Kirk Herbstreit Defends Ohio State Amid NIL Criticism on College GameDay

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit passionately defended his alma mater, Ohio State, during a heated discussion on Thursday’s College GameDay, addressing criticism surrounding the team’s use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The conversation took place ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinal between Ohio State and Texas.

Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, pushed back against the perception that the Buckeyes’ success is solely due to financial incentives. “The perception is wrong with Ohio State,” Herbstreit said. “The reality is this is a veteran defense. Nine of their 11 starting defensive players are three-year starters. They’ve been there for three years. They’ve lost some tough games. That’s what I think is interesting about this team.”

Herbstreit’s comments came in response to fellow analyst Desmond Howard, a Michigan alum, who quipped that Ohio State “paid $20 million for these guys” to build their roster. Howard suggested that the Buckeyes’ loss to Michigan earlier in the season might have been the catalyst for their recent success. “We knew all season long they were probably the most talented roster in all of college football,” Howard said. “They paid $20 million for these guys — and we knew these guys would deliver.”

Herbstreit countered by emphasizing that Ohio State’s spending was primarily aimed at retaining talent rather than acquiring new players. “They spent $20 million to keep those guys from leaving and going elsewhere,” he said. He also highlighted the team’s resilience, noting their losses to Michigan, Oregon, and Georgia in recent years. “It’s a hardened team that’s been through a lot of sh-t,” Herbstreit said, drawing laughter from co-host Pat McAfee.

The exchange underscored the ongoing debate about the impact of NIL deals on college football. While some critics argue that NIL has created a “pay-to-play” environment, Herbstreit and others contend that it is a necessary tool for retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Ohio State, which boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football, is set to face Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Friday. The Buckeyes are seeking their first national championship since 2014, and Herbstreit believes their experience and resilience could be key factors in their pursuit of the title.