ESPN star's past Indiana criticism back in spotlight as Hoosier surges to CFP national title game

"I hope next that the committee won't get caught up in what social media and a lot of fringe fans get caught up in … which is wins," Herbstreit said in December 2024 when asked to share his takeaway from the first-round games.

"'They had 11 wins, they must be good.' Who did they beat, I think is much more important than how many wins you have. That's [an] old school way of approaching it. Indiana having 11 wins and beating nobody, that doesn't mean they're one of the 12 best teams. Remember… there's a big difference between 'deserving' and 'best.' What this is all about is giving us the best 12 teams."

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes and threw five touchdown passes en route to Indiana's 56-22 victory over Oregon in the semifinal. After the game, Herbstreit's past critique of the last Big Ten team standing in the current playoff drew renewed scrutiny.

One social media user asserted that Herbstreit is "insufferable," while another suggested the former Ohio State quarterback's criteria was inconsistent. Others defended Herbstreit, with one X account writing, "He's not wrong overall."

"One thing that I think we've been able to witness first hand, if you're a coach watching this or GM watching this, while you're chasing five-stars and agents, free agents, and everything you're dealing with, this is still a team sport, and it's about winning games."

"If you don't build that and you just chase five stars, you're never gonna be here on that stage. You better stop chasing just this craziness, and you better step back and say, 'If those are your demands, get outta here. We're gonna go find guys that want to be a part of this,'" Herbstreit concluded. 

Alabama and Oregon - Indiana's two opponents in this year's CFP - have been outscored by a combined 69 points. The Hoosiers will meet Miami in the national title game on Jan. 19.