In the United States, longtime ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit found himself in the spotlight for an inappropriate social media post made just before the College Football Playoff. On December 17, 2025, he issued an apology after posting a video with fellow analyst Joey Galloway that unintentionally suggested a lack of college football activity during a weekend when games were indeed being played. Herbstreit expressed that he was at home and felt disoriented due to not traveling for college football as he usually does from August onward. He felt the need to clarify that their commentary about not having any college football games was misleading and did not reflect the reality of the past weekend's exciting games, particularly highlighting the Army-Navy rivalry that took place. In the video, Herbstreit discussed his feelings of confusion regarding not being involved in the typical college football atmosphere. However, the caption accompanying the video created a misinterpretation among viewers, leading some to believe that he was dismissing the significance of the teams and games that were actually occurring. Aware of the backlash, Herbstreit specifically acknowledged the Army-Navy game, which holds special meaning for him, stating it exemplifies a deep love for the sport and the players involved. He emphasized the importance of respecting all teams and clarified that any misunderstandings resulting from his earlier post were completely unintentional. The context of Herbstreit’s apology coincides with the start of the College Football Playoff, where excitement for the sport peaks. On December 19, the first round kicks off with a matchup between the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners and the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. Herbstreit and the iconic show College GameDay are set to be broadcasting from Norman, Oklahoma for the rematch. On the following day, College GameDay will shift focus to College Station to cover the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes versus No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies with special celebrity guest pickers. As part of their programming, Oklahoma football legend Brian Bosworth and Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel will join the show, contributing to the fanfare and excitement surrounding these college traditions. This incident highlights the power of social media and how a miscommunication can lead to significant misunderstandings among viewers. Herbstreit's sincere apology suggests that he values the teams and traditions of college football greatly, reinforcing that even minor social media engagements can hold considerable weight in public perception. As the playoff season continues, the focus remains on the games and the legendary figures connected to them—both past and present—serving as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of college football in the United States.