Zak Herbstreit Carves His Path in Ohio State Football Legacy

COLUMBUS, Ohio — For Zak Herbstreit, football is more than a sport—it’s a family legacy. The Ohio State Buckeyes tight end, son of ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, has spent the past four years carving his own path on the field while balancing academics and overcoming health challenges.

At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Zak joined the Buckeyes in 2021 as a preferred walk-on. He made his debut in 2022, playing against Toledo, Wisconsin, and Rutgers. Despite a medical setback in 2023 that temporarily sidelined him, Zak remains optimistic. “I have some of the best cardiologists looking after me,” he said, emphasizing his determination to return to full health.

Off the field, Zak is an OSU Scholar-Athlete pursuing a marketing degree, showcasing his commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics. His journey reflects the values instilled by his parents, Kirk and Alison Herbstreit, who have been pillars of support throughout his career.

Alison Butler Herbstreit, a former Ohio State cheerleader, met Kirk during their college years. Married since 1998, the couple has raised four sons—Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase—alongside their trio of golden retrievers. Alison’s quiet dedication to her family has been a cornerstone of their success. “She’s the glue that holds us together,” Kirk once said.

Kirk Herbstreit, a household name in college football, played quarterback for Ohio State from 1989 to 1993 and later became a prominent ESPN analyst. His career highlights include setting an Ohio State record with 28 pass completions against Michigan in 1992, a record that stood until 2006. In 2023, he was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in the sport.

Zak’s upbringing was shaped by his family’s deep ties to football. The Herbstreits moved from Ohio to Nashville in 2011, where Zak attended Montgomery Bell Academy. His older brothers, Jake and Tye, also pursued football, with Tye playing at Clemson and Jake splitting time between Clemson and Ohio State. Zak followed in their footsteps, blending talent with a relentless work ethic.

As Zak enters his senior year with the Buckeyes, he continues to honor his family’s legacy while forging his own identity. “We don’t take anything for granted,” Kirk said of raising athletic sons. For Zak, the journey is about more than football—it’s about resilience, balance, and the pursuit of excellence.