Kirk Herbstreit has certainly become a figure of debate in the world of college football. The ESPN broadcaster often finds himself at the center of fan criticism, especially among those who aren’t exactly aligned with his views. This was particularly evident when Herbstreit defended the College Football Playoff selection committee’s controversial call to exclude an undefeated Florida State in 2023. He also stirred things up by arguing against Indiana’s inclusion in the last postseason.
In a candid chat on the Pure Athlete podcast, Herbstreit opened up about the challenges of dealing with backlash from fans. He insists his intentions are never to provoke. “Inherently, I’m a people-pleaser,” he explained, courtesy of Awful Announcing. “I aim to be a reasonable voice and fair in my judgments. But in today’s media environment, much like politics, there’s a focus on shock value, on saying things to trend on social media. That’s not my style, and it never will be.”
For almost three decades, ESPN hasn’t nudged Herbstreit to make sensationalist claims for the sake of ratings. “ESPN’s never put pressure on me to adopt a particular stance or say something just for impact,” he remarked. “In my 29 years, it’s all about doing the groundwork, speaking to the right people, and being thoroughly prepared. I never intend to condescend to our audience.”
Herbstreit is quick to acknowledge that people are free to disagree with him, but he stands by his veteran insights. A former Ohio State athlete, he rebuffs any accusations of having a preference for the SEC or any conference. “I’ve been watching just about every game each Saturday for 29 years, so when I share an opinion, it’s a well-informed one,” he expressed. “You might not see eye-to-eye with me, and that’s okay. But know that I’m not just throwing out wild ideas to antagonize anyone.”
Though he appreciates engaging with reasonable fans, he finds the toxic atmosphere of social media to be deeply unsettling. After taking a break from digital platforms, he remains cautious around negativity online. “I dedicate myself to working hard, gathering insights, and offering well-thought-out opinions,” he stated. “I don’t claim to have all the answers, but the opinions I present are informed ones.”
Herbstreit does not shy away from spirited discussions, but he advocates for a more respectful exchange. As he continues to navigate the rocky terrain of public opinion, he aims to maintain his dedication to fair and educated commentary.
