• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 5, 2026

‘Stanford Steve’ Coughlin to Succeed Chris Fallica on College GameDay

  • Stanford Steve has served as Scott Van Pelt’s longtime sidekick on the “Bad Beats” betting segment.
  • Fallica left ESPN for rival Fox Sports last year.
ESPN's Stanford Steve
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN Images.

“Stanford Steve” Coughlin will replace the departed Chris “The Bear” Fallica on this season’s “College Gameday.”

Coughlin, Scott Van Pelt’s longtime “Bad Beats” sidekick, will join host Rece Davis and analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee, along with college football insider Pete Thamel and reporters Jen Lada and Jess Sims.

“Anyone who has met Stanford Steve knows how passionate he is about college football. Adding him to College GameDay will be a great fit as we tap into both his knowledge of the sport and his betting expertise every week to serve all of our loyal fans,” said Lee Fitting, ESPN’s senior vice president,
production.

Fallica left ESPN for Fox Sports last year. He serves as the network’s sports wagering expert.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Penn State's Gavin McKenna, left, answers a question during a post-game press conference following a Big Ten hockey game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium on January 31, 2026, in State College.

Penn State Hockey Standout Gavin McKenna Charged With Assault

McKenna was arrested following an incident after the Jan. 31 outdoor game.
Feb 01, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the trophy presentation after the final of the men’s singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.

Alcaraz–Djokovic Is Most-Watched Australian Open Final Since 2017

The 2017 men’s singles final drew 1.1 million viewers.

Rich Eisen Talks ESPN–NFL Deal, Chance Jerry Seinfeld Encounter

Eisen shared his insights from working with both networks.
Feb 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio at the Super Bowl LIX Winning Head Coach and Most Valuable Player press conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio On What Makes a Great Super Bowl City

The veteran reporter is covering his 34th Super Bowl.

Featured Today

NFL Podcaster John Middlekauff on Netflix Move: It’s Not Some Startup

Netflix obtained video rights for Middleauff’s NFL show, 3 & Out.
Feb 1, 2026; Tampa Bay, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) and Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) fight during the second period in the 2026 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit:
February 4, 2026

Stadium Series Sets NHL Viewership Record on Football-Free Weekend

The outdoor hockey game didn’t compete with the NFL or college football.
Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden.
February 4, 2026

NBC’s First ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ Draws Season-High Viewership

The NBA is averaging 1.85 million viewers this season.
Sponsored

From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook

Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
Dec 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a Fox Sports broadcast camera before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
February 4, 2026

Fox Would Consider ‘Rebalancing’ Sports Portfolio to Keep NFL

Lachlan Murdoch points to potential moves to keep NFL rights.
February 4, 2026

Washington Post Eliminates Sports Department in Mass Layoffs

The paper informed employees of long-rumored cuts on Wednesday.
Rick Cordella
February 3, 2026

NBC Sports Boss Talks Wild Sports Stretch, Michael Jordan

Rick Cordella says “we hope there’s more” with Michael Jordan.
February 3, 2026

Scott Hanson: ‘They Didn’t Consult Me’ on Hated NFL RedZone Ads

The NFL is a “for-profit” business, Hanson noted.