Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Penn State Alum Todd Blackledge To Lead NBC’s Big Ten Football Coverage

The Big Ten’s recent $8 billion media rights deal is already shaking up the college football landscape.

Color commentator Todd Blackledge will depart from ESPN in favor of a similar role at NBC Sports, as announced by his new network Thursday. As an analyst for NBC, Blackledge will lead the booth of “Big Ten Saturday Night,” a new primetime slot for Big Ten football.

“I am so very thankful for my last 17 years at ESPN, the relationships that were built, and the excellent work done by the K crew,” Blackledge wrote on Twitter. “That being said, I am beyond excited about my new opportunity with NBC!”

Blackledge will serve alongside play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle and sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen.

“When you hear Todd’s voice, you know it’s a big college football game,” said NBC Sports Executive Producer Sam Flood in a release. “It has been that way for decades.”

As a commentator, Blackledge spent the last 17 consecutive years working for ESPN. Before that, the new NBC frontman worked for CBS and ABC for seven and five years, respectively.

Before donning the announcer’s headset, Blackledge started as Penn State’s quarterback for three seasons under legendary head coach Joe Paterno. From 1979 to 1982, Blackledge established himself as one of the program greats.

In his four-year career in Happy Valley, Blackledge threw for 4,812 yards and 41 touchdowns. As the starting quarterback, Blackledge led the Nittany Lions to its first national championship in 1982 while also earning the Davey O’Brien Award for college football’s best quarterback.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Sam Fremin

Sam is a senior from Ashburn, Virginia, majoring in journalism and political science & minoring in German and creative writing. He is a Dallas Cowboys fan who relishes the misery of Eagles fans. All hate messages can be sent to [email protected] or @SamFremin on Twitter.

He may or may not read every single comment he gets.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
157kFollowers
57.8kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Sam

State College Police Investigating Death Of 22-Year-Old

The individual was found dead near the Fraser Street parking garage with injuries consistent with a fall from above, according to police.

‘This Is Happening’: Penn State Alum Makes Broadway Debut

SPA To Host Ross Lynch For March 28 Lecture

Uncovered THON 2023 Line Dance Lyrics

Bendapudi blocks out the noise // Welcome to campus, Proud Boys!

Uncovered THON 2023 Line Dance Lyrics

Bendapudi blocks out the noise // Welcome to campus, Proud Boys!

The Sword Is The Mind: Penn State Kendo Club Fuses Discipline & Sport

Kendo, a Japanese martial art, unifies the spirit, sword, and body.

‘My Dream Job’: Char Morett-Curtiss Reflects On Retirement From Penn State Field Hockey

After more than three decades at the helm of Penn State field hockey, Char Morett-Curtiss departs the program that she defined.