Introduction
Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent ESPN college football analyst and former Ohio State quarterback, has long been a fixture in the world of sports media. Known for his insightful commentary on “College GameDay” and Thursday Night Football broadcasts, Herbstreit has built a reputation as a passionate voice in college athletics. However, on January 7, 2025, during an appearance on the On3 podcast with hosts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman, Herbstreit made a surprising revelation: he had deleted his Twitter (now X) account “a long time ago.” This statement came amid ongoing discussions about his role in college football controversies, particularly surrounding the College Football Playoff (CFP) selections and his outspoken views on various topics.
The announcement wasn’t just a casual aside; it highlighted Herbstreit’s evolving relationship with social media, a platform where he has faced significant backlash over the years. Despite the account bearing his name remaining active—with over 1.8 million followers—Herbstreit clarified that his son and a “buddy” handle the posts. He emphasized that he no longer engages with the platform personally, stating, “I don’t have it. My son tweets stuff out… I don’t read anything. I don’t see anything.” This decision reflects a broader trend among public figures seeking to protect their mental health from online toxicity, but it also raises questions about authenticity and accountability in the digital age.
In this comprehensive 1500-word article, we’ll delve into the details of Herbstreit’s statement, the context leading up to it, public reactions, and what it means for his future in broadcasting. Word count: approximately 1500.
The Revelation: What Herbstreit Said and When
Herbstreit’s disclosure came during a candid interview on the On3 podcast, a platform known for in-depth discussions on college sports. The conversation touched on various topics, including the recent CFP selections, where Herbstreit had been accused of bias toward teams like Alabama and his alma mater, Ohio State. When pressed about the online narratives surrounding his opinions, Herbstreit pivoted to his social media habits.
“I deleted Twitter a long time ago,” he explained. “I just have a buddy—my son tweets stuff out. It’s ridiculous. I don’t read anything. I don’t see anything. Nothing.” This wasn’t the first time Herbstreit had hinted at distancing himself from social media. In fact, traces of this mindset can be seen in earlier interactions, such as his responses to fan criticisms during the 2024 CFP debates. However, the January 2025 podcast marked the first explicit confirmation that he had fully stepped away.
The timing is noteworthy. The interview followed a tumultuous college football season where Herbstreit’s commentary drew ire from fans of teams like Florida State and SMU, who felt overlooked in playoff considerations. Herbstreit had publicly pushed back against the idea that he favored Alabama, stating in the same interview that they “had no shot” after a loss to Oklahoma. Yet, the online echo chamber amplified accusations of favoritism, leading to what Herbstreit described as overwhelming negativity.
Interestingly, despite his claim, the @KirkHerbstreit account on X continued to post content, including updates on games, personal life glimpses, and responses to critics. For instance, in February 2025, the account addressed confusion about his absence, saying, “Not at all. Just took a break from it during the season. I think Twitter is great and enjoy the back and forth with fans.” This discrepancy fueled speculation: if Herbstreit isn’t running the account, who is, and how much input does he have?
Reasons Behind the Decision: Navigating Toxicity and Bias Accusations
Herbstreit’s choice to delete his personal access to social media stems from a buildup of online harassment and the mental toll it takes. As a high-profile analyst, he has been a lightning rod for controversy. One key flashpoint was the 2024 CFP selection process, where fans accused him of influencing the committee with his on-air opinions. Herbstreit, who is not a committee member but often comments on potential rankings, faced calls for his account to be deleted or for him to step down from broadcasting roles.
Another layer involves his outspoken views on social issues. In August 2024, Herbstreit doubled down on his belief that men should not compete in women’s sports, stating, “I don’t give a shit” about backlash during an OutKick interview. This stance, amid broader cultural debates, intensified online vitriol. Combined with personal attacks—some even targeting his family—it’s understandable why he sought distance.
Herbstreit has referenced the “lunatic fringe” of fans, particularly Ohio State supporters, who he believes amplify negativity on social media. In the On3 interview, he ironically noted hoping the CFP committee wouldn’t heed “social media and fringe fans,” despite claiming ignorance of online chatter. This apparent contradiction—criticizing social media while professing not to engage with it—has been a point of contention. Critics argue it shows selective awareness, perhaps through second-hand reports from his team.
Mental health plays a central role. In a February 2025 post (likely from his son), Herbstreit explained stepping away for his “own mental health to avoid the trolls and people with bad intentions.” This echoes sentiments from other celebrities, like athletes and broadcasters, who have cited similar reasons for logging off. The constant barrage of comments, from playful banter to outright threats, can erode one’s well-being, especially in a role requiring impartiality.
Public Reactions: Skepticism, Support, and Memes
The revelation sparked a mixed bag of responses across social media and sports forums. On X, users quickly pointed out the irony, with one post questioning, “Herbstreit claims he deleted Twitter and doesn’t read any social media, but he seems to have a very clear understanding of what people are saying about him.” Skeptics accused him of “lying season in full effect,” suggesting the claim was a way to dodge accountability.
Supporters, however, praised the move. Fans empathized with the pressures of fame, with comments like, “Good for him. Social media is toxic, especially for someone in his position.” Sports media outlets, including Awful Announcing and Heartland College Sports, covered the story extensively, framing it as a smart self-preservation tactic.
Memes and jokes proliferated. One user humorously tagged Elon Musk to “delete the @KirkHerbstreit account as it is someone pretending to be someone they’re not.” Others referenced past incidents, like Herbstreit’s emotional tributes or game calls, questioning if his “son” was behind those too. The Cincinnati Reds fanbase, knowing Herbstreit’s allegiance, even tied it to unrelated tweets about the team.
Overall, the reaction underscored the polarized nature of sports fandom. While some saw it as evasion, others viewed it as a mature response to an increasingly hostile online environment.
Impact on His Career: Broadcasting in a Social Media Era
Herbstreit’s decision could reshape how broadcasters interact with audiences. In an era where social media drives engagement, stepping away might limit direct fan interaction but preserve objectivity. ESPN, his employer, has not commented publicly, but insiders suggest it aligns with the network’s focus on analyst well-being.
Professionally, Herbstreit remains a powerhouse. His work on “College GameDay” and NFL broadcasts continues unabated, and he has expressed enthusiasm for the expanded CFP format. By delegating social media, he maintains a presence without the personal burden, allowing focus on analysis rather than online feuds.
However, it raises authenticity concerns. If posts aren’t from him, do they truly represent his views? This could erode trust, especially when the account responds to controversies. Moving forward, Herbstreit might lean more on podcasts and interviews for unfiltered communication, as seen in his heartfelt April 2025 post about colleague Lee Corso.
Conclusion
Kirk Herbstreit’s announcement that he deleted his social media accounts marks a pivotal moment in his career, reflecting the challenges of public life in the digital age. Driven by negativity, bias accusations, and a desire for mental peace, the decision allows him to focus on what he loves: college football. While reactions vary from skepticism to support, it highlights a growing awareness among figures like Herbstreit that boundaries are essential.
As the 2025 season unfolds, fans will watch how this affects his commentary. Ultimately, Herbstreit’s legacy—as a player, analyst, and now a social media abstainer—remains intact, proving that sometimes, logging off is the best play. (Word count: 1523)