Kirk Herbstreit Balances Family Loyalties in CFP Championship Broadcast

ATLANTA, Ga. — ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, will call Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game between his alma mater and Notre Dame, navigating a unique family dynamic as his sons play for both teams.

Herbstreit, who played for Ohio State from 1989 to 1993, will serve as the color commentator alongside play-by-play partner Chris Fowler. His son Zak, a senior tight end for the Buckeyes, will be on the sideline for his final game, while his younger son Chase recently committed to play for Michigan, Ohio State’s archrival.

“At the end of the day, I’m no different than anybody sitting on their couch. I just prepare and talk about it,” Herbstreit said during media availability in Atlanta. “I’m an Ohio State junkie. And so when they do well, and I’m able to enjoy it, there’s nobody more thrilled than me.”

Herbstreit acknowledged the emotional challenge of balancing his professional duties with his personal ties. “If that scarlet and gray confetti comes down, I’m gonna be trying to race to get to the field to hug my son and be a part of that celebration if they’re lucky enough to win,” he said.

Chase Herbstreit, a standout quarterback at Cincinnati St. Xavier, committed to Michigan last month after the Wolverines offered him a scholarship. Ohio State, despite reported interest, did not extend an offer. “It’s his life,” Kirk Herbstreit said. “My dad was really cool with me, he was a former captain (at Ohio State), and I was recruited by a lot of schools, and he kind of stayed out of it. I knew I was gonna be a Buckeye all along.”

Chase threw for 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 649 yards and eight touchdowns this season. “Michigan was a school I fell in love with ever since I visited and can’t wait to get started,” Chase told 247Sports in December.

Ohio State enters the championship game on a three-game win streak, while Notre Dame has won 13 straight. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is seeking his first national title, while Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman aims to deliver the Fighting Irish their first championship since 1988.

Herbstreit emphasized his support for both sons, regardless of their collegiate choices. “I’m there as a sounding board, I’m there to listen to him, and I’m there to be his biggest fan,” he said of Chase. “So if he wants to go to Michigan, then I support it 1,000% as a dad.”