During a recent episode of the Pat McAfee Show, the trio of analysts was asked to forecast the College Football Playoff national champion. While A.J. Hawk and Ty Schmit threw their weight behind Ohio State, the network's veteran voice, Kirk Herbstreit, bucked the consensus and selected the University of Notre Dame.
Herbstreit's prediction arrived at a moment when Ohio State was listed as the heavy favorite, a status reflected in the betting markets and widely reported odds. The choice was notable not only for its contrarian nature but also because the analyst is renowned for maintaining a reputation of impartiality, a trait that has earned him both praise and scrutiny over the years.
Fan Reaction and Historical Parallels
The announcement was met with a sharp response from sections of the Ohio State fan base, many of whom took to social platforms to voice disappointment and disbelief. Comments ranged from accusations of bias to nostalgic references to past analyst predictions that missed the mark, most notably Desmond Howard's much‑criticized selections in 2022.
Herbstreit, aware of the backlash, has previously emphasized that his role is to provide analysis rather than to cater to popular sentiment. His track record of independent picks, he argues, is intended to foster a more nuanced conversation about the teams and players shaping the postseason landscape.
The divergence of opinions among the panel underscores the unpredictable nature of college football forecasts. While Hawk and Schmit stood firmly with the Buckeyes, Herbstreit's Notre Dame endorsement illustrates how even seasoned experts can diverge when weighing tradition, performance metrics, and intangible factors that define championship contenders.