Kirk Herbstreit, one of college football’s most recognizable voices, is no stranger to bold statements, but his recent remarks during an interview have left fans scratching their heads. Discussing the College Football Playoff’s Final Four, which features Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas, Herbstreit made eyebrow-raising comments about what constitutes a “ratings bonanza.”
Kirk Herbstreit says he is not on social media.
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) January 7, 2025
“I don't have it. My son tweets stuff out... I don't read anything. I don't see anything."
Yet he has called out the “lunatic fringe” Ohio State fans for… their comments on social media. 🤦🙄
pic.twitter.com/FgsYvVhPLj
“We could not have paid for a better Final Four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas,” Herbstreit said. “The only one missing is Michigan… So, this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me? If you’re asking us who we would want, we’ll take Ohio State every year, Notre Dame. This is a ratings bonanza.”
If that wasn’t enough to stoke controversy, Herbstreit continued with a statement that seemed more like satire than serious analysis.
“You don’t want these small little Clemsons and small little Southern schools when it comes to cheering for ratings,” he said. “Ratings are big, massive Big Ten brands.”
.@KirkHerbstreit sets the record straight on ESPN SEC bias:
— On3 (@On3sports) January 7, 2025
"We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. The only one missing is Michigan... So this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me?" pic.twitter.com/xbci8PfrrG
Herbstreit’s comments have sparked outrage, particularly among fans of SEC schools. Referring to Clemson—a two-time national champion in the last decade—as a “small little school” was baffling enough. But lumping programs like Alabama, Auburn, and Texas A&M into the same category of being undesirable for ratings was wild.
The SEC has long been the gold standard for college football dominance, with Alabama alone claiming six national titles since 2009. Suggesting that Big Ten schools inherently draw better ratings than SEC powerhouses flies in the face of years of evidence.
The 11 most watched games this season were either SEC or Big Ten conference games. SEC & B1G league games also accounted for 15 of largest 20 TV audiences via @paulsen_smw https://t.co/kTMEWLAfEC pic.twitter.com/zfJKX0QrXp
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 12, 2024
While Kentucky fans don’t have much stake in this year’s playoff discussion after a dismal 4-8 football season, they couldn’t help but roll their eyes at Herbstreit’s apparent dismissal of Southern schools. Kentucky, an SEC program steeped in basketball tradition, has seen firsthand how passionate Southern fanbases can drive viewership numbers, whether for football or basketball.
Herbstreit’s comments seem to play into a broader narrative about the Big Ten’s recent attempts to solidify itself as college football’s preeminent conference. With massive media deals and the addition of schools like USC and UCLA, the Big Ten is positioning itself as the future of college football. But dismissing the SEC—a conference that has dominated the playoff era—as second-tier for ratings is a tough sell.
For Herbstreit, a self-described advocate for the purity of the game, his statements seem oddly disconnected from the facts. The SEC consistently outpaces other conferences in TV ratings, attendance, and national interest. Alabama-Georgia SEC Championship games have drawn massive viewership numbers, often outpacing Big Ten matchups, including “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan.
Meanwhile, Clemson—despite Herbstreit’s dismissive tone—has been a playoff mainstay, appearing in six of the first seven CFPs and winning two national titles.
The Most Dominant National Champions in the BCS/CFP Era:
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) March 14, 2024
(Based on Average Margin of Victory)
2013 Florida State - 39.5
2005 Texas - 33.8
2018 Clemson - 31.2
2001 Miami - 31
2008 Florida - 30.7
2020 Alabama - 29.1
2021 Georgia - 28.4
2012 Alabama - 27.8
2022 Georgia - 26.8
2011… pic.twitter.com/87y1pQyV2p
As the playoff expands and the college football landscape continues to evolve, let’s hope future conversations prioritize the best teams on the field—regardless of their geography or conference affiliation. Until then, Herbstreit’s words will remain a head-scratching moment for college football fans everywhere.