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ESPN Announces Megacast Plans For College Football Playoff First Round Games

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 3:46 PM ET

Fans will have many viewing options for ESPN's first-round College Football Playoff games.

On Friday night, Notre Dame and Indiana will kick off the CFP with a matchup airing on ABC and ESPN. The network is licensing two games to TNT before airing Saturday night's showdown between Ohio State and Tennessee. Alternative broadcasts are available for each of those evening games.

As announced Tuesday, ESPN2 will televise its Command Center presentation of the Notre Dame/Indiana game. Fans can witness "four different vantage points at any one time" with multiple different camera angles.

ESPN News will broadcast the SkyCast for those who prefer a bird's eye view of the action.

On Saturday night, the Command Center moves to ESPNU while ESPN News again hosts the SkyCast. ESPN2 will instead air a Field Pass megacast hosted by The Pat McAfee Show crew.

McAfee, former Ohio State great A.J. Hawk, Darius Butler, Connor Campbell, Ty Schmit, and Tone Digs will all be on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium during the matchup. The broadcast will feature other ESPN analysts, personalities, and celebrities.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Analyst Pat McAfee reacts in the first half between the Washington Huskies and Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

McAfee and Co. provided Field Pass coverage of last season's CFP games to mixed reviews. His team provides more casual, off-color commentary that their fans enjoy. Others may find the never-ending conversation distracting.

Those who'd rather not listen to McAfee for three hours can watch Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit call the Ohio State/Tennessee game on the traditional broadcast. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy are in the booth for Friday's matchup.

ESPN Deportes will also televise each game, and the ESPN App will stream the halftime marching band performances.

While no megacasts are on tap for the TNT games, ESPN will lend network talent to work those matchups. Penn State will host SMU on Saturday at noon ET, and Texas faces Clemson at 4 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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