ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit used to be one of the stars of the show any time he was traveling across the country to cover college football games or set up shop with ESPN College GameDay. That is no longer the case as Herbstreit is now the second fidle to Peter, Herbstreit’s lovable canine companion that travels with him. Hebsteit has been bringing his dog with him on the road as an emotional support dog the last couple of years, starting with the beloved Ben before his passing last fall. Peter has taken on the role following Ben’s passing and he is every bit as lovable as you can imagine.
This week, Peter made his first trip to Happy Valley as Herbstreit was flying into State College for ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast from Old Main. Herbstreit and Peter flew in from Arizona, where Herbstreit was calling the Thursday night NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. As has become custom, Peter has been treated like the handsome king he deserves to be treated as Penn State has rolled out the white carpet for their four-legged VIP.
Penn State welcomed Peter with a dog-friendly cake, a fresh new whiteout bandana, and some squeaky toys for good measure. It is safe to say Peter is enjoying his brief stay in Happy Valley.
Special delivery for Peter š¶ @KirkHerbstreitpic.twitter.com/V2s3sjeRdT
ā Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) September 26, 2025
Kirk Herbstreit is one of the most notable voices to validate the impact the Penn State whiteout can have on the game. Herbstreit has called the Penn State student section the best in college football and has backed that up on multiple occasions over the years. Herbstreit has called the whiteout experience one of the best the sport has to offer as well.
But Herbstreit and Peter will not be soaking in the full whiteout experience on Saturday night. Penn State’s matchup with Orgeon will air on NBC. Following his appearance on College GameDay, Herbstreit and Peter will board a plane to fly down to SEC country, where Herbstreit will be on the call for Saturday night’s matchup between Georgia and Alabama. So Peter will miss out on the whiteout, but may get a chance to meet Uga.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State welcomes Kirk Herbstreit’s dog Peter for first whiteout
