Thursday, May 21, 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

Will Wade’s LSU Is Pushing College Basketball to the Absolute Limit

The notorious coach has assembled a team of international pros.
Dec 31, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) carries the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Donovan Jones (37) in the second half during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.

Dave Checketts: Utah ‘Sold Off Their Future’ With PE Deal

The Utah–Otro Capital was approved by the university board in December.

Is Sports Coverage the Solution to ‘Google Zero’?

The glossy mag is betting sports coverage can arrest a traffic decline.
Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
opinion

Bill Belichick Takes Revenge on CBS News During Sudden Media Tour

Belichick said he’s requested the transcripts from his now-famous interview.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

NHL Playoffs Deliver Record Second-Round Ratings for ESPN, TNT

The Canadiens-Sabres series brought additional audience milestones.
Racin' With The Boys
exclusive
May 20, 2026

‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Launching New NASCAR Show

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions will produce the show.
The University of Alabama showed off renovations to Bryant Denny Stadium Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Sports Illustrated covers decorate the walls inside the new press box. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
May 20, 2026

Sports Illustrated Defends Its Standards After Plagiarism Incident

SI removed its prediction-markets affiliate following accusations of plagiarism.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
May 19, 2026

NFL Pushes Back on Criticism Over TV and Streaming Deals

The league remains steadfast in its overall media approach.
Oklahoma City, OK - May 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Shams Charania at NBA Countdown during game 2 of the 2025 Western Conference finals.
May 19, 2026

Shams Charania’s MVP Scoop Highlights NBA-NFL Differences

It’s hard to imagine such a scoop happening in the NFL.
Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is interviewed by Netflix reporter Stacey Dales following a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
opinion
May 18, 2026

NFL ‘Tempting Fate’ With Open-Armed Embrace of Streamers

The NFL’s media-rights strategy isn’t without potential risk.