• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 19, 2026

Pat McAfee to Host College Football Version of ‘ManningCast’

  • McAfee announced that he’ll be hosting six simulcasts for ESPN college football games.
  • The show will be produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.
Abigail Dollins / Argus Leader, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

The NFL “ManningCast” concept is coming to college football — starring Pat McAfee.

McAfee announced on his show on Thursday that he’ll be hosting six simulcasts for ESPN college football games this season. 

The program is powered by ManningCast pioneer Peyton Manning and his company Omaha Productions, and will be aired on ESPN2. McAfee will broadcast from his studio in Indianapolis, where guests will appear in-person.

The former teammates did not say which games they’ll choose, but McAfee promised they will be “big-ass” Power 5 matchups.

The show marks the latest in a new broadcast trend in both college and professional sports that took off after the success of the ManningCast. 

ESPN hosted a similar show during the women’s final four with Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird. The network also launched the “Kay-Rod” Show, a simulcast for Sunday Night Baseball featuring YES Network’s Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mahomes Reworks Deal, Clears $43.6M for Cap-Strapped Chiefs

The quarterback’s contract is restructured for the fourth straight year.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks owner Jody Allen holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Seahawks Finally Up For Sale 10 Days After Super Bowl Win

The late Paul Allen paid $194 million for the team in 1997.

49ers’ Record 38,000-Mile Season Schedule Includes Mexico, Australia

The franchise will play games in Australia and Mexico this fall.

Featured Today

Max Valverde by Ron Winsett

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 13, 2026

Olympic Figure Skaters Pay Out of Pocket for $9,000 Costumes

For four minutes on ice, stakes are high—and prices even higher.
February 11, 2026

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
Adam Silver at All-Star
February 18, 2026

After Fixing All-Star Format, NBA and NBC Weighing Saturday Changes

NBC is eyeing a potential 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 tournament.
John Fanta is set to make his NBA play-by-play debut for NBC.
exclusive
February 18, 2026

John Fanta to Make ‘NBA on NBC Sports’ Play-by-Play Debut

Fanta will be on the call for Wolves-Blazers on Tuesday.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
Apr 2, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Ronda Rousey (black attire) and Shotzi (green hair) during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium.
February 17, 2026

Netflix Leans Further Into Spectacle Fights With Rousey-Carano

The fight will run in partnership with Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions.
February 17, 2026

CBS Sports Parent Gets 7 Days to Make ‘Best and Final’ Offer..

A seven-day negotiating period shows a new level of openness.
February 16, 2026

NBA All-Star Ratings Way Up After Jump to NBC

Preliminary ratings show the All-Star Game was the league’s most-watched in years.
February 13, 2026

‘Have to Pinch Myself’: Chris Berman Marvels at ESPN Getting Super Bowl

Expect Berman to be pivotal in ESPN’s 2027 Super Bowl broadcast.