Kirk Herbstreit is a prominent American sports analyst and former college football player. He is widely recognized for his work on ESPN's College GameDay, where he provides expert analysis and commentary on college football. Herbstreit's insightful commentary extends to college football games broadcast on ESPN and ABC, as well as Thursday night NFL games on Prime Video. His contributions to sports broadcasting have earned him five Sports Emmy Awards, highlighting his expertise and respected standing in the industry. He also lent his voice and expertise to EA Sports' NCAA Football video game series, further solidifying his connection to the world of college football.
In 1960, Jim Herbstreit, Kirk's father, was co-captain of the Ohio State football team.
Kirk Edward Herbstreit was born on August 19, 1969.
In 1988, Kirk Herbstreit became the first player to commit to Ohio State after John Cooper was hired as head coach.
In 1989 James and Jeff Davidson became the first father-son duo to captain the Ohio State football team
Kirk Herbstreit began playing football for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1989.
Kirk Herbstreit started his four-year letterman career as quarterback at Ohio State University in 1989.
In 1992, Kirk Herbstreit became the starting quarterback and co-captain for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was also voted the team MVP.
With Kirk Herbstreit named co-captain in 1992, he and his father, Jim, became the second father-son duo to captain the Ohio State football team.
Kirk Herbstreit finished his time playing football as a quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1993.
Kirk Herbstreit graduated from Ohio State University in 1993 with a degree in business administration.
Kirk Herbstreit joined ESPN in 1996, beginning his prominent career as a sports analyst.
In 1997, Kirk Herbstreit was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award and wrote a column titled "Inside The Game With Kirk Herbstreit" for The Sporting News.
Kirk Herbstreit married Alison in 1998.
In 2006, Troy Smith broke Kirk Herbstreit's Ohio State record for pass completions in a game against Michigan.
In July 2007, Kirk Herbstreit was a panelist for the television series "Who's Now."
In 2007, Pepper and Dionte Johnson became the third father-son duo to captain the Ohio State football team.
In 2009, Kirk Herbstreit sued the IRS over a policy change concerning house donations to fire departments.
The Herbstreit family moved from Ohio to Nashville in 2011.
In 2018, Kirk Herbstreit replaced Jon Gruden on ESPN's NFL Draft coverage.
Kirk Herbstreit announced the first game of the Monday Night Football Kickoff Week doubleheader in 2020. He and Rece Davis also worked a MegaCast on ESPN2 for the Saints-Raiders game, the first NFL game in Las Vegas.
In the final week of the 2021 NFL Season, Herbstreit and Chris Fowler called the first game of the Monday Night Football Doubleheader.
Kirk Herbstreit's son, Zak, joined the Ohio State football team as a preferred walk-on in 2021.
On March 23, 2022, Kirk Herbstreit became the color commentator for Thursday Night Football on Prime Video and extended his contract with ESPN.
In 2022, Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler called the first game of the MNF doubleheader during the final week of the 2021 season.