Kirk Herbstreit Urges SEC to Rebuild, Picks Indiana as National Title Favorite
New York, NY – January 10, 2026 – ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit delivered a sharp critique of the Southeastern Conference’s postseason struggles, calling for the league to “go back to the drawing board” amid a dismal bowl record. In his Nonstop podcast, Herbstreit highlighted how SEC teams have been “embarrassed” in non-conference games, contrasting their performance with the Big Ten’s success. He also praised Indiana as his current pick to win the national championship, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry over recruiting stars.
Herbstreit’s Take on the SEC
Herbstreit pointed out that the SEC, once dominant, has faltered in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff era. “For 10 or 15 years, the SEC had the upper hand, but now the Big Ten has played very well,” he said. “The SEC needs to go back to the drawing board when it comes to bowl games.” He noted Ole Miss’s semifinal matchup against Miami as a chance for the conference to redeem itself, but expressed concern over teams not competing effectively.
Indiana’s Rise and Team Chemistry Message
Following Indiana’s 56-22 victory over Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal on January 9, Herbstreit endorsed the Hoosiers as the favorite to win the title game against Miami on January 19. “If Indiana keeps playing the way they are playing, I would give them the nod,” he stated. He urged coaches to focus on building cohesive teams rather than chasing five-star recruits and agents. “Indiana doesn’t have a lot of five-stars, but they’ve got a team,” he added, highlighting how unity leads to playoff success.
Key Facts: 2025-26 College Football Playoff Semifinals
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Ole Miss (Fiesta Bowl) | January 8, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ | Miami 31, Ole Miss 27 |
| No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 1 Indiana (Peach Bowl) | January 9, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | Indiana 56, Oregon 22 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kirk Herbstreit?
Kirk Herbstreit is a former Ohio State quarterback and longtime ESPN college football analyst, known for his commentary on College GameDay and playoff broadcasts.
What did Herbstreit say about the SEC?
He criticized the SEC for poor bowl performances, suggesting they need to regroup to compete in the new playoff format.
Why does Herbstreit favor Indiana?
He highlighted their team chemistry and coaching under Curt Cignetti, despite lacking top recruits, as key to their success.