Kirk Herbstreit brutally mocked by Pat McAfee before Oklahoma’s historic disaster vs Alabama

Dec 20, 2025 - 15:15

Kirk Herbstreit is getting a taste of his own medicine.

As the College GameDay crew were in Norman, Oklahoma for the College Football Playoff clash between the Oklahoma Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide, Herbstreit received several digs.

Oklahoma Sooners kicks an extra point during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma. — Sandell’s pants have been a point of contention as a result of the length

Pat McAfee was full of praise for Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell, the 2025 Lou Gorza Award winner, during Friday’s program.

McAfee revisited Herbstreit’s criticisms a few weeks ago of Sandell’s attire, which sees him wear pants that are shorter than what is normal for players.

“He’s got short shorts on,” ESPN commentator Chris Fowler proclaimed on Nov. 1 during Oklahoma’s win over the Tennessee Volunteers.

“I guess that’s no longer frowned upon in this sport.”

Herbstreit was quick to respond with, “It is with me. That should be a penalty. Dressing like that should be a penalty.”

After the game, his comments went viral. In response, Sandell made a custom T-shirt that read, “Short shorts, long kicks,” and “Flag that, Herbstreit.”

McAfee then brought out a custom t-shirt that Sandell wore on the recent GameDay program and mocked Herbstreit.

“Look at this Tate Sandell shirt, he’s talking about Kirk Herbstreit,” McAfee said.

“I love that,” Herbstreit said with humility. “That’s great.”

The ESPN analyst also reacted to the shirt on X.

ESPN College Gameday crew — Sandell has reportedly made a good return on his custom Kirk Herbstreit shirts

ESPN Broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit talks before the game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Acrisure Stadium on November 15, 2025 — Herbstreit took the clapback with great humility

“Love it,” Herbstreit posted to X.

“Tate and I have spoken and I am a MASSIVE fan. Just wish he’d wear FOOTBALL pants!!!”

Unfortunately for Sandell and Oklahoma, the fun would stop there as they went on to lose to Alabama in stunning fashion.

The No. 8 Sooners squandered a 17-point lead in a 34-24 loss to No. 9 Alabama in Oklahoma’s first College Football Playoff game since 2019.

After going down 17-0, the Crimson Tide scored on five of their next seven possessions and responded with 27 unanswered points.

It was the largest comeback in CFP history, matching the 17-point deficit Georgia overcame in 2018, also against Oklahoma in a double-overtime Rose Bowl clash.

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