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The Herbstreit Family Dynasty: Where Are Kirk Herbstreit's 4 Sons Now? (2025 Update)

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The Herbstreit family remains one of the most talked-about dynasties in college football, and as of late 2025, the four sons of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit are making major headlines that go beyond the gridiron. The dynamic has never been more fascinating: one son just made a shocking commitment to their father's biggest rival, while another has transitioned from a National Champion player to a rising media star, all while the family navigates personal health challenges. This is the definitive, fresh breakdown of where Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase Herbstreit are right now. The constant scrutiny on the family is a direct result of their deep, multi-generational ties to the sport, particularly the Ohio State Buckeyes. Every move a Herbstreit son makes—whether it's a college commitment, a transfer, or a career change—becomes a national talking point, adding layers of drama and intrigue to the college football landscape.

Kirk Edward Herbstreit: Biography and Family Profile

Kirk Edward Herbstreit is an American sportscaster and former college football quarterback whose career has made him a household name. Born on August 19, 1969, in Centerville, Ohio, he grew up immersed in the Ohio State football culture, as his father, Jim Herbstreit, was a former assistant coach under Woody Hayes.

  • Full Name: Kirk Edward Herbstreit
  • Date of Birth: August 19, 1969
  • Age (as of 2025): 56 years old
  • Birthplace: Centerville, Ohio
  • Alma Mater: Ohio State University (QB, 1989–1993)
  • Spouse: Alison Herbstreit (née Butler)
  • Children: Four sons: Jake, Tye, Zak, and Chase
  • Career Highlights: ESPN College GameDay Analyst (Emmy Award-winning), Amazon Prime Video Thursday Night Football Analyst, Former Ohio State Team Captain and MVP (1992).

Kirk met his wife, Alison Butler, while they were both students at Ohio State; he was the quarterback, and she was a cheerleader. The couple has been married since 1998 and shares four sons, all of whom have pursued careers in college football, creating a unique and high-profile family legacy.

The Shocking Commitment: Chase Herbstreit and the Michigan Wolverines

The biggest and most recent news surrounding the Herbstreit family involves the youngest son, Chase Herbstreit. In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Chase committed to the Michigan Wolverines as a quarterback for the 2025 class.

This decision is particularly noteworthy, given Kirk Herbstreit’s legendary status as a former Ohio State quarterback and his outspoken love for the Buckeyes. The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is arguably the fiercest in American sports, and a Herbstreit wearing the Maize and Blue is a headline-grabbing event.

Chase, a three-star quarterback from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, officially enrolled at the University of Michigan in June 2025. He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds, aiming to carve out his own path in Ann Arbor, separate from the pressure of the Ohio State legacy.

Zak Herbstreit: From Champion Tight End to Media Analyst

Zak Herbstreit, one of Kirk and Alison’s twin sons, has made the most significant career transition of all the boys in 2025. Zak was a tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes, following in his father’s footsteps by playing at The Horseshoe.

In early 2025, Zak achieved the ultimate college football goal, winning the College Football Playoff National Championship with the Buckeyes. However, his path has been marked by personal health struggles. Kirk Herbstreit revealed publicly that Zak has been dealing with a heart issue.

Despite the health challenges, Zak has quickly pivoted his career, demonstrating the family’s natural talent for media. He has been hired as a National College Football Analyst for On3, a prominent digital media company. He now hosts his own show, "Off Script with Zak Herbstreit," where he offers predictions and analysis, including his thoughts on the 2025 12-team College Football Playoff field.

Tye and Jake Herbstreit: The Other Half of the Dynasty

The remaining twin, Tye, and the oldest son, Jake, are also deeply involved in the college football scene, though their current paths are slightly different from their brothers.

Tye Herbstreit (Clemson Tigers)

Tye Herbstreit is continuing his football career as a wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers. He is currently listed on the 2025 Clemson football roster, playing the wide receiver position. Tye originally started his career at Ohio State as a walk-on, but later transferred to Clemson to continue his collegiate journey. This move highlights the family's willingness to embrace opportunities outside of the traditional Ohio State route, a sentiment echoed by Chase's commitment to Michigan.

As a wide receiver, Tye is focused on contributing to the Tigers' offense and building his own collegiate resume under a different set of pressures than his brothers facing the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.

Jake Herbstreit (Stepping Away from Football)

Jake Herbstreit, the oldest of the four sons, also previously played college football. He was a walk-on cornerback, initially at Ohio State and then at Clemson, where he played alongside his brother Tye.

However, the most current information indicates that Jake has stepped away from playing football to pursue other interests. A Clemson official noted that he was shadowing the football program, suggesting a potential interest in the operational or coaching side of the sport, similar to his brother Zak’s pivot to media. This decision shows that while the Herbstreit boys are all passionate about the game, they are finding their own unique ways to contribute to the sport outside of being on the field.

The Family Foundation: Alison Herbstreit’s Health Battle

The Herbstreit family’s public life in 2025 has also focused on a deeply personal issue. In January 2025, Kirk Herbstreit revealed that his wife, Alison Herbstreit, had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.

This public revelation brought a new dimension of support from the college football community, shifting the focus from the rivalries and recruiting battles to the importance of family and health. Kirk Herbstreit has been open about the challenges the family has faced, emphasizing Alison's strength and resilience throughout her treatment.

The collective journey of the Herbstreit family—from the intense rivalry politics of Chase’s commitment to the health struggles of Zak and Alison—underscores the fact that even one of college football's most recognizable families is navigating deeply personal and relatable challenges while maintaining a high-profile presence in the sport they love.

kirk herbstreit kids
kirk herbstreit kids

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