Kirk Herbstreit has become one of the most recognizable voices in college football over the past three decades. The former Ohio State quarterback is known for his game analysis, work on “College GameDay” and ABC’s Saturday night broadcasts.
Herbstreit is one of ESPN’s most prominent analysts. His work has earned widespread praise, even as his opinions have occasionally drawn criticism from fan bases and coaches across the country.
ESPN made headlines during the summer amid another round of layoffs that saw some high-profile names receive their marching orders. However, Herbstreit was one of the notable personalities that were unaffected.
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On Tuesday, ESPN officially confirmed that Herbstreit will return as the network’s lead broadcast team for ABC and ESPN, alongside Chris Fowler and Holly Rowe.
The 2026 season marks Fowler and Herbstreit’s 13th year together in the booth and their 30th year as college football teammates, a partnership that began on College GameDay in 1996.
Herbstreit will continue his College GameDay duties throughout the season before calling ABC’s marquee Saturday night games alongside Fowler and Rowe. ESPN’s schedule begins on Aug. 29, followed by a full slate of games over Labor Day weekend and coverage that runs through the expanded College Football Playoff and national championship.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Herbstreit has earned five Sports Emmy Awards and has been widely respected for his preparation and insight. At the same time, he has frequently found himself at the center of debates over playoff rankings, coaching decisions and comments about teams and conferences. Even with those differing opinions, he remains one of the network’s defining voices.
