ESPN's Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer and Kris Budden cover Florida vs Texas from ABC and ESPN channels

The headline NCAA Division I Field-Based System competition of the 2026-27 season kicks off today, 17 October 2026, at 17:00 UK time with the Florida versus Texas matchup. The game will be broadcast on the American network ABC, fed through the ESPN Unlimited feed, with a companion broadcast carried on ESPN Radio. Fans of the NCAA's flagship college football programme can follow every stage of this season opener from their preferred platform, whether they tune into the main visual broadcast or the companion radio feed that runs alongside it.

The primary commentary team on ABC and ESPN Unlimited is led by Joe Tessitore, working alongside co-commentator Jesse Palmer and reporter Kris Budden. This trio was announced as part of the 2026-27 commentator roster, with news circulated in early August ahead of the season. The same week, Jesse Palmer was named as a partner of Joe Tessitore, and Kris Budden was revealed to be joining the ESPN college football broadcast crew for the 11th time, pairing up with both Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer for the new season.

The companion ESPN Radio broadcast carries its own commentary team, headed by Marc Kestecher as the main commentator. He is joined by co-commentator Kelly Stouffer and reporter Ian Fitzsimmons. This radio team was previously identified in the ESPN roster reveal published on 26 August 2025, marking Marc Kestecher, Kelly Stouffer and Ian Fitzsimmons as the ESPN Radio group, so their return for the 2026-27 season represents continuity from an established lineup.

The commentary teams

For the main broadcast, Joe Tessitore anchors the Florida versus Texas game, with Jesse Palmer providing supporting commentary throughout the match. The role of reporter on this feed is taken by Kris Budden, who for the 2026-27 season is making his 11th appearance on the ESPN college football crew and has specifically paired up with Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer. Together, the three form the core commentary unit that will narrate the matchup from start to finish.

On ESPN Radio, Marc Kestecher takes the main commentary role, with Kelly Stouffer contributing supporting commentary and Ian Fitzsimmons filling the reporter position. This group was first called out as the ESPN Radio team in the 2025-26 roster reveal and has continued into the current season, offering fans a familiar companion feed that runs in parallel with the ABC broadcast.

Where to watch

The Florida versus Texas competition airs on 17 October 2026 at 17:00 UK time. For those following the visual broadcast, ABC carries the game via the ESPN Unlimited feed, while fans who prefer the companion radio broadcast can listen on ESPN Radio. Both channels are part of the ESPN college football programme, so viewers can choose whichever format suits them best while still tracking the same matchup.

The full 2026-27 commentator lineup, including the teams covering games such as this Florida versus Texas matchup, was detailed in the ESPN press release unveiling the season's college football commentator teams. That announcement is available for reference at espnpressroom.com.

Article generated: 17 October 2026, 05:01 GMT