The CW Expands College Football Coverage
The CW is set to broaden its college football portfolio, adding a slate of Pac‑12 and Mountain West contests to the schedule it already holds for ACC games. This expansion reflects a strategic push to capture a wider national audience and to position the network as a premier destination for college football fans across the United States.
A Revamped Play‑by‑Play Lineup
Thom Brennaman will remain the lead play‑by‑play announcer for ACC games, delivering his signature cadence to the network’s flagship matchups. Rick Allen, formerly the voice of the Pac‑12’s leading team, will take over play‑by‑play duties for the conference’s top broadcast, bringing his deep regional knowledge to the role. Jack McMullen will handle the play‑by‑play for Mountain West games, while Chris Fisher will serve as the flex team’s play‑by‑play voice, bridging the two conferences when scheduling demands arise.
In the analyst booth, Jason Cabinda will join Brennaman for ACC coverage, replacing Will Blackmon, who will transition to the Pac‑12 side to pair with Michael Bumpus, the sideline analyst for that conference. Cody Kessler will provide game analysis for Mountain West broadcasts, and Isaiah Stanback will serve as the booth analyst for the flex team, offering insight across both leagues. Ryan Leaf, the former NFL quarterback, will transition to the Pac‑12 broadcast team, taking over a role previously held by Blackmon.
Studio and Supporting Talent
The network also announced that Wes Bryant, Nigel Burton, Bryan Walters, and George Wrighster will contribute in various studio and on‑field roles, while Mike Yam continues as the lead anchor. Ted Robinson and Marshall Newhouse round out the roster of play‑by‑play and analyst talent, ensuring a broad range of perspectives across the expanded schedule.
Strategic Implications for The CW
By integrating Pac‑12 and Mountain West properties, The CW aims to strengthen its sports offering and attract a wider national audience. The partnership also involves collaborations with the Pac‑12 Conference, Mountain West Conference, and the ACC, all of which have confirmed their official websites and broadcast agreements with the network. Industry observers note that the expanded lineup could affect advertising rates and carriage negotiations, especially as the network leverages its relationship with USA Sports for additional distribution.