The Major Networks in College Football Broadcasting

When it comes to the National Championship game in college football, the broadcast rights are typically held by one of the major networks, most commonly ESPN. The network works with a number of seasoned announcers who bring their expertise and flair to the broadcast of the most important games in college football. Let’s take a look at some of the broadcasters and teams that could likely be involved in calling the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame National Championship.

ESPN

ESPN has had the rights to broadcast the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship for several years and is expected to continue this role for the foreseeable future. Within ESPN’s vast roster of talent, there are a few specific teams who regularly call major college football games, including the National Championship. These teams include play-by-play announcers, color analysts, sideline reporters, and sometimes special guest commentators who contribute to the broadcast.

1. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit

One of the most iconic and recognizable broadcast teams in college football today is the pairing of Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (color analyst). This duo has become synonymous with big-time college football games, including the College Football Playoff and National Championship. Fowler and Herbstreit have been the top team for ESPN’s college football coverage for many years and have developed a deep understanding of the sport.

Chris Fowler: Fowler is known for his smooth play-by-play style and his ability to capture the excitement of the game. He has been with ESPN since 1986 and has covered nearly every major college football game, including multiple National Championships. His professionalism and experience make him one of the top choices for such a high-profile event.
Kirk Herbstreit: Herbstreit is widely regarded as one of the best analysts in college football. A former Ohio State quarterback, his insights into the game are valued by fans and analysts alike. He is known for his deep knowledge of the sport, his balanced analysis, and his ability to break down complex football concepts in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. Herbstreit’s familiarity with both Ohio State and Notre Dame would also lend a unique perspective to the game’s analysis.

Together, Fowler and Herbstreit form a dynamic pairing that could be called upon to handle the biggest stage in college football. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their long history in the sport would bring an added layer of prestige to the National Championship broadcast.

2. Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland

Another possible team for the National Championship could be Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland. Tessitore is known for his energetic and enthusiastic calling style, and McFarland brings a sharp football mind to the analyst’s chair. While this pairing has been more prominent in NFL coverage, ESPN has at times assigned them to college football games, especially during high-stakes matchups.

Joe Tessitore: Tessitore has developed a reputation as one of the more energetic play-by-play announcers in sports broadcasting. His passion for college football and his ability to handle pressure situations make him an attractive choice for a big event like the National Championship.
Booger McFarland: McFarland, a former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion, is known for his unique and direct style of analysis. He’s not afraid to give his honest opinions about player performances and game strategy, and his background in both college and professional football gives him a broad understanding of the game. McFarland’s perspective would be valuable in analyzing the strategies of both Ohio State and Notre Dame.

While Fowler and Herbstreit are the top team at ESPN, Tessitore and McFarland could certainly be involved in the broadcast as well, possibly as a secondary commentary team or in a different role.

3. Rece Davis and David Pollack

Another prominent team at ESPN includes Rece Davis and David Pollack. Although Rece Davis primarily serves as the host of ESPN’s “College GameDay,” he is also a capable play-by-play announcer. David Pollack, a former college football star and analyst, provides insightful commentary and is often a key part of ESPN’s pre-game shows.

Rece Davis: As one of ESPN’s most trusted college football hosts, Davis brings professionalism and a deep understanding of the sport. He has hosted numerous events and is comfortable in a variety of broadcasting roles.
David Pollack: Known for his brash and confident analysis, Pollack provides a unique perspective on defensive strategies and player performances. He played for the University of Georgia, and his insight into defensive schemes would be particularly useful when analyzing a team like Ohio State, known for its strong defense.

Though they are not typically part of the main broadcast team for high-profile games, it’s possible that Davis and Pollack could contribute as part of the coverage, especially in pre-game analysis and special features.

The Role of Sideline Reporters

In addition to the main broadcasting teams, sideline reporters are a crucial part of the game-day experience, providing updates, player interviews, and injury reports. ESPN has several talented sideline reporters who could be assigned to cover the Ohio State vs. Notre Dame National Championship game.

Molly McGrath: McGrath has covered college football for ESPN and is known for her thorough reporting and insightful commentary. Her ability to connect with players and coaches on the sidelines would make her a valuable asset for this type of high-profile game.
Holly Rowe: Rowe is one of the most experienced sideline reporters at ESPN. She has a reputation for getting the inside scoop on key moments, and her engaging style makes her a fan favorite. Rowe’s presence on the sidelines could add an extra layer of excitement and insight to the broadcast.

FOX Sports

While ESPN is the primary broadcaster for the College Football Playoff, FOX Sports also airs significant college football games, including the Big Ten Championship and other marquee matchups. FOX has built a strong college football team, and in the event that FOX were to acquire the broadcast rights to the National Championship (if the rights ever change hands), their broadcast team could include:

Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt: Gus Johnson is known for his electrifying and passionate play-by-play calling, and Joel Klatt brings sharp, well-reasoned analysis to the broadcast. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their ability to call high-stakes games makes them an appealing choice for a National Championship broadcast.
Tom Rinaldi: Known for his storytelling and human interest features, Rinaldi is an experienced reporter who could bring an emotional aspect to the broadcast, connecting with viewers on a deeper level.

Other Networks and Analysts

While ESPN and FOX are the primary broadcasters for college football, there are other networks and analysts that could contribute to the National Championship game. Networks like CBS, which broadcasts SEC games, or NBC, which has a long history with Notre Dame football, might have some involvement, particularly if their talent is used for pre-game or post-game analysis.

Brad Nessler: A veteran play-by-play announcer with a long history in both college football and the NFL, Nessler could be a top candidate for such an important broadcast.
Gary Danielson: Known for his in-depth analysis of the SEC, Danielson could contribute to the broadcast with insights into the defensive and offensive play of both teams.