Kirk Herbstreit Raises Concerns Over Bowl Game Oversaturation

Birmingham, AL — ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit expressed significant concerns regarding the number of college football bowl games during his podcast on December 29, 2025. A recognized figure in college football since the 1990s, Herbstreit believes that the increasing number of bowl games is diluting their significance.

Herbstreit, who has been a prominent voice in college football coverage, remarked, “Bowl games are supposed to be special. They’re supposed to be a reward for a great year.” He pointed out that with over 40 bowl games currently being hosted, many teams, including those with subpar records, are finding themselves invited to postseason games simply for ratings reasons.

During the podcast, titled “Nonstop with Kirk and Joey,” he recalled his experience at an ESPN seminar where he posed a question about the increasing bowl games. “Are we creating too many bowl games?” he asked, emphasizing that this trend might be oversaturating the bowl season. His comments reportedly did not sit well with colleagues, as ESPN controls most bowl broadcasts.

“In the past, you had to be at least 8-4 to even be considered for a bowl game,” Herbstreit added, highlighting how the standards have changed. He noted that teams with a 5-7 record, such as Rice and Mississippi State, are now eligible to compete for bowl trophies, which he sees as problematic.

Herbstreit, who still enjoys watching competitive bowl games, mentioned that the joy of tuning into an exciting matchup can often be overshadowed by teams that do not perform at their best. “I feel bad because when I turn into a bowl game that actually has good teams that had good seasons, I’m dialed in,” he stated.

Despite his criticisms, he remains a lifelong fan of the sport. “If there’s a bowl game on, chances are I’m going to give it every opportunity to chase me away, but I still have that hope,” Herbstreit concluded.