THE HERD - Hour 3 - Former Oklahoma State HC Mike Gundy stops by The Herd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd33mMay 1, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy joins the show for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of college football. Gundy reflects on his eight seasons with 10+ wins at Oklahoma State, the challenges of competing against elite quarterback talent like Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, and Jalen Hurts, and his admiration for Patrick Mahomes, whom he called the best college quarterback he’d ever seen. He discusses the transformative impact of NIL and the transfer portal, advocating for a one-time transfer rule and expressing concern about the financial strain on college athletics, particularly non-revenue sports. Gundy also weighs in on the future of the college football playoff, arguing that eight teams is optimal—more than four, but not so many that the competition loses meaning. He shares insights on recruiting, especially in Texas and Oklahoma, and reflects on the changing dynamic between coaches and players in the era of player empowerment. The conversation also touches on NFL topics, including the Green Bay Packers' standing, the Ty Simpson draft pick, and the Lakers' playoff struggles, with Cowherd and guests analyzing team fatigue, coaching decisions, and roster development. The episode features a mix of promotional segments for other iHeart podcasts, including The Clifford Show, 2%, The Girlfriends, Look Back At It, and Stu Gadsden Company Live. These interludes highlight the podcast network’s diverse content, from sports media to mental health and pop culture retrospectives. Throughout the discussion, Gundy maintains a balanced, pragmatic view—respectful of change but wary of overreach, especially in college athletics’ financial model. His insights are grounded in decades of coaching experience, offering a rare perspective on how NIL and the transfer portal have reshaped the game. The tone remains conversational and insightful, blending sports analysis with cultural commentary.

Key Takeaways
1

NIL and the transfer portal have fundamentally changed college football, but structural limits like a one-time transfer rule are needed to maintain fairness.

2

Mike Gundy believes eight teams is the ideal number for the college football playoff—enough competition to excite fans, but not so many that the championship loses meaning.

3

College athletics is becoming a business, and non-revenue sports are at risk of being squeezed out as schools prioritize revenue-generating programs.

4

Patrick Mahomes was the best college quarterback Mike Gundy ever saw, and his impact was so clear that Gundy urged him to enter the NFL after his junior year.

5

Player empowerment through NIL has changed coach-player dynamics, but Gundy believes players still crave discipline and structure.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Podcast Promos and Intro

The episode opens with a series of promotional segments for iHeart podcasts including The Clifford Show, 2%, The Girlfriends, Look Back At It, and Stu Gadsden Company Live, highlighting the network's diverse content.

2:30
8 min

Mike Gundy’s Coaching Legacy and the Oklahoma State Era

Colin Cowherd welcomes Mike Gundy, former Oklahoma State head coach, to discuss his eight seasons with 10+ wins, the challenges of competing against elite quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts, and the culture of the Big 12 during that time.

10:00
10 min

The Impact of NIL and the Transfer Portal

I would agree 100%. My concern is the other sports we talk about, we use the term non-revenue sports. And so business is business and college football, college athletics has now become a business.

Highlight
20:00
8 min

The College Football Playoff: How Many Teams?

I think eight's the best number. And here's why. I don't think there's more than eight teams that are capable of winning a national championship each year.

Highlight
27:30
8 min

Recruiting, Player Development, and the Future of College Football

Gundy discusses recruiting in Texas and Oklahoma, the rise of programs like Indiana and Vanderbilt due to NIL, and the long-term impact of coaches like Kurt Cignetti. He reflects on Arch Manning’s development and the pressure of the Manning name.

High-Impact Quotes
I think eight's the best number. And here's why. I don't think there's more than eight teams that are capable of winning a national championship each year.
Mike Gundy9:16
Viral: 90.0
He was the best college quarterback that I've ever seen. Wow! And I told him after his junior year... I said, Patrick, there's no reason you should come back and play college football next year.
Mike Gundy17:28
Viral: 88.0
I would agree 100%. My concern is the other sports we talk about, we use the term non-revenue sports. And so business is business and college football, college athletics has now become a business.
Mike Gundy20:09
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Mike Gundy
Topics Discussed
NIL and Player Compensation95%College Football Playoff Format90%College Athletics Financial Sustainability90%Transfer Portal and Player Mobility85%Player Empowerment and Coach-Player Dynamics80%Team Fatigue and Playoff Performance75%Recruiting and Regional Talent75%NFL Draft and Player Development70%
People & Brands

Colin Cowherd

person

15xNeutral

Mike Gundy

person

12xPositive

Oklahoma State

organization

10xPositive

NIL

other

10xPositive

Patrick Mahomes

person

8xPositive

Transfer Portal

other

7xNeutral

Big 12 Conference

organization

6xNeutral

Los Angeles Lakers

organization

6xNegative

Green Bay Packers

organization

5xNeutral

Indiana Hoosiers

organization

4xPositive

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