veteran NFL Films producer and analyst, joins to dissect the magic of Brock Purdy's recent performances, highlighting his timing, anticipation, and clever scheme under Kyle Shanahan. Cosell also discusses the obsession with football displayed by players like Maxx Crosby, suggesting that it’s essential for greatness. Additionally, he analyzes the mechanics of other quarterbacks, including Derek Carr and Matthew Stafford, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses in the ever-evolving NFL landscape.

Urban Meyer, former head coach with championships at Florida and Ohio State, shares insights as a Fox Sports analyst. He highlights Kyle Whittingham's impressive coaching style and conditioning at Michigan, while analyzing USC's struggles under Lincoln Riley. Meyer debates the shifting power dynamics in college football, focusing on recent Big Ten successes. They also preview matchups, emphasizing strategic game planning for low-scoring contests, and engage in a humorous segment critiquing the overwhelming number of bowl games.

Colin Cowherd dives into the Lakers' struggles, citing roster issues that keep them from contention despite star power. He hails the current College Football Playoff as the best ever, analyzing the top eight teams. Insights from NFL Films' Greg Cosell reveal why the Bills' offense is faltering under Josh Allen and praise for Caleb Williams' development. The discussion also touches on Lamar Jackson's complex relationship with the Ravens and the pivotal upcoming AFC matchup between Baltimore and Pittsburgh.