Longtime ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has become one of the more divisive voices in college football media.
Once broadly admired for his in-depth analysis and level-headed demeanor, the former Ohio State quarterback has found himself increasingly under fire – especially in recent years.
Much of the criticism stems from high-profile opinions, including Herbstreit’s support for the College Football Playoff committee’s controversial decision to exclude an undefeated Florida State in 2023.
He also publicly questioned whether Indiana deserved a postseason berth last year – stances that have drawn ire from passionate fanbases.
Speaking candidly on the Pure Athlete podcast, Herbstreit acknowledged how difficult it has been to deal with the backlash that now regularly comes with his job.
“I’m a pleaser by nature. I try to be a voice of reason. I try to be fair,” Herbstreit said. “In this era of television, there’s a lot of what you see in politics. When you’re watching TV, you see it in sports. There’s a lot of shock jock.
“There’s a lot of ‘What can I say to try to be trending, to be on social media? What outlandish thing can I say to get out there?’ I’ve never done that. I never will.”
In a media environment that increasingly thrives on hot takes and social media shock value, Herbstreit pushed back on the idea that he ever chases controversy for clicks.
Herbstreit also defended ESPN, saying the network has never pressured him to adopt a particular stance for the sake of ratings.
“ESPN’s never asked me to have a side. ‘You need to say this for our sake.’ Never had that one time in 29 years,” Herbstreit added. “So, I just really do a lot of work. I talk to a lot of people. I prepare. I never, ever try to talk down to the viewers.”
While some critics have accused Herbstreit of harboring a bias – particularly toward the SEC since ESPN acquired the conference’s broadcasting rights – he insisted that his opinions are based solely on what he sees on the field.
“I watch almost every single game every Saturday for 29 years. And so, I give you opinions,” Herbstreit said. “You don’t have to agree with them, but they’re fairly educated opinions, but they’re mine.
“If we want to disagree, let’s disagree. I have no problem with that. But I can assure you that my opinions aren’t just flying by the seat of my pants or ‘What can I say to upset a certain fanbase?’ Like, I’ve never done that – ever.”
Despite enjoying thoughtful debates with level-headed fans, Herbstreit admitted the vitriol on social media has taken a toll on him emotionally.
“Poison to my soul,” he called the negativity online. Though he’s returned from a self-imposed social media break, he said he tries to avoid engaging with hostile comments.
“All I do is work, talk to guys, have opinions, and do the best job that I can,” Herbstreit said. “Again, I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but at least I have informed answers and opinions when I give them.”
As the face of ESPN’s college football coverage for nearly three decades, Herbstreit knows his words carry weight – but he wants fans to know he’s never playing a character.
What are your thoughts on Herbie’s comments???
