Kirk Herbstreit finally addresses strained relationship with Buckeyes fans, ‘I love Ohio State’

There’s no question that Ohio State fans have turned on former Buckeyes quarterback and long-time ESPN host Kirk Herbstreit in recent years. While Ohio State fans liked that Herbstreit showed slight favoritism toward his alma mater, they also appreciated that he never became a shameless shill to the program like Desmond Howard is for Michigan.

However, this past year or two brought a different tone amongst Ohio State fans. Herbstreit was more direct in his criticism of the fan base last year, calling them a “lunatic fringe” when calling for head coach Ryan Day’s job after a fourth-straight loss to the Wolverines.

Herbstreit’s plea for patience was proven correct, but the gap between the program’s most passionate fans and the former team captain felt as wide as ever. The fact his son, Chase, walked onto the Michigan football team didn’t help things.

On the “Built 4 More” podcast, Herbstreit was asked about calling games for the Buckeyes and his approach to covering the team in general. The host asked whether he’s “dying” during Ohio State games and whether his heart pulls him one way or another.

“I’m not dying. It’s like I flip a switch during the game. When you put so much work into something with your prep, [it’s necessary]… If you’re just going to ask me ‘Am I a fan?’ Oh my God.

I love Ohio State. I was a captain there. My dad was a captain there. Just the way I grew up,” remarked Kirk Herbstreit. “But when I call their games they’re a team, and the other team’s a team. I’m there to give analytical viewpoints. Try to give the viewer at home kind of the ‘how’ and the ‘why’.

When pressed about the tension between him and the Buckeyes’ faithful, Herbstreit knows his objectivity and ability to take that perspective is causing frustration.

“I know Ohio State’s fan base is probably as loud as any fan base in the country on social media, and a lot of that fraction are not fans of mine. Because I am fair. Because I am, you know, objective.”

Herbstreit played quarterback for the Buckeyes from 1989 to 1993. Although he was not a prolific statistical passer, he served as a team captain in his senior season, demonstrating strong leadership.

In 1992, Herbstreit became the starting quarterback and led the Buckeyes to an 8-3-1 record, culminating in a trip to the Florida Citrus Bowl. That season, he threw for 1,904 yards, completing 58% of his passes, with four touchdowns and six interceptions.

His most notable performance came in the 1992 rivalry game against Michigan, where he set an Ohio State record at the time with 271 passing yards in a 13-13 tie.

Herbstreit’s tenure came at a time when Ohio State’s offense was more run-heavy, limiting his statistical output compared to modern quarterbacks. While he never played in the NFL, his football IQ and leadership as a captain translated into a successful career as a broadcaster.

Herbstreit joined ESPN’s College GameDay in 1996 and has since become one of the most recognized voices in college football. Though his playing career may not have been record-setting, his impact on the sport as an analyst has made him one of Ohio State’s most visible and influential alumni.