From Buckeyes To Wolverines: A Deep Dive Into Kirk Herbstreit’s Four Sons And Their 2025 College Football Journeys

The Herbstreit name has been synonymous with college football for generations, but in 2025, the family narrative is more compelling and complex than ever before. The four sons of ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit are navigating their own paths in the sport, creating a fascinating "house divided" storyline that captures the attention of fans across the country. This season brings major updates for the Herbstreit boys, from a surprising coaching rivalry commitment to a career-ending health challenge that led to a prominent new media role.

The latest chapter of the Herbstreit family saga, as of December 11, 2025, highlights a transition from the playing field to the media booth for one son, and a shocking commitment to a rival school for another. Their individual journeys—spanning multiple powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Clemson, and now Michigan—underscore the family's deep, yet varied, connection to the sport that defines their legacy.

The Complete Herbstreit Sons Biography and 2025 Status

Kirk Herbstreit and his wife, Alison Butler, are parents to four sons, all of whom have pursued football careers, either on the field or in the media. Their paths have diverged significantly, creating a unique tapestry of college football allegiance that is constantly in the spotlight.

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• Name: Jacob "Jake" Herbstreit
• Born: 2000 (Twin)
• Position: Cornerback / Safety
• College Career: Clemson Tigers (Walk-on)
• Current 2025 Status: No longer on the Clemson football roster, having left the team in 2021. His current focus is outside of college football.

• Name: Tye Herbstreit
• Born: 2000 (Twin)
• Position: Wide Receiver
• College Career: Clemson Tigers (Walk-on)
• Current 2025 Status: Listed as a wide receiver and continues to be associated with college football, likely at Clemson or another program, following his time with the Tigers.

• Name: Zak Herbstreit
• Born: 2002
• Position: Tight End (Former) / College Football Analyst (Current)
• College Career: Ohio State Buckeyes (Walk-on)
• Current 2025 Status: Recently hired as a National College Football Analyst for On3, hosting the show "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit." This career pivot followed a heart condition that ended his playing days, though he was part of the Ohio State team that won the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.

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• Name: Chase Herbstreit
• Born: Younger son (Date not widely publicized)
• Position: Quarterback
• College Career: Michigan Wolverines (2025 Recruit)
• Current 2025 Status: A three-star quarterback committed to the University of Michigan as part of the 2025 recruiting class, directly opposing his father’s Ohio State legacy.

Zak Herbstreit’s Pivotal Move to College Football Media

The most significant and recent update in the Herbstreit family’s professional lives involves Zak Herbstreit’s transition from the playing field to the media world. Zak, who was a walk-on tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes, had his promising career cut short due to a heart condition.

Just months after being a part of the Buckeyes’ 2025 National Championship squad, Zak announced a major career change. He was hired by On3 as a National College Football Analyst.

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This move is particularly noteworthy as it places Zak directly in the same professional sphere as his father, Kirk Herbstreit, the iconic ESPN College GameDay analyst. Zak now hosts his own show for the media company, titled "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit," offering analysis and predictions on the sport.

His father, Kirk, publicly supported the decision, noting his pride in Zak for finding a new path to stay involved in the game he loves after his playing days were over. This career shift highlights the next generation of the Herbstreit family influencing the college football landscape, not just as players, but as prominent voices.

The Ultimate Rivalry: Chase Herbstreit Commits to Michigan

Perhaps the most talked-about development in the family is the commitment of the youngest son, Chase Herbstreit, to the Ohio State Buckeyes’ fiercest rival, the Michigan Wolverines.

Chase, a three-star quarterback in the highly-rated 2025 recruiting class, chose Michigan, a decision that sent shockwaves through the college football community, especially given Kirk Herbstreit’s deep roots as a former Ohio State quarterback and a lifelong Ohio State "junkie."

The commitment instantly created a "house divided" scenario, injecting a new, personal dynamic into the legendary Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry, often referred to simply as "The Game."

Kirk Herbstreit’s Public Reaction and Fan Backlash

Kirk Herbstreit was quick to address the commitment and the subsequent fan reaction, which included some public criticism from Ohio State loyalists. He emphasized that he supports his son "1000 percent" and is honored that Chase has the opportunity to play for a program like Michigan.

He also issued a fiery warning about fans ripping his son for the decision, making it clear that his personal allegiance to the Buckeyes does not supersede his support for his children. This public stance has been praised for prioritizing family over the intense, often toxic, nature of rivalry fandom. Chase Herbstreit is set to join the Wolverines, bringing the Herbstreit name to Ann Arbor and ensuring the family will be at the center of the Big Ten’s biggest annual clash for years to come.

The Clemson Connection: Tye and Jake Herbstreit

Before the Ohio State and Michigan storylines dominated the headlines, the twin brothers, Tye and Jake Herbstreit, carved out their own path at another college football powerhouse: the Clemson Tigers.

Both Jake and Tye joined the Clemson program as walk-ons. Jake played as a cornerback and safety, while Tye played as a wide receiver.

Their decision to attend Clemson was a significant moment, as it was the first time a Herbstreit had opted not to follow the family tradition at Ohio State. Kirk Herbstreit revealed that the twins chose Clemson because the Tigers recruited them with a level of enthusiasm and sincerity that the Buckeyes did not match at the time.

While Jake left the Clemson football team in 2021, Tye has maintained his connection to college football, with recent stats and news suggesting his continued involvement in the sport. The twins' time at Clemson established an early precedent for the Herbstreit sons to forge their own legacies outside of their father’s shadow, a trend that Chase’s commitment to Michigan has amplified dramatically.

The Legacy Continues: More Than Just Football

The saga of Kirk Herbstreit’s sons is a powerful example of a new generation navigating the high-pressure world of elite college athletics. The family's story is rich with topical authority, touching on key entities and themes within the sport: the intense Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, the rise of college football media, the challenges of walk-on players, and the difficult reality of career-ending injuries.

With Zak Herbstreit now a media analyst, Chase Herbstreit set to be a quarterback for the Wolverines, and the twins having played for Clemson, the Herbstreit name is intertwined with the sport's biggest storylines in 2025. Their collective journey ensures that the Herbstreit family remains one of the most compelling and discussed entities in the college football landscape.