For years, Kirk Herbstreit has been caught in the crossfire of college football fanbases accusing him of bias — especially when it comes to his alma mater, Ohio State. The latest was in the 2024 Cotton Bowl. But in a surprising twist, the ESPN analyst set aside rivalries and delivered a heartfelt message to OSU’s conference rival – James Franklin’s Penn State’s newest hire – a move that left the formerly retired Nittany Lions legend emotional.
On Tuesday, Penn State made waves by hitting a home run hire of former star quarterback Trace McSorley to its coaching staff as an assistant quarterbacks coach. McSorley, who lit up Happy Valley from 2015-2018, now returns to mentor the next generation. Herbstreit, who covered McSorley’s electric collegiate career, took to X to celebrate the hire. “Congrats Trace—great to see ya back home! You’re gonna be a phenomenal coach. Best of luck!” he wrote.
Congrats Trace-great to see ya back home! You’re gonna be a phenomenal coach. Best of luck! https://t.co/CLIMqi3A51
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 26, 2025
Clearly moved by the gesture, the PSU’s new QB staff replied himself, “Thanks, Kirk! Fired up to be back!!” Just like that, one of college football’s most debated voices put the OSU-Penn State rivalry aside to honor a player who once tormented the Buckeye.
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