As the forward face of college football, Kirk Herbstreit’s opinion matters. It’s why he faced backlash for retroactively lobbying for Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes over the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff, and why Awful Announcing’s Ben Axelrod stated that his criticism of Ohio State fans lost the plot. Additionally, AA’s Matt Yoder has challenged him and ESPN for their inadequate coverage of the inaugural 12-team CFP.
Herbstreit’s comments invariably provoke reactions — some favorable and others not so much. He described this reaction as “really tough” to manage during a recent appearance on the Pure Athlete podcast.
“I’m a pleaser by nature. I try to be a voice of reason,” said Herbstreit. “In this era of television, you see a lot of shock jock mentality where people aim for social media buzz with outrageous statements. I’ve never done that, and I never will. ESPN has never instructed me to take a side or make statements for their interests. After nearly three decades, I put in significant work; I engage with many people, and I prepare thoroughly. I strive to connect with viewers, speaking as though we’re having a casual conversation like the four of us on this podcast. I give informed opinions after watching nearly every game for 29 years.”
He asserts his position allows him the privilege of forming opinions. “I provide my opinions, which may not always align with yours, but they are well-considered,” he explained. “If we disagree, that’s fine. I have no issue with that. My viewpoints aren’t randomly generated or designed to provoke certain fanbases. Some accuse ESPN of bias towards the SEC, but my affection extends to every team and conference.”
“As a captain at Ohio State, I have a deep-rooted passion for my school; however, I don’t promote any specific agenda on ESPN. Though I might be perceived as a Big Ten supporter by some, I spend the same time preparing to discuss every game and engage with coaches, striving for insightful commentary. I have learned to accept criticism over time; some people relish being angry and seeking conflict.”
“None of it sits easy with me. My approach is to disengage from negativity. Although I enjoy healthy interactions with fans who engage in constructive dialogue, the vitriol often directed my way is disheartening. Ultimately, I focus on my work, communicating with others, and providing the best insights possible. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I strive to offer informed opinions.”
Herbstreit recently made a puzzling social media shift, suggesting he deleted his accounts, only for his son to post content that implied otherwise. Although he later clarified the misunderstanding, it’s important to note that this confusion arose during a time when he was dealing with personal challenges. Regardless of occasional missteps or constant scrutiny, Herbstreit remains dedicated to delivering honest, well-informed opinions without yielding to external pressures or sensationalism.
