From Tight End To Top Analyst: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Zak Herbstreit's New Career

As of December 13, 2025, Zak Herbstreit is no longer a player on the Ohio State Buckeyes roster; he has officially transitioned from a promising college football tight end to a rising star in the sports media world. This abrupt, yet significant, career change came after a heart-related medical condition forced him to retire from playing the sport he loves, a challenging pivot that has opened a new, high-profile door for the son of legendary ESPN broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit. His new role as a National College Football Analyst for On3, complete with his own show, "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit," has quickly established him as one of the freshest, most insightful voices covering the sport. The narrative surrounding Zak Herbstreit has shifted dramatically from his on-field potential to his emerging media acumen, creating a unique and compelling story that extends the Herbstreit family’s deep roots in college football beyond the playing field. This article dives into his complete profile, the emotional journey of his medical retirement, and the immediate impact he is making in his new career, providing a fresh perspective on a young man navigating a major life change under the brightest of spotlights.

Zak Herbstreit: Full Biography and Profile

Zak Herbstreit’s path to both the gridiron and the media booth is deeply intertwined with the history of The Ohio State University football program. He represents a rare, three-generation legacy at the school, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

• Full Name: Zak Herbstreit
• Date of Birth: Information not publicly specified, but was a Senior in 2024.
• Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee (Born and raised).
• High School: Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville, TN).
• College: The Ohio State University (Ohio State Buckeyes).
• Former Position: Tight End (TE).
• Height & Weight: 6'2", 240 lbs (as of Jan 2025 update).
• Parents: Alison Herbstreit and Kirk Herbstreit.
• Siblings: Brothers Tye, Jake, and Chase Herbstreit.
• Career Status: Retired from playing due to a medical condition; currently a National College Football Analyst for On3.
• Ohio State Legacy: Part of the first three-generation family of players in school history, following his grandfather Jim Herbstreit and father Kirk Herbstreit.
• Current Media Role: Host of the podcast/show "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit" on On3.

The Unexpected Pivot: Medical Retirement and a New Calling

The most significant and recent development in Zak Herbstreit's life is the abrupt end to his playing career. After years of dedication to becoming a contributor for the Ohio State Buckeyes, his time on the field was cut short by a serious health scare.

The medical condition, which has been described as heart-related, forced the tight end to make the difficult decision to medically retire from football. This was not a choice made lightly; it was a necessity for his long-term health and well-being.

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His father, Kirk Herbstreit, provided an update on his son's health, confirming that Zak was discharged after the medical event, indicating a resolution to the immediate crisis but a definitive end to his playing days.

This forced retirement created an unexpected void, but it also rapidly accelerated a transition that many in the Herbstreit family seem destined for: a career in sports media. The deep knowledge and insider perspective gained from being a player and the son of an iconic analyst provided a unique foundation for this pivot.

The entities involved in this difficult chapter—The Ohio State University, the medical team, and the Herbstreit family—all played a role in ensuring his safety and supporting his next steps. It is a powerful example of how a player’s health and future must always take precedence over the game.

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The news of his retirement was shocking to many college football fans who were following his journey, especially given the historical significance of the Herbstreit name in Columbus. However, the next chapter proved to be just as compelling.

Zak Herbstreit’s Rapid Rise in College Football Media

Zak Herbstreit did not waste any time in finding his footing after leaving the field. In a move that demonstrated a clear eye for talent and a recognition of his unique perspective, On3, a major sports media company, announced his hiring as a National College Football Analyst.

This appointment is a testament to the value of his insider status. He is able to offer insights that few others can, having just been in the locker room and on the practice field of a top-tier program like the Ohio State Buckeyes.

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His primary role involves hosting a new program called "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit." This show aims to feature candid conversations with players, coaches, and other key figures in the college football landscape.

The show’s focus on "Off Script" discussions suggests a desire to move beyond standard, surface-level analysis, utilizing his personal connections to extract deeper, more authentic content. This approach is highly valued by modern college football audiences who crave genuine insight.

His work has already included analysis of major topics, such as predicting the field for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff and breaking down the latest buzz from the Transfer Portal.

The transition from a walk-on tight end to a national analyst is an incredibly rare feat. It highlights his deep understanding of the game and his natural ability to communicate complex football concepts effectively. His LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords are now shifting from "Ohio State depth chart" and "TE roster" to "National College Football Analyst," "Transfer Portal analysis," and "CFP predictions."

The Herbstreit Family Legacy Continues to Evolve

The Herbstreit name is synonymous with Ohio State football and national college football coverage. Zak Herbstreit's career path ensures that the family's influence on the sport will continue for another generation, albeit in a different capacity than his father or grandfather.

His grandfather, Jim Herbstreit, played for Ohio State and was a captain in 1960. His father, Kirk Herbstreit, was a quarterback for the Buckeyes and a captain in 1992 before becoming arguably the most prominent college football analyst in the country.

Zak's decision to embrace the media side, even after his playing career was cut short, solidifies the family’s unique connection to the game. He brings a contemporary, player-level perspective that complements his father's veteran, broadcast-booth authority.

Furthermore, the Herbstreit family continues to be represented on the field by his twin brother, Tye Herbstreit, who is also a tight end, and his brother Chase Herbstreit, a quarterback. The family’s presence in college football is multi-faceted and spans multiple institutions, including the discussion of his brother's signing with Michigan, a major rival of Ohio State.

Zak Herbstreit’s new career is not just a personal story of overcoming adversity; it is an evolution of a powerful family legacy. He is leveraging his unique experience and famous surname to quickly establish himself as a credible and influential voice in the highly competitive college football media landscape. His fresh take on the Transfer Portal, team rankings, and the College Football Playoff is already resonating with a new generation of fans.