Thursday, April 23, 2026
FOS Expands to TV More Details

‘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

New Photos of Vrabel, Russini at NYC Bar Leak Hours Before Draft

The photos were taken at a New York City bar in 2020.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth Wednesday night at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Jan. 7, 2026

Gov. Beshear Slams Kentucky’s New $1M Job for AD

Beshear said athletic director Mitch Barnhart’s new job has “no defined duties.”

NBA Coaching Carousel Could Shake Up College Basketball

Dusty May and Todd Golden could get NBA coaching looks.
Apr 18, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; The University of Minnesota gymnastics team poses with their trophy after finishing in fourth place in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN Defends NCAA Gymnastics Broadcast After Minnesota Backlash

Minnesota blasted ESPN for showing its routines less than other teams.

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.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
opinion

From Denials to Damage Control: Hubris Haunts Vrabel and Russini

New photos from 2020 show Vrabel and Russini appearing to kiss.
Zaslav
April 23, 2026

WBD Shareholders Approve Sale, Reject Pay Package for Zaslav

The combined company would have one of the largest sets of sports rights in the industry.
Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts to a call by an official during the second half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
April 23, 2026

NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend Is Second-Most-Watched Since 2011

The opening weekend of the NBA Playoffs averaged 4.3 million viewers.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
exclusive
April 23, 2026

NWSL’s Midge Purce Says Her New Podcast Is ‘Not Chit-Chatting’

Purce is launching a new twice-monthly podcast with Vox Media.
Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; United States bench react after the game-winning goal is scored by Jack Hughes (not pictured) of the United States against Canada in the men's ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
April 23, 2026

Comcast Earnings Get Boost From Winter Olympics, Super Bowl

The NBC Sports parent company touts results from its “Legendary February.”
Jun 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
April 22, 2026

All 44 of Caitlin Clark’s Fever Games Will Be on National TV

This season marks the first of the WNBA’s new rights deal.
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 22, 2026

How the Patriots Are Stage-Managing the Vrabel-Russini Fallout

Vrabel says he’ll begin counseling this weekend.