ESPN has revealed the exciting commentator pairings for the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) following the announcement of the 12 teams that will advance to the tournament. The expanded Playoff is set to commence with a highly anticipated match-up between No. 9 Alabama and No. 8 Oklahoma on Friday, December 19, at 8 p.m. ET, broadcasting live on ABC and ESPN. The action will continue on Saturday, December 20, with a CFP tripleheader: No. 10 Miami facing No. 7 Texas A&M at noon on ABC and ESPN, followed by two matches on TNT featuring No. 11 Tulane against No. 6 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. and No. 12 James Madison facing No. 5 Oregon at 7:30 p.m. Fans will be able to access all games via the ESPN App, along with the TNT games being available on truTV and HBO Max.
ESPN’s top commentary team, comprised of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Holly Rowe, will cover one game in each round of the expanded CFP, starting with their coverage of the first-round opener on Friday night alongside Laura Rutledge. The veteran pair of Fowler and Herbstreit will also team up with Molly McGrath for the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, taking place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, marking their 12th time calling the CFP together.
The game at noon on Saturday will feature Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, and McGrath, paired with Taylor McGregor, who will also provide commentary on a Playoff Quarterfinal and Semifinal. ESPN will utilize various crews for the games on TNT Sports, with Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Katie George joined by Quint Kessenich, as well as Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick, and Kris Budden with Stormy Buonantony.
In a notable enhancement for viewers, five CFP games will be broadcast in 4K for the first time, including the initial two First Round games and key matches throughout the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the National Championship.
Additionally, ESPN+ will premiere its original series “Inside the College Football Playoff” on December 16, providing fans with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the tournament’s journey, highlighting aspirations as teams vie for college football supremacy.
With thrilling matchups and a lineup of veteran commentators, the 2025-26 College Football Playoff promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans, showcasing the best teams in college football as they battle for national glory.