ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit hasn’t exactly been a fan favorite in East Tennessee over the years, largely due to some controversial remarks he’s made about the Tennessee Volunteers. From spreading debunked rumors to taking what many Vols supporters see as unwarranted jabs at the team, Herbstreit’s relationship with the Tennessee fanbase has been rocky at best.

One of the incidents that left a sour taste in Vol Nation’s mouth happened two years ago, when Herbstreit shared unverified reports about discord in Tennessee’s locker room on national television. These claims were quickly shut down by Vols head coach Josh Heupel, who refuted the rumors and defended his team. For fans, Herbstreit’s willingness to repeat such claims on a major platform without concrete evidence didn’t sit well.

The friction grew earlier this season during Tennessee’s game against Georgia. Herbstreit, alongside ESPN play-by-play commentator Chris Fowler, made sarcastic remarks about the Vols’ players when part of their heated bench system wasn’t working. While Herbstreit seemed to mock Tennessee for the issue, he failed to mention an important detail: Georgia’s players were also using heated benches on their sideline. For many fans, this omission felt like a deliberate slight, and the comments were viewed as both unprofessional and unnecessary. It added fuel to the ongoing tension between Herbstreit and Tennessee supporters, who already felt he had a bias against their team.

Despite this history of criticism, Herbstreit surprised many in East Tennessee with a significant compliment to one of Tennessee’s standout players this week. During his annual “Herbie Awards” segment, where he highlights exceptional performers in college football, Herbstreit named Vols junior running back Dylan Sampson as the most overlooked player in the sport.

Sampson has been a key contributor to Tennessee’s offense this season, delivering clutch performances and showcasing his versatility as a rusher and receiver. His ability to make explosive plays and his consistency under pressure have not gone unnoticed by those closely following the program. However, Sampson hasn’t received the national recognition that many believe he deserves — until now, with Herbstreit’s unexpected acknowledgment.

While the compliment may not erase the tension between Herbstreit and Tennessee fans, it does highlight the undeniable talent within the Vols’ program. Sampson’s recognition as the most overlooked player in college football is a testament to his hard work and impact on the field. For Vol Nation, it’s a rare moment of validation from a figure they’ve often viewed with skepticism.

Herbstreit’s praise for Sampson could be seen as a step toward repairing his image among Tennessee fans, though it’s unlikely to change opinions overnight. The history of perceived slights runs deep, and many supporters will likely continue to view Herbstreit’s past comments as indicative of his attitude toward their team. Still, for Dylan Sampson and the Vols, the acknowledgment serves as a well-deserved spotlight on a player who has quietly been one of the team’s most valuable assets this season.