Eric Boggs
At The OHIO Podcast, we have always prided ourselves on supporting those who elevate Ohio State athletics. However, our stance on Kirk Herbstreit has drastically changed due to his recent remarks and persistent attitude toward Buckeyes fans. His repeated dismissals and inflammatory comments have alienated a significant portion of the Ohio State community, and we can no longer support him.
The tipping point came during the Ohio State Buckeyes’ dominant 42-17 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in the College Football Playoff. Herbstreit—an Ohio State alumnus and ESPN analyst—chose this moment to target fans who expressed frustration with head coach Ryan Day following a disappointing loss to Michigan. Herbstreit referred to these fans as the “lunatic fringe,” a term he has used repeatedly to describe those critical of Day and the program’s performance in key games. On this occasion, Herbstreit even claimed that this so-called fringe had grown to encompass 15 to 20 percent of Buckeyes fans.
Herbstreit’s tirade extended beyond fans to include ESPN colleagues. He criticized First Take commentators for their opinions on Day’s future, singling out Stephen A. Smith and the broader platform for allegedly fueling speculation about Day’s job security. Shannon Sharpe, co-host of First Take, later issued a stern warning to Herbstreit during a broadcast, stating, “If we’re gonna be on the same team, don’t do that… I promise you, ESPN don’t got enough bosses to keep me off ya’ll for what I’m going to say.”
The backlash against Herbstreit didn’t stop there. Longtime Ohio State journalist Doug Lesmerises criticized Herbstreit’s approach, arguing that his characterization of disgruntled fans as a “lunatic fringe” was both unfair and disconnected from reality. Lesmerises pointed out that Ohio State fans’ anger was justified after a series of poor performances in critical games, including repeated losses to Michigan. He contended that Herbstreit’s remarks trivialized legitimate concerns and disrespected the very fanbase that supports the program.
This tension between Herbstreit and Ohio State fans is not new. Despite his playing career with the Buckeyes, Herbstreit’s consistent criticism of the fanbase has fostered a sense of betrayal. This rift reached its peak in 2011, when Herbstreit cited fan backlash as the reason for relocating his family from Columbus to Tennessee. More recently, he faced scrutiny over his son’s decision to commit to Michigan after not receiving a scholarship offer from Ohio State.
Herbstreit’s focus on fan behavior rather than the team’s on-field performance has only deepened the divide. His dismissive tone toward fans holding Day accountable reveals a growing disconnect between Herbstreit and the Ohio State community. While he may view himself as a voice of reason, many fans see him as out of touch with the program’s high standards and expectations.
In a recent episode of The OHIO Podcast, hosts Eric Boggs and Chris Wilds offered a candid critique of Herbstreit, describing him as thin-skinned and overly critical of Ohio State fans. Boggs argued that Herbstreit internalizes online criticism and uses his platform to lash out, particularly at the Buckeye faithful. “Herbie is too thin-skinned, and instead of ignoring it, he internalizes it and then lashes out,” Boggs said.
Wilds expanded on this critique, accusing Herbstreit of perpetuating ESPN’s narrative favoring the SEC. Wilds claimed that the SEC’s historic dominance, often facilitated by under-the-table NIL deals, has been challenged by a more level playing field in the NIL era. “Kirk Herbstreit can’t handle the fact that his blessed southern schools are now on level ground with Ohio State and other northern programs,” Wilds argued.
Both hosts made it clear that their patience with Herbstreit has worn thin. Wilds described him as a “self-hating Buckeye” and compared his demeanor to Tennessee fans, whom he characterized as overly reliant on excuses. “Kirk Herbstreit is a Benedict Arnold. He has stabbed this entire fan base in the back,” Wilds declared.
Ultimately, the divide between Herbstreit and Ohio State fans reflects a larger issue of expectations and loyalty. While Herbstreit’s critique may stem from tough love, it has alienated many who feel he’s lost sight of what it means to be a Buckeye. For Boggs, Wilds, and much of Buckeye Nation, the solution is clear: move forward without Herbstreit’s validation and embrace the identity he has labeled them with—the Lunatic Fringe. Ohio State fans deserve respect and acknowledgment for their passion and unwavering support, and dismissing these voices as irrational undermines Herbstreit’s credibility as a representative of the Ohio State legacy.
