Kirk Herbstreit, one of college football’s most recognizable analysts, has pushed back strongly against claims that ESPN shows favoritism toward SEC football teams. The longtime College GameDay personality recently addressed the allegations, calling them unfounded and pointing to a broader reality: ESPN is driven by ratings, not regional bias.
“Are You Kidding Me?” Herbstreit Fires Back
Speaking with On3, Herbstreit dismissed the idea that ESPN prefers SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Texas A&M, or Auburn over other programs.
“We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas,” he said. “The only one missing is Michigan. So, this idea that we’re sitting around hoping for SEC teams? Are you kidding me?”
Herbstreit explained that the network’s primary concern is attracting the largest audience, and that often means featuring programs with national appeal.
The Ratings Game: “Big Brands Mean Big Numbers”
For Herbstreit, the formula for what ESPN wants is simple: big brands equal big ratings.
“If you are asking us who we would want in the College Football Playoff, we’ll take Ohio State and Notre Dame every year,” Herbstreit stated. “That’s a ratings bonanza. The reality is, these are the teams that draw viewers from coast to coast.”
He went further, emphasizing that major brands like Notre Dame, Penn State, and Texas are what drive interest—not necessarily teams from a specific conference.
“Look at this year’s semifinal matchups: Penn State and Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, Texas and Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. These are programs with massive followings. If anything, you should accuse us of wanting these kinds of teams because they deliver the numbers.”
A Swipe at Smaller Programs
Herbstreit also didn’t shy away from making a pointed comparison, highlighting the disparity between marquee programs and smaller schools in terms of national appeal.
“If you know anything about ratings, you know we want Notre Dame and Ohio State in the mix. Not these small little Clemsons or other southern schools with more regional followings. Big Ten brands like Ohio State and Michigan are what bring in the viewers.”
The Ultimate Matchup
Herbstreit wrapped up his defense with a hypothetical scenario designed to drive home his point.
“Imagine a Notre Dame-Ohio State national championship. You think we’d be sitting there wishing for Alabama or Auburn instead? Absolutely not. That’s the dream matchup. The bigger the brand, the bigger the audience—it’s that simple.”
Context for the Controversy
The notion that ESPN favors the SEC has long been a source of debate among fans and analysts. Critics point to the network’s extensive partnership with the conference and its role in promoting the SEC’s games and storylines. However, Herbstreit’s comments suggest a broader strategy: prioritize programs with the widest reach and cultural significance, regardless of conference affiliation.
As the College Football Playoff unfolds with four non-SEC teams vying for the title, Herbstreit’s remarks provide a timely reminder of what truly drives the narratives in college football: not geography or conference alliances, but the potential for massive national ratings.
