ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has seen enough. The college football icon is fed up with the fashion choices on the gridiron, and he's not afraid to say it. His latest target? The shorts worn by Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell, which Herbstreit called "embarrassing" and "ridiculous" during a recent appearance on the "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast.
The controversy began on November 1, 2025, when Sandell trotted out for a field goal attempt against Tennessee. Herbstreit, on the broadcast, was visibly appalled by the kicker's attire, which he described as looking like a "jockstrap." He even suggested that such a wardrobe choice should result in a penalty.
"That should be a penalty," Herbstreit said at the time. "Just dressing like that should be a penalty. What the hell is it? Wearing shorts out there."
Despite the criticism, Sandell nailed the 51-yard attempt, prompting ESPN's Chris Fowler to quip, "Short shorts, but not short on distance." Herbstreit added, "Got his Daisy Dukes on and puts it right down the middle."
Months later, Herbstreit hasn't softened his stance. On the podcast, he doubled down, saying, "This dude had like a jockstrap on. It was embarrassing. That's ridiculous. That's an embarrassment to the sport. I can't stand that."
But Herbstreit is quick to clarify that this isn't personal. "He's a badass," Herbstreit said of Sandell. "And he and I had some fun with it. But you can't wear pants like that."
Sandell, who earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2025, had a stellar season, converting 24 of 27 field goal attempts, including 8 of 9 from 50 yards or more. His performance on the field is undeniable, but his fashion sense has clearly struck a nerve with one of the sport's most prominent voices.
This isn't the first time Herbstreit has weighed in on off-field issues. He's also been vocal about the changing landscape of college football, and he's even shown support for colleagues making big moves. But for now, his focus is on the shorts.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sandell to see if he heeds Herbstreit's advice or continues to push the boundaries of acceptable game-day attire. One thing's for sure: Herbstreit will be watching, and he won't hesitate to speak his mind.
