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Kirk Herbstreit's dog Ben steals the show from college football

Posted on by Kennedy
Kirk Herbstreit's dog Ben steals the show from college football

Although large crowds are always expected for “College GameDay,” at least some of the morning show's viewers are coming for a furry employee.

ESPN Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Ben, travels weekly with the GameDay host, bringing his warm presence to college football fans across the country. Ben, a golden retriever, won a special place in the hearts of football fans during the 2023 season.

Ben traveled with Herbstreit for the first time last season when the Oregon Ducks faced the Washington Huskies on October 14th. Herbstreit was worried about Ben coming along and wasn't sure until Ben made it clear to him that he was made for the college football environment.

Ben also embodies courage. In March, he was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer of the blood-forming tissue that reduces the body's ability to fight infections. According to Herbstreit, Ben underwent major surgery in July to remove two cancerous tumors on his spleen and intestines.

Herbstreit said what helped Ben in his recovery was that the 10-year-old golden retriever was able to see fans on the street.

Here are some of Herbstreit and Ben's best moments from the 2024 college football season.

Eugene, Ore
Oct. 12

Due to treatment, Ben was physically unable to make the trip before the Ohio State Buckeyes-Oregon Ducks game. But Ben's presence was felt with a special care package from the Ducks mascot.

Berkeley, California
Oct. 5

The California Golden Bears hosted College GameDay for the first time in history, which placed Ben in the Pacific Time Zone. They say the early bird catches the worm and Ben demonstrated that perfectly.

Ben is always the main attraction on site and knows how to steal the show. Cal fans couldn't get enough of Ben.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
September 28th

It looks like Ben was a fan of the GameDay crew's interpretations of Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss Rebels before their match against the Kentucky Wildcats. But Ben gets what he craves when he wants to be petted, even if it's on set.

Just like the 50 yard line, Ben is the center of attention. For Ben, there is no better feeling than the fresh turf at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Watch out Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide, the real “Linebarker” is in the building.

Norman, Okla
September 21st

Nobody does it better than Ben. To steal the show before the Tennessee Volunteers took on the Oklahoma Sooners, Ben had to test the turf to make sure it was game-ready. Only the best in the business get this all-access permission, and Ben is certainly that guy.

Ann Arbor, Mich
September 7th

Who works harder than Ben? No one. Ben was assigned a “work pass” for the Michigan Wolverines’ game against the Texas Longhorns.

Las Vegas
September 1st

The LSU Tigers and USC Trojans have high expectations for the college football season. However, Ben raised the bar even higher with his performance during the pregame show.

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