The Unbelievable Reason Kirk Herbstreit’s Family Was Forced To Move From Ohio

The story of Kirk Herbstreit’s family move is far more dramatic than a simple change of scenery, rooted in a decade-old controversy that forced the ESPN analyst to uproot his wife and four sons from their lifelong home. The initial, major relocation from Columbus, Ohio, to Nashville, Tennessee, occurred in 2011, driven by relentless, personal harassment from a segment of the Ohio State fan base who felt he was not biased enough in his commentary. This shocking move remains a key part of his personal narrative, even as of today, December 12, 2025, the family maintains a complex, multi-state living situation that includes a recent, partial return to the state that once drove them away.

The Herbstreit family’s journey is a powerful example of the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile sports commentators, especially those who dare to critique their alma mater. While the Nashville residence became their primary home, the family's connection to Ohio was never truly severed, leading to a fascinating, recent development involving a second home in Cincinnati, reflecting their sons' ongoing college football careers and the family's enduring ties to the Midwest.

Kirk Herbstreit: Biography, Career, and Family Profile

Kirk Edward Herbstreit is one of college football's most recognizable and respected analysts, known for his long tenure on ESPN’s *College GameDay* and as the lead game analyst for both ESPN/ABC and Amazon Prime Video's *Thursday Night Football*.

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• Full Name: Kirk Edward Herbstreit
• Born: August 19, 1969
• Birthplace: Centerville, Ohio, U.S.
• Alma Mater: The Ohio State University (Ohio State Buckeyes)
• College Career: Quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes; was the team captain and co-MVP as a senior in 1992.
• Broadcasting Career Start: Joined ESPN as an analyst for *College GameDay* in 1996.
• Major Roles: Analyst for ESPN's *College GameDay*, lead college football analyst for ESPN/ABC since 2006, and lead analyst for Amazon Prime Video's NFL coverage.
• Awards: Five-time Sports Emmy Award winner in various categories for his TV work.
• Wife: Alison Herbstreit (m. 1998), whom he met while she was a cheerleader at Ohio State.
• Children (Sons): Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase (four sons, all involved in football).

The 2011 Move: Why the Herbstreits Left Columbus for Nashville

The most significant and controversial "Kirk Herbstreit family move" happened in 2011 when the family relocated from their home in Columbus, Ohio, to Nashville, Tennessee. This decision was not made for career advancement or a lifestyle change; rather, it was a painful necessity born from the dark side of passionate college football fandom.

The 'Lack of Bias' Controversy

As a former Ohio State quarterback and a beloved son of the program, Herbstreit was expected by many Buckeye fans to openly champion the team during his national broadcasts. However, as an ESPN analyst, his professional duty required him to offer objective, and at times critical, commentary on the Buckeyes and the Big Ten.

This neutrality was perceived as disloyalty by a vocal, "rabid" segment of the Ohio State fan base. The criticism escalated from online comments to personal attacks and constant harassment directed at Herbstreit, his wife Alison, and his four young sons. Herbstreit confirmed at the time that the constant negativity and the inability to live a normal life in his hometown were the direct reasons for the move.

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In a statement to the *Columbus Dispatch*, Herbstreit explained that the relentless criticism and threats had become a burden on his family, making the decision to move to Nashville a way to protect them and gain some anonymity. Nashville offered a fresh start away from the intense spotlight of the Ohio State football ecosystem, allowing his sons to grow up without the constant pressure tied to their father’s job and alma mater.

The Herbstreit Sons: A New Era and the Partial Return to Ohio

Despite the move to Tennessee, the Herbstreit family's life remains deeply intertwined with college football, particularly through their four sons: Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase. Their collegiate careers have created a fascinating new chapter in the family’s residence story, leading to a partial, strategic return to Ohio.

The Football Family Tree

The four Herbstreit boys have followed their father’s footsteps into the sport, playing for various high-profile college football programs, which ironically keeps the family traveling across the country, especially to the Big Ten and ACC conferences.

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• Jake and Zak Herbstreit: Both sons walked on to the Ohio State Buckeyes team. Zak, a tight end, has been a part of the program’s recent successes, including the College Football Playoff National Championship victory.
• Tye Herbstreit: Tye chose to play for the Clemson Tigers, a major ACC rival to Ohio State, further demonstrating the family's commitment to objective football analysis over blind loyalty.
• Chase Herbstreit: The youngest son, Chase, is a quarterback who committed to the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State’s fiercest rival. This commitment has created a unique and compelling storyline for the family and for Kirk’s commentary.

The Cincinnati Connection

In recent years, the Herbstreits acquired a second home in Cincinnati, Ohio. This secondary residence was a practical move, driven by the logistics of their youngest son, Chase, playing high school football in the area before heading to Michigan. While Nashville remains their official primary residence, the Cincinnati home provides a base of operations that allows the family to be closer to their sons playing in the Midwest and to their extended family ties in the state. This is a strategic move that allows them to balance their need for privacy with their desire to be present for their children’s crucial football careers.

Topical Authority: The Impact of the Move on Herbstreit’s Career

The 2011 relocation solidified Kirk Herbstreit’s reputation as an analyst committed to honesty, even at a significant personal cost. The decision became a national sports story, highlighting the toxicity that can sometimes surround college football fandom and the intense pressure commentators face.

His continued success, earning multiple Sports Emmy Awards and securing major roles with ESPN/ABC and Amazon Prime, proves that his objective approach ultimately resonated with a national audience. The fact that his sons now play for rival schools—Ohio State, Clemson, and Michigan Wolverines—further reinforces his professional integrity, as he must continue to offer fair analysis of all programs, including those where his own children play. The "Kirk Herbstreit family move" is therefore not just a personal anecdote, but a defining moment that underscores his credibility in the high-stakes world of college football broadcasting.