College football analyst and NFL Amazon Prime commentator Kirk Herbstreit explained on a podcast that ESPN did not have a clear SEC programming bias. While appearing on an “On3” podcast episode, Herbstreit explained how from a pure ratings perspective, ESPN were happy with who the final four remaining teams were in the College Football Playoff.
In the upcoming week, the semifinal round of the CFP will occur, with the winners of each contest advancing to the National Championship. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Penn State Nittany Lions, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Texas Longhorns are the four teams competing for college football’s top team honor. Of those teams, only the Longhorns represent the SEC.
What Did Kirk Herbstreit Say About the Apparent ESPN SEC Bias?
Herbstreit expressed how he believed the discussions about ESPN having an SEC bias were completely unfounded and untrue.
“We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. The only one missing is Michigan… So this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me?” he explained.
.@KirkHerbstreit sets the record straight on ESPN SEC bias:
“We could not have paid for a better final four with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas. The only one missing is Michigan… So this idea we want Alabama, Texas A&M, and Auburn. Are you kidding me?” pic.twitter.com/xbci8PfrrG
— On3 (@On3sports) January 7, 2025
In response, one social media user outlined how Herbstreit was trying to be careful about his words.
“Bro trying his hardest to retract his statements 💀,” they stated.
Bro trying his hardest to retract his statements 💀
— Winnin’ Willie (The Voice of Houston) (@htownsportsnow) January 7, 2025
Meanwhile, one individual agreed with Herbstreit’s assessment of including Michigan in the final four.
“Replace Penn state with Michigan. This would’ve been the greatest final 4 in history,” they said.
Replace Penn state with Michigan
This would’ve been the greatest final 4 in history
— THE RED RANGER (@THEREDRANGER3) January 7, 2025
Finally, one person explained how Herbstreit’s bias this year has impacted their ability to take his words at face value.
“He was openly bias throughout the season, his words are meaningless now,” they detailed.
He was openly bias throughout the season, his words are meaningless now
— ◉ (@CubanPete__) January 7, 2025
College Football Playoff Preview
Heading into the tournament, Texas was the No. 5 seed, Penn State No. 6, Notre Dame No. 7, and Ohio State No. 8 in the nation.
The Fighting Irish will take on the Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, 2025. The contest will be played from Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
MORE: Track Every Athlete’s Transfer Portal Movement in the CFN Transfer Portal Tracker
The other semifinal features the Longhorns facing the Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, 2025. This game will take place at the iconic AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The winners of each respective semifinal game will go against each other in the final of the College Football Playoff.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.