As the excitement of the College Football Playoff (CFP) approaches, fans are not just eager to see their favorite teams compete; they also want to know who will be narrating these thrilling matchups. With the expansion of the playoff format, more teams will have the chance to showcase their talents, and this means an expanded roster of announcers stepping into the booth for their playoff debuts.
Announcing the Playoff: Who’s in the Booth?
This year, six broadcast teams are set to call the College Football Playoff games, according to ESPN. Each team brings a unique flair and experience to the table, ensuring that fans will be treated to a diverse range of commentary styles throughout the tournament.
Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit
Leading the charge are the dynamic duo of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit. They have been synonymous with the College Football Playoff since it began, having called the very first playoff game back in 2014 when Ohio State clinched the title. This year, they will be on hand for all four rounds of the expanded playoff, starting with the highly anticipated matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State. Their chemistry and deep understanding of the game promise to enhance the viewing experience for fans.
Mark Jones and Roddy Jones
Mark Jones and Roddy Jones, despite sharing a last name, are not related but are certainly a complementary pair. They will be making their College Football Playoff debuts when Penn State hosts Clemson in the first round. Mark Jones is a seasoned play-by-play announcer with a wealth of experience, including calling NBA games for ESPN and ABC. Meanwhile, Roddy Jones, a former Georgia Tech player, has been providing insightful analysis since joining ESPN in 2017. Their fresh perspective will surely resonate with viewers.
Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy
Next up are Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy, a duo that brings a wealth of experience to the playoff. McDonough is a versatile broadcaster who has called everything from college football to the Stanley Cup Final. He recently called Washington’s semifinal victory over Texas, showcasing his ability to handle high-stakes games. McElroy, who quarterbacked Alabama from 2009-10, adds a player’s insight to the mix. They will be calling the Indiana-Notre Dame matchup in the first round, promising an engaging broadcast.
Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek
Dave Pasch and Dusty Dvoracek are another exciting pairing. Pasch has been with ESPN for over two decades and is making his College Football Playoff debut this year. He is also known for his work in college basketball and the NBA. Dvoracek, a former Oklahoma player, has been collaborating with Pasch throughout the regular season, and they will be on the call for the Texas-Clemson game in the first round. Expect their chemistry to shine through as they navigate this pivotal playoff matchup.
Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer
Joe Tessitore, with his extensive big-game experience, including a stint as the “Monday Night Football” play-by-play announcer, will team up with Jesse Palmer, who has been an ESPN analyst since 2007. Tessitore recently called Georgia’s thrilling eight-overtime victory over Georgia Tech, setting the stage for what fans can expect in the playoffs. They will be calling Arizona State’s second-round game against either Texas or Clemson, adding their unique flair to the broadcast.
Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick
Finally, Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick round out the announcing teams. Wischusen, who has been with ESPN since 2005, has a long history of calling college football and basketball games, while also serving as the radio voice of the Jets since 2002. Riddick, a former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, is also in the running for the Jets’ general manager position, which adds an interesting dynamic to their partnership. They will call Boise State’s second-round game against either Penn State or SMU, bringing their expertise to the forefront.
Playoff Schedule: What to Expect
As the playoff unfolds, fans will want to keep track of the announcing schedule to catch their favorite teams and commentators in action. Here’s a quick look at the upcoming matchups and the broadcast teams set to cover them:
| Date | Round | Matchup | Broadcast duo | Time |
| Dec. 20 | First Round | Indiana vs. Notre Dame | Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy | 8 p.m. ET |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | SMU vs. Penn State | Mark Jones, Roddy Jones | 12 p.m. ET |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | Texas vs. Clemson | Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek | 4 p.m. ET |
| Dec. 21 | First Round | Tennessee vs. Ohio State | Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit | 8 p.m. ET |
| Dec. 31 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Boise State | Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick | 7 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Arizona State | Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer | 1 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Oregon | Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit | 5 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 1 | Quarterfinals | TBD vs. Georgia | Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy | 8:45 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 9 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | TBD | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 10 | Semifinals | TBD vs. TBD | TBD | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 20 | National Championship | TBD vs. TBD | Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit | 7:30 p.m. ET |
With so many exciting matchups and a diverse lineup of announcers, fans are in for an unforgettable playoff experience. Who are you most excited to hear from in the booth? The stage is set, and the countdown to kickoff has begun!
