Kirk Herbstreit surprises with update on College Football Playoff rankings show participation for 2024

Tuesday nights in college football means one thing — the College Football Playoff rankings. ESPN broadcasts the event, hosted by Rece Davis and having multiple personalities along with him. One of them has been Kirk Herbstreit but he was not there during this season’s first edition.

Turns out, Herbstreit has “retired” from the show. He revealed as such during Saturday night’s Alabama–LSU game when play-by-play man Chris Fowler was doing a promotion. Fowler was telling the viewers Herbstreit would be there alongside Davis before getting cut off.

“No, not me,” Herbstreit said. “I retired from that.”

Fowler asked, “Is that congratulations or condolences?” Both laughed it off before adding “I think we know the answer.”

Herbstreit would not do the show in person, usually calling in via video. He would give analysis alongside Booger McFarland, Greg McElroy, and Joey Galloway. When the CFP field was being revealed, Herbstreit would be in the studio.

But based on what he said Saturday night, there will be no more Herbstreit on the show. ESPN will carry on without its major college football voice. All opinions from him will likely come on ESPN College GameDay or maybe even social media.

LSU puts up touching press box tribute to Ben Herbstreit

Since the passing of his golden retriever, Ben, on Thursday, Kirk Herbstreit has kept up his regular football duties, including calling the LSU–Alabama game from Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. But his furry friend was remembered in the press box.

The simple gesture for the late companion of the broadcaster, set up by the hosts, featured an array of yellow and purple flowers. Along with that, was a framed image of Herbstreit and his dog and a simple message.

“Ben Herbstreit, college football’s best friend,” it read.

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this report