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Report: College GameDay Week 1 on-air staff lineup revealed

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•07/24/23•

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College GameDay reportedly revealed its Week 1 lineup for the on-air staff after the location was revealed for the big opening weekend.

The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch reported on the new-look lineup following ESPN’s major staff changes this summer. The sweeping layoffs dominated the sports media circle but there are familiar faces back in the same places.

That starts with a longtime host and analyst.

“College GameDay Week One on-air staffing – Saturday, Sept. 2, in Charlotte, N.C. Rece Davis (host); Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee (analysts); Pete Thamel (insider); Jen Lada and Jess Sims (reporters),” Deitsch wrote on Twitter.

Notably absent is former Georgia star David Pollack, who was among the big names laid off by ESPN. McAfee was already a part of the show and with his radio program moving to ESPN later this year, it’s a natural fit to keep his unique energy with GameDay.

Corso, who’s battled health issues over the last couple of years, is back once again. Although his role was seemingly reduced due to health as he would appear on some segments and not the entire three hour program.

But that’s the reported crew heading to Charlotte for the battle between North Carolina and South Carolina.

David Pollack out at ESPN

Pollack, 41, joined the College GameDay crew in 2011. In addition, Pollack contributed to the College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings Show, College Football Live, SportsCenter, and College Football Playoff coverage. He was previously an analyst on ESPN’s Thursday Night College Football telecast and co-host of Palmer & Pollack on ESPNU.

Prior to joining ESPN, Pollack starred as a defensive lineman at Georgia (2001-04). Pollack racked up a school-record 36.0 sacks, which also ranks third in NCAA history. He earned three First-Team All-American selections, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year two times and took home the Chuck Bednarik, Ted Hendricks, Lott and Lombardi Awards.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected him 17th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. Pollack appeared in just 16 games, compiling 4.5 sacks before a serious neck injury forced him to retire in 2008.