A new era for ESPN’s college football coverage
ESPN has officially released its 2026 college football broadcast lineup, a schedule that reflects both continuity and change after the departures of longtime voices Mark Jones and Dave Flemming.
The network’s lead crew will once again be anchored by Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe, who are entering their thirteenth year together as the primary announcers for the sport’s most visible broadcasts.
Adding to the analytical depth, Steve Shaw, formerly the NCAA’s secretary‑rules editor for football, joins ESPN as the lead rules analyst, bringing a fresh perspective to the network’s officiating coverage.
The rules team will be bolstered by three additional analysts — Matt Austin, Bill LeMonnier and Jerry McGinn — ensuring a comprehensive breakdown of officiating decisions throughout the season.
Tom Hart and Roy Philpott have been elevated to expanded roles, with Philpott stepping into the spot vacated by Dave Flemming alongside former NFL quarterback Brock Osweiler and analyst Sherree Burruss.
Sideline reporting will see new faces such as Quint Kessenich joining Tom Hart and Roddy Jones, while a quartet of fresh reporters — Michella Chester, Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb and Madison Hock — have been added to the roster for 2026.
Friday night primetime games will be led by Mike Monaco, Jordan Rodgers and Dana Boyle, while the ACC Network’s primetime booth returns with Wes Durham, Max Browne and Madison Fitzpatrick.
The SEC Network’s top primetime team will feature Matt Schumacker, Aaron Murray and reporter Taylor Davis, and the network’s No. 2 crew — Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy and Katie George — will continue to provide depth alongside Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer and new reporter Kris Budden.
Long‑standing top five crews featuring Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek and Taylor McGregor will remain together for a third consecutive season, and ESPN will also dedicate coverage to HBCU games through the efforts of Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker.