Last week, Kirk Herbstreit delivered an emotional and heartfelt monologue on “College GameDay” about his beloved Golden Retriever, Ben, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Ben wasn’t just a pet; he was Herbstreit’s loyal travel companion and a cherished member of the College GameDay family, beloved by fans who had come to know his sweet demeanor and gentle spirit.
Herbstreit shared his grief with viewers, describing the impact Ben had on his life and the lessons he learned from his four-legged friend. “Ben didn’t care who you were. Everyone deserved his love. I think we can all learn from that at a time when everything seems to be aimed at dividing us,” Herbstreit said during his touching tribute. “What I experienced with Ben was that and so much more. Dogs’ only flaw as a species is that they don’t live long enough, but the warmth they give us never goes away, so neither will Ben.”
Toward the end of his tribute, Herbstreit referred to Ben as “America’s friend,” a sentiment that resonated with many viewers who had grown to love seeing Ben by his side each Saturday morning. Ben’s friendly personality and constant presence made him a fan favorite, and his absence left a void that many College GameDay fans felt.
However, it seems that the magic Ben brought to College GameDay may continue in some form. This past Saturday, Herbstreit introduced his new puppy, Peter, to the show.
The adorable Golden Retriever pup made his debut, and it didn’t take long for viewers to fall in love with him. Herbstreit shared a video on social media showing Peter relaxing by the “College GameDay” desk, already looking comfortable in his new surroundings. “Look at this guy,” Herbstreit captioned the post. “Making himself right at home.”
Peter has some big shoes to fill, following in the paw prints of the late Ben, who became a beloved member of the College GameDay crew.
But Herbstreit seems confident that Peter is ready for the challenge. In fact, the new pup has been preparing for this role for some time now. “He has been in training (with Ben and the other two boys) since he moved into the house last December,” Herbstreit revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He even shared that Peter had been taken to the Rocky Steps, showing that the little pup was already experiencing iconic moments as part of his preparation for his new role.
RELATED: Kirk Herbstreit’s Son, a QB Recruit, Delivers Jaw-Dropping Highlight
The sight of Peter sitting calmly beside the desk was a welcome one for fans who had grown accustomed to seeing a furry friend alongside Herbstreit each week. Although Ben’s presence can never be replaced, Peter is already showing signs of stepping into the role with his own charm and personality.
As Peter gets more comfortable on the set and continues to travel around the country with Herbstreit, it won’t be long before America falls for him just as they did for Ben.
The bond between Herbstreit and his pets has always been special, and it’s clear that Peter will carry on that tradition, offering comfort, joy, and a little bit of extra love to the College GameDay family.
Here’s to hoping that Peter can carry the torch that once belonged to Ben, bringing his own brand of joy and warmth to College GameDay, and becoming a friend to America, just like his predecessor.
The memory of Ben will always be cherished, but with Peter by Herbstreit’s side, a new chapter begins—one that promises plenty of puppy love and companionship for years to come.
