Wednesday, May 6, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; American businessman and television personality Mark Cuban before the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive

Mark Cuban Says He Paid for Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Deal

Cuban’s first donation to Indiana football was well spent.
San Francisco, CA - February 5, 2016- The GeneralÕs Residence at Fort Mason: Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless on the remote set of First Take during coverage for Super Bowl 50.(Photo by Tony Avelar / ESPN Images)
exclusive

Skip Bayless to Appear on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ on Friday

Bayless previously hosted “First Take” from 2007 to 2016.

NBA Playoffs Get Strong Early Ratings

It’s unclear whether Luka Dončić will return in the second round.

Featured Today

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
May 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) and Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach (77) chase the puck during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

NHL First-Round Playoff Ratings Up Nearly 70%

ESPN and TNT Sports each averaged 1.2 million viewers per game.
Feb 22, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts against the Orlando Magic in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
May 5, 2026

Pablo Torre’s Pulitzer Puts Kawhi Investigation Back in Spotlight

The league’s investigation remains ongoing.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Nielsen’s New Ratings Formula Could Boost Viewership Numbers

The pilot program shows a sizable lift in viewing audiences.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Peter Schmeichel
exclusive
May 5, 2026

Danish Legend Peter Schmeichel Joins Fox World Cup Coverage

Schmeichel played goalie for Denmark in four World Cups.
Apr 22, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Grand Casino Arena.
May 4, 2026

Main Street Sports Now One Step Closer to Official Demise

The embattled regional sports network operator reaches another inflection point.
May 3, 2026

Kentucky Derby Breaks Viewership Record with 19.6M

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched U.S. sports events.
John Fanta
May 1, 2026

NBC Bets on a Bigger Kentucky Derby Weekend

The Oaks moved to primetime, and Fanta will report from the infield.