The College Football Playoff is sticking with its expanded 12-team format in 2025, and while the bracket is bigger, the broadcast lineup is getting a bit tighter. ESPN, which holds the rights to the entire CFP, is trimming its broadcast crews from six teams last year down to four this season. But don’t worry-those four crews are still covering every inch of the postseason, even the two opening-round games airing on TNT.
That’s right: even though TNT is broadcasting a pair of first-round matchups, ESPN is still sending its own announcers to call the action on-site. It’s a full-court press from the network, ensuring continuity in coverage across the entire playoff.
Let’s break down who’s calling what, and where you’ll hear them as the road to the national title kicks off.
The Voices of the 2025 College Football Playoff
Chris Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit
If it’s a big college football game, chances are you’ll find Fowler and Herbstreit in the booth.
This duo has been synonymous with the College Football Playoff since it launched in 2014, and they’re back again to anchor ESPN’s coverage. They’ll open the postseason with the high-stakes Alabama vs.
Oklahoma first-round showdown and are already locked in to call the national championship game. Their chemistry, experience, and ability to elevate the moment make them the go-to team for college football’s biggest nights.
Sean McDonough & Greg McElroy
McDonough brings versatility and gravitas to the mic-he’s called everything from college football to the Stanley Cup Final.
He’s paired with Greg McElroy, the former Alabama quarterback turned analyst, who’s carved out a strong niche with his sharp insights and SEC pedigree. The two will be on the call for No.
10 Miami vs. No.
7 Texas A&M in the first round, and they’re also set to handle one of the two semifinal games. Expect a well-rounded, insightful broadcast with a balance of storytelling and X’s and O’s.
Joe Tessitore & Jesse Palmer
Tessitore is no stranger to the spotlight, having handled play-by-play duties for “Monday Night Football” and even stepping into the WWE world.
He brings energy and drama to every call. Palmer, a former Florida quarterback and longtime ESPN analyst (yes, also known from “The Bachelor”), adds a player’s perspective with a polished delivery.
Together, they’ll be on the call for No. 11 Tulane vs.
No. 6 Ole Miss-a matchup that could be one of the more intriguing stylistic clashes of the opening round.
Bob Wischusen & Louis Riddick
Wischusen has been a steady voice in ESPN’s college football and basketball coverage for years, and he’s also the long-running radio play-by-play man for the New York Jets.
He’s teamed up with Louis Riddick, a seasoned NFL analyst known for his sharp, no-nonsense breakdowns and front-office experience. This duo will handle the No.
12 James Madison vs. No.
5 Oregon game, and they’re expected to return for a quarterfinal matchup as well. If you're looking for a blend of college energy with pro-level analysis, this is your team.
2025 College Football Playoff Broadcast Schedule
Here’s how the first round of the CFP shapes up, along with the broadcast assignments:
- Friday, Dec. 19 📍 *No. 9 Alabama at No.
8 Oklahoma*
🎙️ Chris Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit
🕗 8 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Dec. 20 📍 *No. 10 Miami at No.
7 Texas A&M*
🎙️ Sean McDonough & Greg McElroy
🕛 Noon ET
- Saturday, Dec. 20 📍 *No. 11 Tulane at No.
6 Ole Miss*
🎙️ Joe Tessitore & Jesse Palmer
🕞 3:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Dec. 20 📍 *No. 12 James Madison at No.
5 Oregon*
🎙️ Bob Wischusen & Louis Riddick
🕢 7:30 p.m. ET
The rest of the CFP schedule is set, even if the matchups and exact broadcast pairings for the quarterfinals and semifinals are still TBD. Here's a look ahead:
- Quarterfinals Wednesday, Dec. 31 - 7:30 p.m.
ET
- *Thursday, Jan.
1* - Noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. ET
- Semifinals Thursday, Jan. 8 - 7:30 p.m.
ET
- Friday, Jan. 9 - 7:30 p.m.
ET
(Likely called by either Fowler/Herbstreit or McDonough/McElroy)
- National Championship Monday, Jan. 19 - 7:30 p.m.
ET
🎙️ Chris Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit
With the 12-team playoff format providing more games, more drama, and more chances for chaos, ESPN’s streamlined broadcast approach aims to keep the focus on the field while delivering top-tier commentary from familiar, trusted voices. Whether it’s a Cinderella run or a heavyweight clash, the stage is set-and the mics are hot.