The college football world was rocked on National Signing Day, but not by the usual drama surrounding top recruits. Instead, it was an ESPN analyst who found himself at the center of attention. Kirk Herbstreit, a well-known figure in college football broadcasting, allegedly reached out to the father of a top quarterback recruit, endorsing a decision to flip from Georgia to Nebraska.
According to Dominic Raiola, father of Dylan Raiola, one of the top three quarterback recruits in the nation, Herbstreit personally contacted him to express support for Dylan’s potential move to Nebraska. The elder Raiola shared this information with Rivals, a popular college football recruiting outlet, revealing the influence that Herbstreit had on his son’s decision.
It’s worth noting that Dominic Raiola was an All-American player at Nebraska, highlighting his connection and affection for his alma mater. While he claimed to remain hands-off during Dylan’s decision-making process, it’s clear that the endorsement from Herbstreit and other coaches played a significant role in swaying Dylan towards Nebraska.
However, this situation raises some concerns. In today’s age of social media and extensive coverage, nothing stays a secret in college football. Herbstreit’s alleged unsolicited call to a recruit’s father, seemingly shilling for Nebraska solely based on his personal affinity for the program, is questionable at best. As one of the most prominent college football analysts in the country, Herbstreit should have exercised more discretion and professionalism.
This incident also comes on the heels of ESPN’s recent Sports Emmy embarrassment, which should have prompted a more cautious approach from their on-air personalities. However, it seems that the allure of Thursday Night Football money may have clouded Herbstreit’s judgment.
Unsurprisingly, Georgia fans are likely to seize upon this story, touting it as gospel and using it to validate their dislike for Herbstreit. Despite understanding Dylan Raiola’s family ties to Nebraska, they may struggle to accept his decision and instead direct their disdain towards the impressionable 18-year-old recruit.
Furthermore, Herbstreit’s actions may have also upset his employer. ESPN recently acquired the rights to SEC football, making any promotion of a rival conference and network a potential source of friction. It remains to be seen when College Gameday will next visit Athens, Georgia, but it’s safe to say that Herbstreit can expect a hostile reception from Bulldogs fans when he takes the microphone.
This incident reflects poorly on Herbstreit, especially considering his own playing background in the Big Ten conference. It’s made worse by the fact that he will likely call numerous games in Georgia going forward. College football fans are known for holding grudges for generations and are not afraid to voice their displeasure. Herbstreit should be prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
In the end, this situation serves as a reminder that the college football world is full of passionate fans who are willing to hold onto grudges and entertain conspiracy theories. It’s a risky move for anyone, including an ESPN analyst, to involve themselves in the recruiting process. Herbstreit should have known better, and this incident may serve as a cautionary tale for others in the industry.
