When the College Football Playoff kicks off on New Year’s Day, all eyes will be on Miami Gardens as Texas Tech and Oregon clash in the Orange Bowl - and ESPN is rolling out a full broadcast team to match the moment. With both teams sitting at 12-1 and making their first-ever Orange Bowl appearances, this CFP quarterfinal promises fireworks, and the coverage will reflect the stakes.
On the TV side, ESPN is handing the reins to a familiar duo: Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer. Tessitore’s voice has become synonymous with big-time college football, and his ability to match the energy of the moment is tailor-made for a game of this magnitude.
Alongside him, Palmer brings the perspective of someone who’s been under center in the SEC and now breaks down the game with clarity and insight. Together, they’ll guide viewers through what could be one of the most compelling matchups of the postseason.
Working the sidelines are Katie George and Stormy Buonantony, each stationed on opposite sides of the field. George has built a reputation for delivering more than just injury updates - she brings context, momentum shifts, and key observations that often go unnoticed. Buonantony, a newer face in ESPN’s college football lineup, has already proven she can handle the pressure of a big game, tracking down details and delivering them in real-time.
For fans tuning in via radio, ESPN Radio is sending out a strong crew of its own. Wes Durham will handle play-by-play duties, which on radio means more than just calling the action - it’s about painting a complete picture, from pre-snap formations to post-play reactions. Without visuals to lean on, every word matters, and Durham’s experience makes him a natural fit.
Chase Daniel, the former NFL quarterback who wrapped up his playing career in 2021, steps in as the radio analyst. Daniel’s time in quarterback rooms across the league sharpened his understanding of game planning and situational football - insights he now brings to the booth. His analysis goes beyond surface-level commentary, especially valuable in a game where adjustments and execution will be key.
Tori Petry rounds out the radio team as sideline reporter. While her job mirrors that of the TV sideline reporters, the delivery is different.
Petry’s reports won’t just relay facts - they’ll bring the atmosphere to life. Expect her to capture the body language of coaches, the emotional swings on the bench, and the kind of sideline energy that radio listeners can’t see but will certainly feel through her updates.
Kickoff is set for noon ET on January 1, 2026, from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It’s the first college football game of the new year, and with two high-powered teams and a CFP semifinal berth on the line, it’s a game that deserves - and is getting - top-tier coverage.