KIRK Herbstreit has fans worried that he may leave College GameDay soon after a recent revelation.
Herbstreit joined the show almost 30 years ago and has become synonymous with GameDay.
Kirk Herbstreit revealed his contract with GameDay runs out in 2026[/caption]
The analyst considered stepping away a few years ago, but Pat McAfee’s emergence has revitalised him[/caption]
Lee Corso waved goodbye to GameDay last weekend, making the 56-year-old officially the longest-standing star on the show.
Herbstreit’s contract runs through 2026, and he recently discussed how he was burning out, causing fans to worry.
Speaking recently on the SI Media Podcast, he said, “Everyone I started with on the show, except Lee Corso, is gone – behind the scenes, on the camera, behind the camera.
“So when I was at Year 25, Year 26, doing now Amazon, doing the Saturday night game, I love GameDay, but do I really want to keep doing it?
“I love Rece and Dez and Coach. I love everybody, but it’s tiring.”
The analyst not only appears on GameDay, but also commentates on Saturday games for ESPN and Prime’s Thursday night NFL matches.
And with his contract set to run out in 2026, it seemed Herbstreit would drop GameDay.
However, Pat McAfee changed everything.
As reported by The Athletic’s Chris Vannini, Herbstreit has been revitalised.
He told Vannini, “I had to look myself in the mirror and be like, can I do all three jobs.
“Pat coming on the show, it’s been a game-changer for me and for the show.
“He brings a certain level of intensity and energy.
“Him and I have a great relationship.”
His relationship with McAfee became so important that Herstreit said that if the former kicker left the show, he would follow him out the door.
Before his broadcasting career, Herbstreit played college football as a quarterback.
In his senior year, he was the starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes, having played several games his junior season.
He graduated in 1993 and, in September 1995, joined ESPN as a college football sideline analyst.
The following year, he joined College GameDay and hasn’t looked back.
On the SI Media podcast, he also stated, “I’m loving the NFL.
“I would never want to leave that job on Thursday, and I love GameDay.
“I can’t imagine not sitting in that seat. It’s a dream to have all three of these.
“I hope to be able to sign an extension at some point with both Amazon and ESPN.”
