Kirk Herbstreit Drops Cryptic Reaction to Son’s Stunning Career Move—What’s Next?

Ah, the eternal question in sports broadcasting: does legacy open doors or simply set the stage for the next generation to blaze their own trail? Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN’s heralded voice of college football since 2006, has just gotten a reason to beam brighter this season — his son Zak, fresh off his playing days at Ohio State, is stepping into the analyst spotlight with On3. Now, folks might be quick to dismiss Zak’s new gig as just nepotism — and hey, who can blame the skeptics? But isn’t it intriguing to wonder if Zak’s got that spark, that insider’s edge born from growing up under Kirk’s powerful shadow, ready to bring fans something fresh and raw? As Zak gears up to hit the biggest games, offering behind-the-scenes insights on his own show “Off Script,” the real question emerges: can he silence the doubters and prove his passion isn’t just inherited but earned? Either way, this Herbstreit duo saga is shaping up to be one hell of a storyline this college football season. LEARN MORE.

The college football season is still a few weeks away, but ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit has plenty of reasons to celebrate this Monday. 

Herbstreit has been ESPN’s top college football analyst since 2006. He has called countless College Football Playoff games for the network alongside play-by-play commentator Chris Fowler. In fact, he has called more games at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium than any other broadcaster. 

So why is Herbstreit all smiles this week? It turns out his son, former Ohio State tight end Zak Herbstreit, is following in his footsteps and becoming a college football analyst. 

On3 has hired Zak Herbstreit as a national analyst for the upcoming season. He’ll interview players, coaches and broadcasters on his own show, “Off Script.”

“Zak has tremendous natural talent and has grown up immersed in college,” On3 Founder Shannon Terry said. “His ability to connect with today’s college stars will bring a fresh and authentic perspective to the On3 network. He’ll be traveling each week to the biggest games across the country, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at everything that makes Saturdays the greatest day in sports.”

A few hours after On3 made this hiring official, Herbstreit received a heartfelt message from his father.

“Congratulations on this opportunity Zak,” Kirk Herbstreit wrote on X. “Can’t wait to see you work hard and grow in this space! Go gettem!!”

Some fans criticized On3’s latest hire, claiming Herbstreit’s son only got the job because of his last name. That being said, he’ll have plenty of time to prove his doubters wrong. 

“I’m grateful for the path that led me here, and I’m excited to bring real passion, insight, and a player’s mindset to the content that On3 creates,” Herbstreit’s son said in a press release. 

Will you be listening to Zak Herbstreit’s analysis this season?

Related: Kirk Herbstreit’s Son Lands Analyst Job – And College Football Fans Aren’t Happy