ESPN has officially rolled out the roster of voices that will shape its college football coverage for the 2026‑27 season, a schedule that kicks off with Week 0 games in August and culminates with the championship game in Las Vegas in January 2027.
At the center of the network’s primetime slate are the familiar faces of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe, who will anchor broadcasts on both ABC and ESPN. Fowler and Herbstreit, who have teamed up for three decades, will call every College Football Playoff National Championship game, while Rowe, a three‑decade ESPN veteran, brings her expertise from women’s basketball, the WNBA and college softball to the football booth.
Veteran duos and long‑standing partnerships
The trio of Fowler, Herbstreit and Rowe represents a blend of history and perspective that has become synonymous with ESPN’s college football coverage. Their combined experience spans dozens of bowl games, conference championships and multiple playoff iterations, ensuring continuity for viewers who have followed the sport for generations.
Adding depth to the lineup, Steve Shaw joins ESPN as a college football rules analyst. Formerly the NCAA’s secretary‑rules editor and football officiating coordinator, Shaw will provide insider insight into the evolving rulebook, a role that underscores the network’s commitment to analytical rigor.
Emerging and new broadcast teams
Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy and Katie George form a fresh crew that captured the NSMA National Sportscaster of the Year award for McDonough, signaling a dynamic shift in the network’s Thursday night primetime approach. Their chemistry promises a blend of youthful energy and seasoned insight.
Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer and Kris Budden will team up for the first time this season, bringing a distinct perspective that reflects both collegiate and professional football experience. Meanwhile, Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek and Taylor McGregor reunite for a third consecutive year, continuing a partnership that has become a staple of ESPN’s Saturday afternoon coverage.
Tom Hart, Roddy Jones and Quint Kessenich debut together as a broadcast team, while Matt Barrie, Chase Daniel and Paul Carcaterra take on Thursday night primetime duties. New primetime crews for Big 12 and ACC matchups will be led by Mike Monaco, Jordan Rodgers and Dana Boyle, expanding ESPN’s reach across diverse conference schedules.
Spanish‑language audiences will hear Eduardo Varela, Pablo Viruega, Ciro Procuna and Carlos Nava return to the commentary booth for ESPN Deportes, ensuring that the network’s coverage resonates with fans across linguistic communities.
The season’s extensive slate will feature more than 60 games across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, the SEC Network, the ACC Network, ESPN+, and ESPN Radio, providing fans with multiple avenues to engage with the sport from the opening Week 0 contests in August through the final showdown in Las Vegas.
Looking ahead to the championship
The College Football Playoff National Championship will be staged in Las Vegas, where the culmination of the 2026‑27 season will unfold. With a blend of veteran duos and emerging talent, ESPN aims to deliver a compelling narrative that captures the excitement of college football’s most prestigious event.