Thursday, April 30, 2026

ESPN Sets College Football Booths, Promotes Greg McElroy

  • ESPN and ABC have revealed their broadcast teams for the 2023 college football season.
  • Former quarterbacks Greg McElroy and Robert Griffin III will both have new broadcast partners.
Greg McElroy
Photo by Joshua R. Gateley / ESPN Images.

ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy has been promoted to the network’s #2 broadcast team for “Saturday Night Primetime” games alongside play-by-play voice Sean McDonough and sideline reporter Molly McGrath.

McElroy, the former Alabama quarterback, recently signed a long-term contract extension and is entering his eighth season calling games for ESPN and ABC. His previous spot in the broadcast booth with Joe Tessitore and Katie George will be replaced by Jesse Palmer, an ESPN studio analyst in recent years.

McElroy’s new role will see him filling the vacancy left by Todd Blackledge, who left ESPN to join NBC’s lead Big Ten broadcast team earlier this year. ABC’s top college football broadcast team of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and reporter Holly Rowe will all return for the 2023 season to call ABC’s weekly Saturday Night Football game.

ESPN also made three new hires to its college football broadcast team, including former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason, former NFL player Orlando Franklin, and reporter Sherree Burruss, who also works with NFL Network. 

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III will also be part of a new broadcast team for ESPN this season, as Bob Wischusen and Kris Budden will join him. RG3 previously was paired with Mark Jones, whose new booth partner will be Louis Riddick.

ESPN announced its revamped College GameDay crew earlier this month after longtime talents Gene Wojciechowski and David Pollack were laid off as part of Disney’s widespread cost-cutting measures. 

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

Nov 15, 2025; Provo, Utah, USA; The BYU Cougars offense lines up against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs defense during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

Big 12 Presidents Approve Deal With RedBird Capital

“We’ve got a strong bench now,” Brett Yormark told FOS about the deal.

NFL Draft Viewership Falls 12%, Averages 6.6M Over Three Days

Coverage across all networks averaged 6.6. million viewers.

NCAA To Pay Millions to Tennis Players, Tweak Prize Money Rules

The settlement says the NCAA already changed its prize money rules.

Dusty May Says Unsigned Michigan Deal Is Just a ‘Formality’

May told FOS he won’t sign his new contract until July. 

Featured Today

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.

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.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
Nov 10, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; ESPN radio sideline reporter Dianna Russini during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field. The Steelers defeated the Rams 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive

Top Athletic Editor Addresses Russini Saga in All-Hands Meeting

Steven Ginsberg acknowledged the outlet’s communications could have been clearer.
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Ian Rapoport on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
April 29, 2026

Ian Rapoport, ESPN Finalizing Multiyear Deal

The NFL insider’s contract was set to expire in May.
Feb 5, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to media members at the Santa Clara Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 29, 2026

From Sideline to Spotlight: Mike Vrabel Faces Celebrity Frenzy

Vrabel has been a tabloid fixture in recent weeks.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 28, 2026

Braves Say New TV Network Is on Pace to Beat Old RSN Revenue

Early returns from the new regional sports network provide confidence.
WWE NXT
exclusive
April 28, 2026

WWE Moving 20 NXT Premium Live Events to The CW

The deal includes 20 events over the next several years.
April 27, 2026

NFL Draft Viewership Slips 3% Despite Faster First Round

The offseason showcase has a surprising dip in its initial audience.
Oct 9, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Deontay Wilder (red/black trunks) is knocked out by Tyson Fury (black/gold trunks) during their WBC/Lineal heavyweight championship boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
April 27, 2026

Netflix Continues Boxing Push With Fury–Joshua Superfight

Fury and Joshua have both previously fought on Netflix events.