Kirk Herbstreit may be one of the most familiar voices in college football, but the woman beside him has stayed largely out of the spotlight.
Alison Butler Herbstreit, who met Kirk while both were students at Ohio State, has built a quieter public life while raising the couple’s four sons, all of whom eventually played college football. Alison was a cheerleader in Columbus, and Kirk was the Buckeyes quarterback when their relationship began. They married in 1998 and stayed in Columbus after the wedding.
Kirk’s path to Ohio State began in Centerville, Ohio, where he grew up as the son of Jim Herbstreit, a captain on the Buckeyes’ 1960 team. Alison was on the cheer squad during Kirk’s time in the program, and the pair remained in the area after starting their family.
The Herbstreits eventually moved to the Nashville area in 2011 after Kirk said he had been harassed by Ohio State fans who believed he was too critical of his alma mater on air.
“To continue to have to defend myself and my family in regards to my love and devotion to Ohio State is unfair,” Kirk said at the time. “I don’t like moving.
I love living here. I don’t want to leave.
But I just can’t do this anymore.”
The family later added a home in the Cincinnati area so Chase could play high school football at St. Xavier.
The Herbstreits also have a small canine crew, including golden retrievers. Kirk announced on Nov. 7, 2024, that Ben, the 10-year-old golden who had become a regular presence with him on College GameDay and Thursday Night Football, had died of cancer. Kirk was in Baltimore for work when one of his sons took Ben to the veterinarian, and he said his goodbye over FaceTime.
Peter, who joined the family in December 2023 and trained alongside Ben and the family’s two other dogs, later became Kirk’s travel companion.
Jake and Tye, twins born in 2000, played at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and then walked on at Clemson. Jake later transferred to Ohio State, where Zak also spent time as a walk-on tight end before being hospitalized with a heart issue during his college career.
Chase charted his own path away from the family’s Ohio State roots when he committed to Michigan as a quarterback in the 2025 class. As a senior at St.
Xavier, he threw for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns. Kirk reacted to Michigan’s announcement on social media.
“So proud of you Chase,” Kirk wrote. “Congratulations on this incredible opportunity.
Look forward to watching you continue to grow and develop at Michigan. Keep grinding!!”
Chase is now a sophomore backup behind Bryce Underwood, who slid in the latest Big Ten quarterback rankings, on Kyle Whittingham’s first Michigan team. Kirk was at Michigan’s spring game in April to watch his youngest son, wearing a plain navy hoodie and cap without a Michigan logo.
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