Kirk Herbstreit isn’t just a name in CFB; he’s a brand. Since 1995, when the former OSU QB joined ESPN, he’s been a staple of the sport’s biggest stage. Yes, Herbstreit became the face of College GameDay after his debut in August 1996, bringing energy and insight every Saturday morning. Following that, fans connect with his passion. They trust his voice. And along the way, he formed a legendary bond with Lee Corso, the show’s heart and humor. Now, Corso may have stepped away after Week 1 this season, but the Herbstreit era rolls on bigger than ever. Here, on his 29th anniversary with ESPN, the star sportscaster drops a major announcement about the next chapter of his career.
Look, since 2006, Kirk Herbstreit has owned the booth as the lead game-day analyst on ESPN as well as ABC. Now at 56, he’s taking on something new. Given that on Sunday, he lit up his X account with big news for fans. Here, Herbstreit is teaming up with ESPN colleague Joey Galloway for a brand-new live show. And the focus? Both college football and the NFL. But what makes it even more fitting is how the show’s name perfectly reflects Herbstreit’s 29-year nonstop journey with ESPN.
“Nonstop is the perfect word to describe my life during football season,” he wrote. Then he explained that he’s been looking for a place to share his raw reactions and unfiltered takes. And the solution? Teaming up with Joey Galloway for a brand-new live show. “So Joey Galloway and I decided to launch a LIVE show on my YouTube channel!” continued Herbstreit. Well, Galloway, who joined ESPN in 2011, is already a familiar face as a studio analyst on game days. Now, the duo is taking things up a notch. But when?
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Here’s the thing: the show called ‘Nonstop’, will stream live every Monday at 11 a.m. ET. Expect hot takes, bold storylines, and deep dives across both CFB and the NFL. And fans can even join the action by dropping football questions for the weekly Q&A segment. All in all, Herbstreit summed it up perfectly, saying, “Hope you all enjoy.” So why not take a closer look at his journey?
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Kirk Herbstreit’s ESPN journey is nothing short of iconic. He started in 1995 as a sideline analyst, then quickly became a College GameDay staple in just one year. After that, within a decade, he’s owned the spotlight on ABC’s Saturday Night Football, calling every CFP and National Championship since the format began. On top of that, Herbstreit has also made history with a record 16 Rose Bowls. Now, a former OSU QB turned star analyst, he’s picked up five Sports Emmy Awards, shaped SportsCenter and NFL Draft coverage, and earned a place in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2023. So, as he launches his own show, it’s bound to be a must-watch. And when talking about his journey, you can’t forget his well-known love for his dogs.
So, Kirk Herbstreit doesn’t just bring analysis to College GameDay; he brings his dogs, too. Yes, his golden retriever, Peter, has become a fan favorite, often stealing the spotlight with his fluffy charm. To top it off, Herbstreit, who lives in Franklin, Tennessee, has four dogs: Mitch, Theo, Beau, and Peter, who sometimes tag along. And it’s a tradition that started with his late golden Ben, a loyal GameDay presence until his passing in 2024. Now, Peter carries on the legacy, proving that when Herbstreit shows up, man’s best friend isn’t far behind.
And as Herbstreit’s vision for his career shines bright, the analyst isn’t holding back from making bold takes. His recent comments about the Gators are a perfect example.
Kirk Herbstreit’s latest take dives into Florida’s situation
Florida’s loss to USF was tough to swallow, and Kirk Herbstreit didn’t hold back in his assessment. On College GameDay, he zeroed in on the issues in Gainesville, putting the spotlight on Billy Napier’s shaky leadership and DJ Lagway’s early struggles. For Herbstreit, the problem was simple: the Gators aren’t showing the consistency or rhythm expected from a program of their stature. “Billy Napier needs a win,” stated Herbstreit. “This is a football team that just cannot find any continuity. This guy (Lagway) is supposed to be one of the top QBs in the country, but he hasn’t really been able to find his rhythm yet early.” Here, Herbstreit’s words hit hard because they’re true.
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Look, Napier is under fire, and his seat is now scorching. Florida’s trip to Baton Rouge only made things worse, as the Gators fell to LSU in ugly fashion. And DJ Lagway, once touted as a 5-star savior, delivered his worst performance yet with five costly interceptions. Against Harold Perkins and LSU’s fierce defense, Florida looked completely overwhelmed. Now, the loss not only deepens the frustration in Gainesville but also cranks up the volume on calls for a coaching change.
In short, the frustration now goes far beyond just one bad night. Because Florida went to Baton Rouge and proved they still can’t compete on the big stage, leaving the Gators with more questions than answers. And Herbstreit’s take mirrors the mood in Gator Nation: frustration and doubt.