Ohio State Buckeyes: Zak Herbstreit released from hospital, still dealing with heart issue

Ohio State football player Zak Herbstreit at the Peach Bowl Media Day in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 29, 2022. (Photo: Marcus Hartman/STAFF)

Credit: Marcus Hartman

Credit: Marcus Hartman

Ohio State football player Zak Herbstreit at the Peach Bowl Media Day in Atlanta, Ga., on Dec. 29, 2022. (Photo: Marcus Hartman/STAFF)

Kirk Herbstreit says his son is dealing with a heart issue after being released from a Columbus hospital and returning home to Nashville.

“We had a setback with Zak and his health on Friday, so really the last five or six days have been a whirlwind,” Kirk Herbstreit told Pat McAfee on McAfee’s show Thursday. “He’s been in the hospital with some issues with his heart and we’ve just been trying to keep up with that.”

Zak Herbstreit is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound junior who joined the Ohio State football team as a walk-on in 2021.

He made his debut last season and saw action in three games.

“He’s in good spirits,” said Kirk, who was a star at Centerville High School in the mid-1980s before playing for the Buckeyes and becoming a prominent college football analyst. “He’s home with us where his mom can take really good care of him.”

He said his son was originally diagnosed with pneumonia but further tests revealed a heart issue.

“He had very few symptoms,” Kirk said. “You would never know that he was dealing with what he’s dealing with so we’re at the beginning of this. We’re gonna be positive, but it’s a long haul and we’re gonna get better.”

In a social media post, he offered more information and thanks for those who have reached out to express concern.

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