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

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.

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.

Nice view this morning 🌌#CollegeGameday pic.twitter.com/pM1TKpirpA

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 5, 2024

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

Ben found his way into the action this morning#CollegeGameday pic.twitter.com/juA9uo7ZbW

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 5, 2024

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.

Ben stopped by the GameDay counter during the show 🐶😆 pic.twitter.com/1SVxhMyuIn

– College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 28, 2024

He was looking for the food from the last section 🍖#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/XwTRLFOEgS

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 28, 2024

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.

This Ben is a mess. pic.twitter.com/KRjjuVC9a0

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 28, 2024

Calm before the storm in Tuscaloosa before kickoff pic.twitter.com/KzLzjniXkS

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 28, 2024

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

Recognize@AlabamaFTBLFor giving Big Lad his qualification for this massive showdown here in Tuscaloosa tomorrow!
⁦@AlabamaFTBL⁩ ⁦@GeorgiaFootball⁩ pic.twitter.com/ScAIdl4G24

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 27, 2024

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.

Tall guy watching the pre-game warm-ups on the field… pic.twitter.com/MIZMxRox8q

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 21, 2024

Ben is with me and is looking forward to traveling with me back to Cincinnati and then to Norman to see the Sooners/Vols! https://t.co/bqdvcae7rL pic.twitter.com/m1P63bytb2

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 19, 2024

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.

Working dog pic.twitter.com/PZr0K4tG9m

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 7, 2024

pic.twitter.com/e0lq0PZyI9

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 7, 2024

Thank you@UMichFootballfor being such gracious hosts for our friend Ben. This is great!
⁦@CollegeGameDayComing LIVE from Ann Arbor at 9pm ET!! pic.twitter.com/ycagIqwP6m

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 7, 2024

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.

.@KirkHerbstreitBen's dog, Ben, made his way to the LSU-USC pregame show 🐶😂 pic.twitter.com/BetPuCpvcl

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 1, 2024

Ready for use#USCvsLSU pic.twitter.com/FviemmmCyY

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 1, 2024