Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent sports commentator, former college football player, and Ohio State alum, has long been an outspoken voice in the world of college football. Over the years, he has developed a reputation for providing insightful analysis and expressing strong opinions about the state of the game. Recently, Herbstreit has made headlines once again, this time sharing his thoughts on the current perception of Ohio State football. This piece explores his perspective on how the Buckeyes are viewed within the college football landscape and why he believes certain narratives about the team are either misplaced or misunderstood.
The National Narrative on Ohio State Football
Herbstreit, who has spent decades following and analyzing college football, is no stranger to the intense scrutiny that comes with being associated with a program as storied as Ohio State. The Buckeyes, with their rich history, national championships, and consistent success under head coaches like Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and now Ryan Day, are often at the center of national discussions about college football.
However, Herbstreit has observed that despite Ohio State’s consistent excellence, there is often a disconnect between the program’s actual performance and the way it is perceived by the national media and the broader college football community. He points out that there is a tendency for critics to focus on the program’s occasional shortcomings, particularly in the College Football Playoff (CFP), rather than acknowledging the team’s sustained success over the years.
“Ohio State is one of the most consistent programs in college football,” Herbstreit said in a recent interview. “They’ve been in the playoff conversation year after year, they’ve produced some of the best talent in the country, and yet there are still people who are quick to jump on them whenever they have a loss. I think a lot of that is rooted in expectations, but also in the nature of the way college football operates.”
Herbstreit elaborates that Ohio State is one of the few programs where anything less than a national championship is often seen as a failure. This is largely due to the immense talent pool, the program’s tradition of excellence, and the high-profile nature of the Big Ten conference. But he argues that this narrative is flawed and doesn’t tell the full story of Ohio State’s overall success.
The Ohio State-Georgia Narrative
One of the key moments that sparked Herbstreit’s comments was Ohio State’s performance in the 2023 College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia. In a thrilling contest, the Buckeyes came incredibly close to upsetting the defending national champions, but ultimately fell short in the final moments. While many praised Ohio State for their competitive effort, Herbstreit believes that the loss reinforced a narrative that does not fully appreciate the team’s resilience.
“Look, they almost beat Georgia, one of the best teams we’ve ever seen,” Herbstreit explained. “But because of the way the game ended—because of a missed field goal at the very end—people still look at it as another Ohio State failure. To me, that’s an unfair perspective.”
Herbstreit further adds that the way Ohio State’s season was framed—despite the near-upset—was indicative of the high expectations surrounding the program. In his view, the loss shouldn’t overshadow the Buckeyes’ performance and their ability to compete at the highest level. Instead, he believes it should have been celebrated as proof of the team’s growth and capability to go toe-to-toe with a team like Georgia.
Big Ten Conference Perception and Ohio State’s Role
Herbstreit also delves into the larger context of the Big Ten conference, which has often been criticized for its perceived lack of competition compared to other Power Five leagues like the SEC. Ohio State, as the flagship program of the Big Ten, has frequently been placed under a microscope, with the perception that the Buckeyes’ dominance within the conference doesn’t prepare them for the tougher tests in the postseason.
“I think the Big Ten often gets a bad rap, and I think Ohio State gets unfairly lumped into that narrative,” Herbstreit states. “People love to say the SEC is the ‘best’ conference because of the speed and athleticism that the teams have, and Ohio State has been criticized for not having faced enough competition in the Big Ten. But if you look at the way they’ve recruited, the talent they’ve put on the field, and the way they’ve performed in big games, that narrative is just lazy.”
Herbstreit has often been a defender of the Big Ten, pointing to Ohio State’s consistent success not just within the conference but also on the national stage. He notes that teams like Michigan, Penn State, and others have shown the ability to compete at a high level in recent years, challenging the notion that the Big Ten is a “weaker” conference. And while Ohio State is usually the team leading the charge, Herbstreit believes the Buckeyes deserve credit for being the standard-bearer for the conference.
Ohio State’s Quarterback Development
Another aspect of Ohio State’s program that Herbstreit has frequently discussed is the development of quarterbacks. As a former quarterback himself, Herbstreit has been particularly vocal about the way Ohio State has transformed into one of the premier schools for producing elite quarterbacks. From Dwayne Haskins to Justin Fields and now CJ Stroud, Ohio State has become a quarterback factory.
“The way Ohio State has developed quarterbacks over the last few years has been incredible,” Herbstreit says. “They’re getting top-tier talent at the position, and it’s not just about recruiting guys who are highly ranked—it’s about coaching them up and putting them in positions to succeed. That’s what makes Ohio State different from a lot of programs.”
Herbstreit also emphasizes that Ohio State’s quarterback development is key to their continued success on the national stage. He believes that the ability to attract and develop high-caliber quarterbacks gives the Buckeyes a significant advantage in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
Ryan Day’s Role and the Future of Ohio State Football
As for Ryan Day, the current head coach of Ohio State, Herbstreit has been one of his most vocal supporters. Despite facing criticism from some fans and media members regarding his ability to win the big game, Herbstreit points out that Day has continued to build on the strong foundation left by Urban Meyer.
“Ryan Day is one of the best coaches in college football. He’s proven it with his ability to develop players, run a high-powered offense, and maintain the program’s standard of excellence,” Herbstreit asserts. “Yes, there have been some losses, but that’s the nature of college football. The key is how you respond, and Ryan has shown that he knows how to adjust and keep Ohio State competitive year after year.”
Looking to the future, Herbstreit believes Ohio State is in great hands with Day at the helm. With continued success in recruiting and player development, as well as a strong infrastructure in place, Herbstreit is confident that Ohio State will remain one of the top programs in the country for years to come.
Final Thoughts: A Program That Deserves Respect
In closing, Herbstreit believes that Ohio State football deserves far more respect than it often receives. He acknowledges that the program is held to a higher standard than most others, but he argues that this should not be seen as a negative. Rather, it’s a testament to the immense expectations that come with being one of the most successful and iconic programs in college football history.
“I get it,” Herbstreit concludes. “Ohio State is expected to win national championships, and anything less is seen as a failure. But when you look at the bigger picture—the talent, the consistency, and the level of competition—they deserve to be viewed as one of the premier programs in college football. I just wish more people would recognize that and appreciate what they’ve done.”
For Herbstreit, Ohio State football isn’t just a team he supports—it’s a program that has shaped his life and career. And while the national narrative may continue to focus on the few instances when the Buckeyes fall short, he believes history will look favorably on a program that has been at the forefront of college football for decades.
