Rumors are buzzing about potential shifts on the horizon for ESPN’s College GameDay. The show’s 2024 season was indeed a notable success, thanks in part to Nick Saban joining the team full-time and Pat McAfee bringing a dynamic chemistry to the table. Their collective efforts shot the show to new heights, breaking numerous ratings records and earning rave reviews from audiences throughout the year.
As ESPN gears up to continue riding this wave of success, whispers of forthcoming changes have begun to circulate. Paul Finebaum, a familiar face within the ESPN network, has hinted at possible tweaks that could be in the works for the show in the not-too-distant future.
According to Finebaum, while Saban was impressive on-air in 2024, the grind of television might be challenging for him to sustain over the long haul. Speculation is buzzing over who might step into his shoes if he decides to bow out. “Television is funny like that,” Finebaum remarked during an appearance on the Saturday Down South podcast. “It’s kind of like the new car you’re excited to drive off the lot, until it starts showing its age. I don’t see it phasing him immediately, but, let’s face it, television can wear anyone down eventually. I think Saban will feel it too.”
While Finebaum praises Saban’s on-screen abilities, he acknowledges the unique pressures of TV. “I warned him before he went on air that every word would be dissected. Saban handled it with his usual ‘I’m always under scrutiny’ attitude, but I don’t think he anticipated how even casual remarks could spiral in today’s media landscape. I suspect he got thrown off by it once or twice,” Finebaum shared.
Despite the challenges, Saban has been a valuable addition, and Finebaum recognizes this. “He’s done outstanding work and is a voice people value. But let’s not overinflate his role. If another coach suggests Saban as the college football czar, I might just lose the rest of my hair. It’s not happening.”
Fans are actively debating the show’s future, with some expressing doubt about Saban’s fit for TV. “Saban doesn’t have the thick skin or personality for TV,” one fan commented. Another pointed out, “He doesn’t need to stick with it if it’s not his thing.” The conversation also touched on his age, with a fan noting, “At 73, maybe he’ll do another couple of years, but unlike Corso, he doesn’t seem to need it.”
On social media, discussions have been lively, as shown by a tweet from Awful Announcing discussing Finebaum’s thoughts on Saban’s future: “Television wears everyone down.”
So, what do you think? Could ESPN be heading towards significant changes for College GameDay in 2025 or later?
