ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, one of college football’s most prominent voices, knows all too well how toxic social media can be—especially in the high-stakes, deeply divided world of college sports fandom. Over the years, Herbstreit has faced intense criticism for his commentary, but the “College GameDay” personality has taken a drastic step to protect his peace: he’s removed himself entirely from social media.
“I Deleted Twitter a Long Time Ago”
During a recent appearance on the Andy & Ari On3 podcast, Herbstreit revealed that he no longer uses X (formerly known as Twitter). Instead, his son manages his account, posting updates and engaging with fans on his behalf.
“I deleted Twitter a long time ago,” Herbstreit said. “I don’t have it. I just have a buddy—my son tweets stuff out. It’s ridiculous. I don’t read anything. I don’t see anything. Nothing. No chance. I don’t pay attention. I don’t look at it.”
By distancing himself from the negativity often found online, Herbstreit has taken a proactive approach to maintain his focus on the game and his career.
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Addressing Perceptions of SEC Bias
In the same interview, Herbstreit also tackled a longstanding critique often aimed at ESPN: the network’s alleged bias toward the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Herbstreit argued that ESPN’s priorities lie in ratings, not regional favoritism, and provided a hypothetical scenario to illustrate his point.
“We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas,” Herbstreit said. “The only one missing is Michigan. So, this idea that we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn—are you kidding me? If you’re asking us who we would want, we’ll take Ohio State every year, Notre Dame. This is a ratings bonanza.”
Herbstreit emphasized that big-name schools from the Big Ten and other conferences often outperform SEC teams in drawing viewership.
“You don’t want these small little Clemsons and small little Southern schools when it comes to cheering for ratings,” he added. “Ratings are big, massive Big Ten brands.”
Why Herbstreit’s Decision Matters
Herbstreit’s decision to step away from social media highlights a growing trend among public figures, especially those who deal with polarizing topics. The toxic nature of online platforms often amplifies criticism, creating an unhealthy environment for commentators and analysts alike.
By delegating his social media responsibilities to his son, Herbstreit has managed to avoid the mental toll of online negativity while still maintaining an active presence for fans who follow him for insights and updates.
A Focus on What Matters
Herbstreit’s candid discussion sheds light on how public personalities navigate the pressures of being in the spotlight. By stepping back from social media and focusing on the game itself, Herbstreit has found a way to stay grounded in the ever-contentious world of college football commentary.
Whether or not fans agree with his takes, Herbstreit’s dedication to the sport—and his ability to rise above the noise—has cemented his place as one of the most respected voices in the game.
His decision to prioritize his well-being over engaging with critics is a reminder that sometimes, stepping away is the healthiest choice.
What do you think about Herbie’s approach to social media? Do you agree with his take on ESPN’s focus on ratings over conference bias?
