ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has stirred the pot by predicting that the Miami Hurricanes, not his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, will capture the 2026 national title. Despite the Buckeyes entering the season as co-favorites alongside Indiana, Herbstreit, a lifelong Ohio State supporter, believes an ACC powerhouse that reached the 2025 national championship as a No. 10 seed will come out on top.
“I think Miami might be the team to win it all this year,” Herbstreit said during his Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. “They’re going to be loaded this year.”
The analyst’s admission marks a rare departure from his usual scarlet-and-gray loyalty. Watching Miami’s raw power and dominant playoff run last season—where they upset Ohio State 24-14 in the CFP Quarterfinals, ending the Buckeyes’ repeat hopes—Herbstreit made the tough but honest call. Miami’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage, recording five sacks on QB Julian Sayin and limiting OSU to just 45 rushing yards. Meanwhile, QB Carson Beck threw for 138 yards and a touchdown, and RB Mark Fletcher Jr. contributed 90 rushing yards and a receiving score.
Miami’s defensive unit ranked No. 1 nationally in sacks (46) and pressures (220) during their 2025 postseason. Though they lost some players to the 2026 NFL Draft, standouts like Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten return. On offense, playmakers like WR Malachi Toney and Duke transfer QB Darian Mensah join five-star OL Jackson Cantwell.
“I think Miami might be the team to win the National Championship this year.. That team is loaded” ~ @KirkHerbstreit
Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal emphasized continuity: “We want to make sure we are holding up the big trophy at the end of the year. I think this is sustainable and will continue to elevate year after year.”
Ohio State remains a formidable contender. Ryan Day’s squad features Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and another stacked recruiting class. “We’re not defending anything; We’re attacking,” Day said. Yet Herbstreit’s prediction, given his deep ties to OSU—he played QB there from 1989-1993 and was a team captain—has become headline news.
Herbstreit’s personal history with the Buckeyes extends to his family: his father Jim captained Ohio State in 1960, and his son Zak played tight end for the team. His youngest son Chase, however, committed to play QB for rival Michigan, a decision Herbstreit publicly supports. After OSU’s 2024 national title win, Herbstreit broke down in tears on air. Now, his pick of Miami over the Buckeyes comes as a shock, though he acknowledged it could change.