Watch the USC v Penn State NCAA Division I FBS clash on ESPN Radio and NBC

The 2026 NCAA Division I Field Booty System (FBS) matchup between USC and P Penn State is set to begin at 00:30 on 11 October 2026, with coverage broadcast across both American and British television networks. This is a crucial moment for the two teams, as the competition between them could prove pivotal in determining their position within the broader college football tournament structure.

The game will be aired on ESPN Radio, where Jim Basquil and Cory Alexander are handling studio duties, while the play-by-play commentary is being led by Marc Kestecher, who continues as the top college football commentator this season. Kelly Stouffer is also on hand to provide analysis, alongside the reporting work of Ian Fitzsimmons.

Meanwhile, the game is also being broadcast on NBC (US) and Peacock USA, with Ahmed Fareed serving as the primary presenter and John Fanta as co-presenter. The NBC/Peacock lineup includes a range of commentators, including Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and several pundits, with Kathern Tappen handling the reporting duties.

The ESPN Radio lineup

ESPN Radio's coverage is being led by Marc Kestecher, who is the lead voice for the NBA on ESPN Radio and continues as the top college football play-by-play commentator this season. He is joined by Kelly Stouffer, a veteran analyst who was a former NFL and Colorado State quarterback, and Ian Fitzsimmons, who has been a field analyst and reporter for ESPN Radio since 2013.

Ian Fitzsimmons has been a staple of ESPN Radio's college football coverage, and he has co-hosted the network's evening show since 2023. He is also the person responsible for reporting on the game's progress, and he has been a key part of the network's coverage for years.

The studio duties are being handled by Jim Basquil and Cory Alexander, who are working alongside the commentators to ensure that the coverage is broadcast accurately and on time.

The NBC/Peacock lineup

NBC Sports' coverage is being led by Ahmed Fareed, who has been the host of Big Ten College Countdown since August 2025 and has anchored NBC Sports' Monday night NBA coverage on Peacock since November 2025. He is joined by John Fanta, who is serving as the co-presenter for the game.

Ahmed Fareed has a long history with NBC Sports, and he has been a host and reporter on a variety of sports events and properties. He started his career at WXMI-TV, and he has since moved through a range of networks, including WILX-TV, WSYM-TV, and WAVY-TV.

The NBC/Peacock lineup also includes a range of commentators, including Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and several pundits, with Kathern Tappen handling the reporting duties.

Why this game matters

The USC v Penn State game is a crucial moment in the college football tournament structure, and it could prove pivotal in determining the position of both teams within the broader competition. The game will be broadcast on both ESPN Radio and NBC/Peacock, ensuring that viewers have access to coverage regardless of their preferred network.

As the game progresses, viewers can expect to see a range of commentary and analysis from the commentators, as well as reporting from the reporters. The game is set to be an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams fare against each other.

For those looking to watch the game, there are a range of options available, including ESPN Radio and NBC/Peacock. Whether you prefer audio or visual coverage, there is a network that will suit your needs.

Article generated: 11 October 2026, 00:31 GMT