Herbstreit Picks Notre Dame Over Ohio State; Hawk, Schmit Back Buckeyes on McAfee Show

ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday and passed on picking his alma mater to win the College Football Playoff national championship, instead selecting Notre Dame. When asked directly whether he was going with Ohio State, Herbstreit responded instinctively, 'No, I don't do that,' before adding that if he genuinely believed the Buckeyes were the best choice — noting they carry the top odds — he would say so. After a pause, he landed on Notre Dame.

Two other show participants did back Ohio State. Former Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk picked his alma mater to win the national title, as did show producer and Iowa graduate Ty Schmit. Ohio State currently holds the best odds among championship contenders according to the segment's Vegas-odds graphic shown on air.

Shrine Bowl Watch List and a Mahomes Comparison Add to the Buzz

Separate from the championship conversation, the East-West Shrine Bowl released its Shriners' 1,000 watch list and identified 19 Ohio State players as candidates for the annual all-star game, scheduled for Feb. 4, 2027, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Shrine Bowl typically targets outgoing seniors looking to bolster their NFL Draft stock, and not all 19 Buckeyes are expected to participate — final decisions will depend on how the season unfolds and which players need additional exposure in front of NFL scouts and executives.

Also drawing attention was a recent appearance by Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver and former Ohio State standout Cris Carter on the Fully Loaded podcast. Carter was asked by a caller what he thought of Buckeyes backup quarterback Tavien St. Clair, with the caller framing the question around a potential Justin Fields comparison.

He looks like a version of Patrick Mahomes. Really good athlete, can be a dual threat, (but) is more of a pocket passer. Had a great spring, good-looking prospect. I think what Ryan Day and the quarterbacks that he's developed — he's a better thrower than Justin Fields. He's not as good a runner as Justin Fields. ... Yes, he looks like the next starting quarterback if our guy Julian Sayin decides to leave college with two years of eligibility left. The Buckeyes are going to be in good hands with him … a future NFL quarterback.

— Cris Carter, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Ohio State wide receiver, on the Fully Loaded podcast

St. Clair currently backs up starter Julian Sayin at Ohio State. Carter noted he spent time with the Buckeyes during spring football and came away impressed with the Ohio native's pocket passing ability and overall athleticism, stopping short of the Fields comparison a caller had floated and instead reaching for the Mahomes ceiling.