What Chase Herbstreit’s commitment to Michigan means for Ohio State

This feels like salt in the wound, but what does it really mean? #GoBucks

In case you missed the news, former Ohio State quarterback and ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit had someone from his household commit to one of the worst possible places he could, to Michigan.

And while all of Buckeye Nation seems to be puzzled by how the elder Herbstreit could let that happen, there is some important balance we should add to the situation. Remember, the twins that were often on the College GameDay set once committed to Clemson before Jake came back home to Columbus, so it’s not the first time a Herbstreit committed to a program OSU fans weren’t too keen on.

And at the end of the day, nobody should fault a kid — or family — for doing what they believe is best for their situation, no matter what or where that means. Chase’s brother, Zak, is currently a walk-on tight end for the Buckeyes.

This feels different though. Chase is an Ohio kid, currently finishing off his career at Cincinnati St. Xavier, and there aren’t worse colors an Ohio legacy recruit could wear than Maize and Blue.

Chase Herbstreit and his place in the recruiting rankings

However, we have to remember that Chase isn’t exactly a blue-chip recruit. He is a nice player, sure, but he’s a 3-star prospect and ranked as the No. 117 Ohio prospect and 148th quarterback in the entire 2025 class according to 247Sports. He is unranked in the 247Sports Composite Rankings. So, while a nice player, 247Sports doesn’t have any offers for the 6-foot, 2-inch, 185-pounder.

In other words, Ohio State did not offer, and did not have him on their radar. The only reason this is making a splash with Buckeye Nation is because it’s Herbie’s son that went the way of TTUN.

Why Michigan for Chase Herbstreit?

So, why the Maize and Blue? Especially when there doesn’t appear to be any other Division I programs that were tracking Chase and offering him a scholarship. Let’s call it what it is. Is it possible that Michigan wanted a little PR out of this deal? I mean, you’ve already beaten Ohio State four-straight years, why not offer a scholarship to one of the most well-known Buckeye families out there and have him come to The School Up North.

There’s trolling, and then there’s trolling the OSU program after already sticking the knife in the proverbial side and twisting it. Here’s to hoping Chase finds his way in Ann Arbor, but it’s unlikely that he is anything near the answer for Michigan, especially with the commitment of Bryce Underwood under center.

What Does it Chase Herbstreit’s commitment mean for Ohio State?

Really, nothing. Relax Ohio State fans and let a kid enjoy his moment and taking advantage of the opportunity presented to him by accepting a big-time football scholarship. All he wants is a chance to compete, and now he has his foot in the door and probably ready to work hard to make the most of it.

For OSU, the Buckeyes are more than fine at the quarterback position. Five-star Alabama transfer, Julian Sayin, is still there and ready to compete with Air Noland (at least for now). Coming in from the 2025 class is also home-grown 5-star prospect, Tavien St.-Claire, currently the No. 3 quarterback in the class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. His rise up the rankings have been something to watch and he’s already been around the program a lot.

Kirk Herbstreit’s response

As any father would, the elder Herbstreit reacted with pride on social media — and he should. Again, these things aren’t taken lightly and you can bet Kirk knew what kind of response Ohio State fans would have to this, but that’s never going to get in the way of what’s right for the family and his son.

This is all a lot to do about nothing, but for a rivalry so passionate as the one is between Ohio State and Michigan, and especially where things are with the Buckeyes right now, I guess it makes sense that emotions are raw and on the edge with OSU fans right now.

We say, good luck to you Chase, the rest of you should join in that as well.

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