Before the College Football Playoff national championship between Indiana and Miami, Kirk Herbstreit stepped to the podium Saturday at CFP Media Day with a familiar companion at his side.
Peter, Herbstreit’s golden retriever, immediately became the center of attention.
The 2-year-old dog, who is already a fan favorite during the season, was the center of attention with plenty of questions. He earned the lighthearted nickname “the Taylor Swift of college football” as he overshadowed his dad, who will call Monday night’s game for ESPN.
Welcome to Media Day, Peter!#CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/lgkPy15f59
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 17, 2026
Herbstreit began traveling with a dog in 2024, explaining in an ESPN video that he wanted a travel companion amid his demanding schedule. That routine started with Ben, his aging golden retriever who became a regular presence on College GameDay before dying of cancer in November 2024 at age 10.
After Ben’s passing, Peter took over the traveling role. Herbstreit, who lives near Nashville, has four dogs — Theo, Mitch, Beau and Peter — and has said bringing one on the road makes him feel more at home while bouncing between NFL games, “GameDay” locations and Saturday night broadcasts.
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Peter has not shied away from the spotlight. He appeared during “College GameDay” in Columbus earlier this season, even drawing jokes from analyst Pat McAfee after an on-air poop mishap. Later, Peter briefly grabbed airtime during the Bill Belichick's UNC debut against TCU.
This broadcast has gone to the dogs.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 2, 2025
Specifically, Kirk Herbstreit's dog, Peter, who got a headset. Pic.twitter.com/URYS0F3ztT
Monday night marks Peter’s first national championship in the booth with his pops.
On the field, the matchup puts the hometown Miami Hurricanes at the end of a rugged postseason, while the Indiana Hoosiers enter unbeaten.
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If Indiana wins the College Football Playoff National Championship, it would become the first team since Yale in 1894 to finish 16-0.
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