Kirk Herbstreit Names College Football Star Who Will Take NFL By 'Storm'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Conant | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 10:00 AM ET

There are few sportscasters in football as well-respected as Kirk Herbstreit.

Since joining ESPN as a college football sideline analyst in 1995, Herbstreit quickly rose through the broadcasting ranks, becoming a key fixture on College GameDay and the top color commentator for ABC’s Saturday Night Football. He has also ventured into the pro game, working alongside legendary broadcaster Al Michaels on Thursday Night Football for Prime Video.

As a guest on Tuesday’s episode of the Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit praised Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron for his strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He even suggested that he was going to take the NFL by storm.

"I covered 11 or 12 of Barron's games in college. The versatility is off the charts with him. To have the skill set to play outside and slot corner is extremely difficult to pull at the college football and NFL level. He has tremendous intangibles," Herbstreit proclaimed with confidence.

Barron’s 2024 campaign as a ball-hawking cornerback in the Longhorns' secondary was nothing short of impressive. Not only did he snag five interceptions and record 11 pass deflections, but he also tallied 46 tackles, showcasing his ability to be a willing tackler in open space.

"Not only are the numbers going to jump out, but he played in a lot of big games at the highest level. He has a real shot to step in in his first season of the NFL and be turnkey," Herbstreit concluded.

Indeed, Barron has first-round pick written all over him, with many NFL mock drafts predicting the talented Texas standout will be one of the first cornerbacks selected, thanks to his strong combine performance and all-around play over the past few seasons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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