Ryan Leaf Returns to the Screen
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf is set to become the lead analyst for USA Network’s new Pac‑12 college football coverage, the network announced on Thursday.
Leaf will call 22 games across the reconfigured conference, which includes traditional members Oregon State and Washington State as well as a handful of newcomers, and he will also appear in a limited slate of Pac‑12 basketball contests.
The move marks USA Network’s first foray into Pac‑12 broadcasting, a rights deal that will see the network air a full slate of football and select basketball games beginning this autumn.
A Broadcasting Journey Reimagined
Leaf’s transition from the gridiron to the broadcast booth is not a sudden one; he has already built a reputation as a thoughtful analyst on college football and basketball, bringing a player’s perspective that resonates with both die‑hard fans and casual viewers.
What This Means for Pac‑12 Fans
Fans can expect a schedule that blends traditional rivalries with fresh matchups, as the network plans to feature Oregon State six times and spread the remaining games across the conference’s new members. In addition, a handful of basketball games will give viewers a chance to see the league’s rising talent on the same platform.
Leaf will continue to co‑host SiriusXM’s “The Opening Drive” with Solomon Wilcots, while also contributing to Westwood One’s college and NFL radio coverage, ensuring his voice reaches audiences across multiple platforms.