Kirk Herbstreit, a former star quarterback for Ohio State and a popular TV sports expert, has recently upset some of his old fans. He played for the Buckeyes in the early 1990s and is one of the school’s most famous alumni.

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State remains just as intense now as it did in the 90s. However, after his recent visit to the Michigan Wolverines' stadium, Herbstreit had great things to say about it. 

“Whatever dude. Had a blast. Epic atmosphere and elite fans! Absolutely honored to see it in person,” Herbstreit posted on his X account. 

What displeased Ohio State supporters was having a legendary alumnus praise their "enemies". For them, it felt like a betrayal of the team’s long history. 

However, there was a very personal reason behind his visit. Herbstreit’s son, Chase, is currently a quarterback for the Michigan team. Kirk has been very open about the fact that while he loves his old school, he is "just a dad" when it comes to supporting his children. 

This isn't the first time Kirk has faced heat for visiting Michigan, but he continues to stand his ground. He feels that people should be able to show good sportsmanship and appreciate a great atmosphere, even in a rival stadium.

To him, family loyalty will always come before college football rivalries. 

Fans Believe Kirk Herbstreit Is Slowly Turning into A Michigan

The tension between Kirk Herbstreit and Ohio State fans reached a breaking point because he used the word "honored" to describe his son’s journey. While fans understand he is a father, they found it difficult to move past his recent actions. 

For instance, last month, Kirk and his wife attended the Michigan Wolverines' spring game. Although he didn’t wear official team gear, he chose to wear Michigan’s colors, which Ohio State fans considered yet another betrayal.

The friction is also fueled by Kirk’s willingness to call out the fanbase. He faced significant backlash after defending head coach Ryan Day against fans who wanted him fired following four straight losses to Michigan.

By labeling these vocal critics as a lunatic fringe, he created a deep divide between himself and the fans who feel he has forgotten his roots.

Herbstreit addressed this drama on the Built 4 More podcast, explaining that he maintains a strict professional boundary. He described ‘flipping a switch’ to move from being a fan to an objective analyst. 

“I’m not dying. It’s like I flip a switch during the game,” he explained. “If you’re just going to ask me, ‘Am I a fan?’ Oh my God. I love Ohio State. I was the captain there. My dad was a captain there… But when I call their games, they’re a team, and the other team’s a team. I’m there to give analytical viewpoints.” 

He believes that his job is to provide fair commentary rather than act as a cheerleader for his alma mater. 

To him, being honored by his son's success is a matter of family and professional integrity, even if it ignores the usual rules of a sports rivalry.

Read more at the Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit