Best of The Herd

Best of the Herd coming to you live with a busy Tuesday, and last night’s Indiana–Miami title felt half NFL in the best way. Older, paid, veteran rosters plus real scheme on both sides made for clean, grown‑up football, and Indiana’s buttoned‑up, all‑business vibe under Kurt Signetti is the proof that with the right coach, NIL, and the portal, you can look around and say, why not us.

You win a title this fast with the right people and a clear plan, and a lot of folks never thought 16 and 0 at Indiana could happen.

In Buffalo, tension’s high after moving on from Sean McDermott, and the real story is a small market taking a big swing instead of hiding behind safe records. He reportedly told ownership the roster lacked blue‑chip talent, the exits kept piling up with a defense allowing about thirty‑three in losses, and even if you do not love the GM, I respect the courage to reset.

Fernando Mendoza’s goal‑line run had that Andrew Luck and Josh Allen toughness, and even without gaudy yards he hit the money downs. If you were on the fence, climb down—he looks like the top pick, and QB‑needy teams should be dialing.

If I’m the SEC, I’m watching Miami and Notre Dame, because both have monster brands, elite recruiters, and big checks, and Miami’s fencing Dade and Broward with the economy to fuel it. My top three this season on pure play would be Indiana, Miami, and Ohio State, and for next year the only SEC team in the very top tier might be Texas because of the bankroll.

We made the playoff for the first time, stacked top‑ten wins, took major bowls, and we were one drive short of the big one; we’ll use the pain, give it direction, and come back harder.

Miami was terrific, but a blocked punt will beat you against Indiana, and only Ohio State and Miami matched the Hoosiers physically because the mix of money, coaching, and quarterback play matters now.

Joel, what’s your big takeaway from that game?

It was great theater on its own—Miami’s blocked punt and a late force hurt them—but the bigger story is the new era. NIL and the portal have created real parity, the product’s never been better, and Indiana’s title might be the most consequential I have seen because it tells every program, why not us.

Older rosters staying put have lifted play‑calling and execution, and that light NFL feel with smart coverage mixes and situational mastery is exactly what the sport needed.

Veteran quarterbacks are essential now because defenses are intricate, so offenses must have answers, not just athletes freelancing. Indiana solved Miami’s pass rush with the run game, movement, a timely QB draw, and repeated matchup throws to Charlie Becker—very postseason, players over plays.

How big a problem do Miami and Notre Dame become next year?

Miami must replace a lot on defense but can add a steady veteran at quarterback and still has difference‑makers, and Mario proved he can win big games. Notre Dame reloads with CJ Carr and a top transfer at receiver, and while Oregon could open number one with Dante Moore, it is actually hard to squeeze many SEC teams into a top ten right now.

My early board leans Big Ten, Miami, Notre Dame, and a spend‑heavy Texas, which leaves the SEC with limited seats at the top table.

That last spot could be anyone from LSU to A and M to Michigan, and the point is investment has made this a true national chase with no preseason inevitables. Indiana’s win punctuates that better than anything in my lifetime.

Quick one—best coaching job you have ever seen, because I think Signetti just delivered the greatest short‑run turnaround in any sport.

Brad Stevens at Butler was the closest comp, but hoops can ride one star, and this Indiana build was complete across the roster, which makes Signetti’s case even stronger.

The playoff finally fixed the old endings, the sport feels truly national, and you can no longer circle the usual suspects in June and be right.

We are entering a golden age, and Mendoza’s diving score brought back Elway’s helicopter for me. He delivered when the moment demanded it, which is why he owns the Heisman and a ring.

Good stuff, Joel—appreciate you, talk soon.