ESPN has revealed the full slate of personalities who will front its 2026 college football coverage, bringing back familiar voices and introducing fresh talent to the network’s primetime lineup.
The top booth will once again be anchored by Chris Fowler alongside veteran analyst Kirk Herbstreit, marking their thirteenth straight season together and extending Herbstreit’s two‑decade tenure as the network’s lead analyst.
Holly Rowe will continue to provide sideline reporting with the duo, celebrating their thirtieth year of collaborative work on ESPN’s college football broadcasts.
In the second booth, Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy return for a fourth year, while Katie George joins them on the sidelines, adding a new perspective to the coverage.
Molly McGrath, who recently transitioned to a full‑time role at ESPN after the acquisition of NFL Network, will also be part of the lineup, swapping duties with Katie George in a reshuffled schedule.
New sideline assignments include Kris Budden and Stormy Buonantony, while Dave Pasch, after twenty‑five years on radio, comes aboard full‑time, bringing his play‑by‑play experience to the network’s college football slate.
Chase Daniel has been promoted to handle Thursday night games, primarily covering American and Sun Belt matchups, and will be paired with a new partner for SEC Nation’s Saturday broadcasts.
The SEC Network’s primetime crew has also been restructured, with Matt Schumacker, Aaron Murray and Taylor Davis now leading the top game each Saturday.
Long‑time SEC Network analyst Mark Jones is departing after thirty‑six years with the network, making way for Tom Hart, Roddy Jones and Quint Kessenich to step into the vacated roles.
On the ACC Network, former Pitt quarterback Max Browne will work alongside Madison Fitzpatrick and Wes Durham on the top crew, rounding out a fresh lineup of commentators.
ESPN is also expanding its HBCU Spotlight coverage, welcoming Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker to the roster, a move that underscores the network’s commitment to diverse college football storytelling.
The season will kick off with a matchup between North Carolina and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, at noon Eastern Time, and will culminate with the national championship game in Las Vegas on January 25, 2027.
A new era of storytelling
The reshaped roster reflects ESPN’s ambition to blend experience with emerging voices, promising viewers a dynamic mix of analysis, commentary and on‑the‑ground reporting.
From Dublin to Vegas: The road ahead
Fans can expect a global opening act in Ireland before the action travels across the United States, culminating in a high‑stakes championship game under the neon lights of Las Vegas.