Zak Herbstreit and Kirk Herbstreit.
Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images (left), Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images (right)

Kirk Herbstreit's Son Zak Hospitalized: 'He Has a Long Journey Ahead of Him'

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit's son, Zak, is a tight end at Ohio State who was hospitalized for unknown reasons.

Zak Herbstreit, tight end for the Ohio State Buckeyes and son of famous ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit, has been hospitalized due to unknown causes, as reported by ABC6 in Columbus on Tuesday.

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Zak was admitted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where he continues to be "monitored and evaluated." His father took to Twitter to release a statement prepared by his son, and the college football world and sports world are coming together to wish him well.

"I have had a bit of a setback these past couple of weeks. Not feeling right. Culminated with tests results this past Friday that forced me into the hospital. I have some of the best cardiologists looking after me, and I am beyond appreciative. We are doing a number of tests and conjuring a plan to ensure that I will be able to be back to feeling normal again. I appreciate the overwhelming support over the past couple of days. I am feeling good and hope to be out of the hospital soon," Zak said via Kirk's Twitter.

Zak Herbstreit runs wih the ball.

Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The cause of his hospitalization remains unknown publicly, though there's speculation it's heart-related considering the mention of cardiologists. We'll be sure to provide an update as we know more.

The good news is that Zak is in good spirits, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The responses poured in from notable people in the sports community.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, College GameDay host Rece Davis and Robert Griffin III were just a few names that tweeted their thoughts.

 

Zak is entering his second season with the Buckeyes after joining the team as a preferred walk-on in 2021. The junior is listed at 6-foot-2. He has twin older brothers named Tye and Jake, and a younger brother, Chase.

MORE: Kirk Herbstreit Met His Wife at Ohio State and Started a Football Family