Top Commentators Announced for 2025-26 College Football Playoff
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) season is shaping up to be an exhilarating showcase of talent, both on the field and in the commentary booths. ESPN has officially revealed its commentator teams for the second year of the 12-team CFP format, bringing together some of the most recognized voices in sports broadcasting.
From first-round games to the National Championship, fans can expect expert coverage of every matchup. Here’s a closer look at what this means for college football enthusiasts—there’s a lot to get excited about.
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ESPN’s Top Commentary Team
ESPN’s premier commentary team—Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe—will be a mainstay throughout the 2025-26 CFP season. This trio kicks off the first-round coverage on Friday night, December 19, with the much-anticipated game between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama.
Laura Rutledge is joining them for the first round. That’s a strong lineup, honestly.
Consistency in Excellence
Fowler, Herbstreit, and Rowe have basically become the voices of college football’s biggest moments. They’ve called every CFP National Championship since 2015, and they’re back for the 2026 title game in Miami.
Molly McGrath will also join the trio for the National Championship, adding another layer to the coverage. The chemistry is hard to beat.
First-Round Matchups and Commentator Teams
The first-round games promise plenty of action, and each matchup features its own blend of commentary talent. Here’s how the first round shakes out:
- (9) Alabama at (8) Oklahoma – Friday, Dec. 19 | 8:00pm ET, ABC/ESPN | Gaylord Family OK Mem. Stadium – Norman, OK | Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe, Laura Rutledge
- (10) Miami at (7) Texas A&M – Saturday, Dec. 20 | Noon ET, ABC/ESPN | Kyle Field – College Station, TX | Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath, Taylor McGregor
- (11) Tulane at (6) Ole Miss – Saturday, Dec. 20 | 3:30pm ET, TNT/Max | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium – Oxford, MS | Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, Katie George, Quint Kessenich
- (12) James Madison at (5) Oregon – Saturday, Dec. 20 | 7:30pm ET, TNT/Max | Autzen Stadium – Eugene, OR | Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, Kris Budden, Stormy Buonantony
Each commentator team brings its own flavor and perspective. For the Miami vs. Texas A&M game, Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, and Molly McGrath will deliver analysis and stories that are sure to keep viewers tuned in.
Meanwhile, Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Katie George are set to bring high energy to the Tulane vs. Ole Miss showdown. Should be a fun watch.
Quarterfinals and Beyond
Quarterfinals are coming in hot, with these matchups and venues:
- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic – Miami/Texas A&M vs. (2) Ohio State | Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 | 7:30pm ET, ESPN | AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
- Capital One Orange Bowl – JMU/Oregon vs. (4) Texas Tech | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | Noon ET, ESPN | Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
- Rose Bowl Game – Alabama/Oklahoma vs. (1) Indiana | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 4pm ET, ESPN | Rose Bowl Stadium – Pasadena, CA
- Allstate Sugar Bowl – Tulane/Ole Miss vs. (3) Georgia | Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 | 8pm ET, ESPN | Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, LA
Commentators TBD
Commentator teams for the quarterfinals haven’t been announced yet. But if history is any guide, the coverage will be top-notch.
Semifinals and National Championship
Semifinals will take place at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Here’s what’s set so far:
- Vrbo Fiesta Bowl – Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 | 7:30pm ET, ESPN | State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ | Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath or Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl – Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 | 7:30pm ET, ESPN | Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, GA | Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe or Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, Molly McGrath
The 2026 CFP National Championship is set for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. The main crew—Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe, and Molly McGrath—will be on the call for the season’s biggest game.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 College Football Playoff season is shaping up to be a wild ride for teams and fans. ESPN’s top commentary teams will be there, mixing sharp analysis with stories that keep things interesting.
If you want the nitty-gritty on who’s calling the games or need the full playoff schedule, check out the official announcement from ESPN.
We’ll keep bringing fresh updates and little insights as the road to the National Championship unfolds. Whether you’ve been following college football forever or just tune in for the big games, this CFP season has a way of surprising everyone.
