In the world of college football, few figures are as closely linked to Ohio State as Kirk Herbstreit. Growing up in Ohio, with a father who coached under the legendary Woody Hayes, Herbstreit has a deep-rooted history with the Buckeyes that spans decades. Even now, as a prominent ESPN analyst, his connection to OSU remains strong, not only for himself but through the fervent passion passed down to his four children. They, like many, are swept up in the enthusiasm of Buckeye Nation.
However, amidst this passion lies a darker undercurrent that Herbstreit has increasingly vocalized in recent years. After moving away from Ohio, he has expressed concerns regarding a segment of the fan base he dubs the “lunatic fringe.” This isn’t just idle chatter; it highlights an important dynamic in the relationship between fans and their teams.
Reflecting on the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff victory over Tennessee, Herbstreit didn’t hold back. He pointed out a concerning trend within the fan base, noting, “The lunatic fringe at Ohio State is as powerful as anywhere in the country.” He believes this group has grown more vocal and perhaps more agitated, pointing to a scenario where the emotions of the fan base can elevate quickly—especially if the team falters. “God forbid they lose to Oregon. They’ll want to fire [Ryan Day] again,” he remarked with a mix of disbelief and concern.
Herbstreit took it a step further, recalling just how intense that scrutiny can get. He remembered the fervor around the coach after a rough patch, likening the situation to moments where some in the media speculated about Day’s future with the team. He conveyed that even after a big win, the narrative amongst some fans can shift dramatically, leading to intense discussions not just about team performance, but about the coaching staff.
What weighs heavily on Herbstreit’s mind, however, are the implications of this pressure for players. He revealed that former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard faced death threats after a crucial loss to Oregon, an incident that underscores the deeply personal connection fans can feel to team outcomes. “It’s not easy what you guys are dealing with. You get to college football, you’re playing on national TV, and in a pivotal moment, you miss a field goal; you get death threats. Death threats. That is real,” he emphasized during an appearance on The Learning Leader Show.
He elaborated on the situation surrounding Howard, who made the decision to take a knee in a critical moment, which ultimately led to a heartbreaking defeat. “Will Howard, he took a knee against Oregon… and he took death threats. It’s so insane that these people have a voice to get to you,” Herbstreit lamented, recognizing the harsh reality that players endure beyond just the game itself.
Let’s be clear: death threats are completely unacceptable. While passionate support for a team is part of what makes college football so vibrant, it’s crucial for fans to remember the humanity behind the faceless jerseys and helmets. Emotions might run high in the heat of the moment, but stepping back during times of frustration ensures that the love for the game doesn’t spiral into toxic behavior.
Herbstreit’s insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between fan passion and the responsibility that comes with it—a balance that everyone involved in the sport should aim to maintain.
