Friday, October 16, 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.

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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. 

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

BYU Outperforming Its Budget As Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti heads in during The Walk before the Indiana versus North Texas football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Brian and Amy were the hosts, middle two in frame.

Indiana’s Title Windfall Meets Its Biggest Home Game in History

A new jersey patch extends Indiana’s run of sponsorship deals
Kansas City, MO - October 7, 2024 - GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the sidelines during Monday Night Football.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.

Matthew Mayich’s Family Rips Coach Exit as ‘Negotiated Agreement’

Arizona State and Greg Powers “reached a mutual agreement to part ways.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Pablo Torre Tuned In Front Office Sports
October 14, 2026

Pablo Torre: Not Getting Sued by Jordon Hudson ‘Kind of a Bummer’

Hudson had threatened to sue Torre for defamation over his podcast’s investigations.
October 14, 2026

ESPN Not Reaching Out on Clippers Story Was ‘Disappointing’ for Torre

Torre spoke at the FOS Tuned In summit Tuesday.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
ESPN/ABC Monday Night Football commentators Joe Buck, left, and Troy Aikman before the Detroit Lions vs. Las Vegas Raiders game at Ford Field, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023.
Exclusive
October 14, 2026

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Have Had Tension Amid ESPN Contract Talks

The “MNF” duo had an argument before this week’s broadcast.
Jun 27, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda hits from a fairway bunker on the first hole during the third round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship golf tournament.
October 14, 2026

LPGA’s Media-Rights Deals Depend on PGA, NFL Negotiations

LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler is watching the landscape closely.
October 14, 2026

Jessica Berman Says Failed Victory+ Deal Was Risk Worth Taking

The NWSL had a deal with failed streamer Victory+.
Mike Tirico Front Office Sports Tuned In
October 14, 2026

Mike Tirico Worries About Donor Fatigue in College Football

Tirico said donors may question whether their returns are worthwhile.