The 2023 college football season did not disappoint. We saw great plays, drama, and everything this great sport brings. However, we must recognize the real stars of college football, the media members. While I am not a fan of lists (shout out Rico Bosco), I have put together my top five college football media personalities of 2023.
1. Kirk Herbstreit
Kirk Herbstreit has long been the preeminent voice of college football and it may have reached new heights in 2023. From sharing the flight path of his private jet to parading his golden retriever, Ben, on football fields, Herbstreit flaunted his status as college football royalty.
Herbstreit, or “Herbie”, has stayed busy this football season. In addition to his college football duties, he has also handled color commentary for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football. Herbstreit made time to go on podcasts like Pardon My Take as well.
The doomsday scenario that Herbstreit scenario ultimately ended up playing out and Florida State was the team that was left out. Herbstreit and ESPN received the ire of pissed off Florida State fans and college football fans in general. To add to that, there is the clip of Herbstreit celebrating Alabama’s improbable Iron Bowl win before calling the Florida and Florida State game the week before.
It is hard to imagine Herbstreit is concerned with any of the backlash coming his way as he and Ben continue to jet set across the country.
2. Robert Griffin III
While Kirk Herbstreit caught the blame for the College Football Playoff rankings, Robert Griffin III avoided criticism with a rather unique strategy. As it stands now, the College Football Playoff is for the top four teams in the country. However, that did not stop Griffin III from stumping for more.
Griffin III slightly reversed course and began wrestling with the determination the committee would have to make.
Finally, he went on the attack in defense of Florida State.
While those posts from Griffin III were chaotic, they were much like the college football experience through the lens of the man himself. His wacky catchphrases and unusual pregame activities made him a star of the college football world.
Love him or hate him, Griffin III had an influence on college football fans this season. I know this because it happened to me.
3. Danny Kanell
For as long as he has been in national sports media, Danny Kanell has claimed there is an inherent SEC bias. Now, it is hard to argue there is not.
This all culminated as Kanell’s alma mater, Florida State, was left out of the College Football Playoff. Ultimately, it presented the opportunity for Kanell to drop this manifesto on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kanell is forever vindicated and for that, he must be applauded.
4. Dan Mullen
Dan Mullen may want to return to coaching eventually, but that time has not yet come. Mullen was fired by Florida in 2021 and paid a buyout of $12 million. While he is collecting checks and chuckling in studio shows, his former employee is racking up losses. In the past two seasons, the Gators have a record of 11-14.
In his current role, Mullen’s highlight moment came when he lit up Trevor Matich over the committee’s decision to leave Florida State out.
Whether or not he is mulling over getting back into coaching, Mullen has been a nice addition to ESPN’s college football lineup.
5. Lee Corso
This might not be a popular pick to some of you, but Lee Corso continues to be a top college football media personality. Sure, he has slowed down, but have you seen our president lately?
Corso continues to put on mascot heads as only he can, so hopefully that continues.
Dishonorable Mention: Pete Thamel
Never has there been more a buzzkill on College Gameday than Pete Thamel. While I was no fan of Chris “Bear” Fallica, even he brought more to the show than Thamel. Thamel combines a face for radio with a voice for print.
Thamel’s legacy will be making the Michigan controversy a centerpiece of College Gameday despite most of the audience having no real interest.
His reporting went on for weeks and when the show was live in front of a crowd in Ann Arbor, Thamel cowardly went into the stadium to avoid any backlash. Even Desmond Howard took notice.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 