ESPN announced that the BottomLine ticker, a fixture of its college football telecasts for years, will be removed from live broadcasts on ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and the SEC Network beginning in 2026.
The change is intended to streamline the viewing experience, allowing fans to concentrate on the action on the field rather than a continuously scrolling score strip.
Why the change matters
Instead of a full‑time ticker, the network will provide score alerts and periodic updates at key moments in each quarter, and will keep viewers informed of any schedule changes that arise.
The decision follows tests conducted during the recent College Football Playoff and the NBA and NHL playoffs, where audience reaction to a cleaner presentation was closely monitored.
A shift in viewing habits
By removing the ticker, ESPN hopes to let its own graphics, statistics and on‑screen elements take center stage, aligning with the way many fans now follow scores through mobile apps and online platforms.