When ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit made an appearance on the Andy and Ari podcast, part of the On3 network, his comments about college football’s playoff race sparked some controversy, especially among Clemson Tigers fans. The well-known analyst was on the show to discuss the College Football Playoff (CFP), including a review of the recent quarterfinals and a preview of the upcoming semifinals. However, it was his offhand remark about “small little Clemsons” that likely left many Clemson supporters scratching their heads and feeling disrespected.
The conversation initially focused on the landscape of college football and the teams that made it into the playoff. Herbstreit, who is no stranger to analyzing the intricacies of the sport, was asked about the perception that he’s been advocating for more SEC teams to make the playoff. In particular, the question was raised after Alabama, a perennial powerhouse, was left out of the 2024 CFP. Herbstreit didn’t mince words, stating that “Alabama had no shot” at making the playoff after their loss to Oklahoma, which effectively dashed their hopes. He explained that the semifinal teams — Texas, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Penn State — represented the “final four” as good as it gets from a ratings perspective. The implication here was clear: these teams, with their large fanbases and storied histories, draw far more attention and generate better ratings for ESPN than teams with comparatively smaller national profiles.
Herbstreit went on to address the broader issue of how ESPN shapes the playoff selection process. He argued that the network is not actively trying to influence which teams get into the playoff. However, in an offhand comment, Herbstreit made it clear that when it comes to big brands, ESPN certainly has its preferences. “If you’re going to accuse us of anything, you should accuse us of wanting Ohio State, wanting Notre Dame and these big brands,” he said. “If you knew anything about ratings, that’s who you want. You don’t want these small little Clemsons and small little southern schools when it comes to cheering for ratings. Ratings are big, massive, Big Ten brands. That’s where ratings are.”
The comment clearly took aim at the smaller programs, especially Clemson, which has seen a meteoric rise to prominence in the last decade. The Tigers have become a national powerhouse under head coach Dabo Swinney, and their recent success has given them a firmly established presence in the CFP. For Herbstreit to dismiss the value of “small little Clemsons” in the context of playoff ratings felt like a slight to a program that has consistently proven itself at the highest level of college football.
Herbstreit’s remark was particularly striking because of his background as a former Ohio State player. As a key figure in the Big Ten, his bias towards Big Ten schools is often well-known, but his comments about Clemson seemed to disregard the Tigers’ sustained excellence in the postseason. Clemson has been one of the most successful teams in the CFP era, making seven appearances since the playoff format began. That number ranks second only to Alabama, a program with far more historical weight and a broader national following.
For Clemson fans, the frustration likely stems from Herbstreit’s disregard for what the Tigers have accomplished in the playoff era. Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in college football. The Tigers have not only made regular appearances in the CFP, but they’ve also won two national championships (2016, 2018) and have reached the championship game in two other trips (2015, 2020). This level of success in the playoff format speaks volumes about the Tigers’ consistency and the caliber of the program Swinney has built.
What’s even more frustrating for Clemson supporters is the dismissive nature of Herbstreit’s comment, which seems to imply that the program’s success doesn’t resonate on a national scale. While it’s true that the Tigers may not have the same historic brand power as programs like Ohio State, Notre Dame, or Alabama, their recent run of success in the CFP has proven that they belong on the biggest stage. Clemson has developed one of the most formidable football programs in the nation, and their ability to consistently compete for championships is undeniable. For Herbstreit to reduce that success to being part of a “small little” program is an oversight of their impressive achievements.
As Clemson looks ahead to the 2025 season, the team has the potential to continue its dominance in college football. The Tigers’ roster for next season is stacked with talent, including many key players from their ACC championship-winning squad. One of the most promising figures is quarterback Cade Klubnik, who is expected to be a Heisman contender in 2025. Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance during the 2024 season, and his development will be critical for the Tigers as they aim for another playoff berth and potentially a national title. Klubnik’s presence and ability to lead Clemson’s offense make them a legitimate contender for next year’s playoff, despite the dismissive comments about their brand.
In addition to Klubnik, Clemson’s defense remains one of the best in the country, and their continued success in recruiting will ensure that the Tigers remain competitive at the highest level. The program’s ability to bring in top-tier talent, especially in key positions, has helped maintain their position as one of the top teams in the ACC and nationally. With Dabo Swinney at the helm, Clemson has built a program that is capable of competing for championships year in and year out.
It’s also important to note that the expanded College Football Playoff format, which will begin in 2024, will likely benefit teams like Clemson that have consistently earned playoff berths. The larger field means more opportunities for teams to showcase their talents on the national stage, and Clemson is well-positioned to take advantage of this new format. While Herbstreit may have made his preferences clear regarding ratings, the expanded playoff is a chance for programs like Clemson to prove that they belong, not just based on their historical brand power, but on the merit of their recent on-field performances.
In conclusion, while Kirk Herbstreit’s comments about “small little Clemsons” may have been intended as a throwaway line, they have certainly struck a nerve with Clemson fans who feel the program deserves more recognition for its sustained success in the CFP era. The Tigers have become one of the premier programs in college football under Dabo Swinney, and their continued dominance in the ACC and on the national stage proves that they are far from a “small” program. With a talented roster, including the promising Cade Klubnik, and a coach like Swinney, Clemson is well-positioned for another run at the College Football Playoff in 2025. Despite the dismissive comments about their brand, Clemson will continue to prove that they belong among the elite in college football.
