Kirk Herbstreit names Ben Herbstreit 2024 Mascot of the Year in annual Herbie Awards

Ben Herbstreit captivated the hearts of the college football world during the past few college football seasons. The lovable golden retriever melted hearts across the country, after making appearances during several College GameDay appearances and traveling everywhere with Kirk Herbstreit. So, it was only fitting that in his annual Herbie Awards, Kirk Herbstreit named Ben Herbstreit as the 2024 Mascot of the Year.

Whether it was live appearances on the set of ESPN College GameDay, where he was often seen shadowing Herbstreit’s every step, or in the occasional photos Herbstreit posted of his loyal traveling companion, Ben quickly became a beloved figure for college football fans everywhere.

Ben’s fame grew so much throughout the 2023 college football season that bowl sites and athletic programs began issuing the elder Golden Retriever his own media credential to roam the sidelines at Herbstreit’s side in 2024.

Prior to his Nov. 7 passing, Ben had been undergoing treatment for cancer throughout 2024 but the treatment took a turn for the worse in early November.

“This is really hard to write but so many of you have loved and cared about Ben that I wanted to let you know,” Herbstreit wrote Nov. on X/Twitter.

“We found out today the cancer had spread throughout Bens organs and there was nothing left we could do-we had to let him go. I’ve had dogs my whole life but Ben was 1 on 1. He was smart-loving-gentle-patient-inquisitive-and welcoming to all. Always a big smile and a soft tail wag. He and I could communicate. He and I understood each other and had each others backs. He was with me more than anyone at home and traveling with me for work. Such an easy going companion. Hard day-but he will live within all of us forever. God please bless his majestic soul and thank you for putting him in my life for the last 10 years-a true blessing. Love you Ben.”

Since Ben’s passing, Herbstreit has been traveling with Ben’s adorable Golden Retriever brother, Peter, who has become a budding star in his own right with his own GameDay appearances.

On3’s Andrew Graham also contributed to this article.