Kevin Gehl commentates the Bucknell vs Holy Cross with Kevin Shea and Rachel Hopmayer on ESPN+

The 2026 NCAA Division I College Football Competition between Bucknell and Holy Cross takes place on Saturday, 24 October 2026. For British and American viewers alike, the match goes live at 18:00 UK time, which lands at 14:00 in the United States. The primary play-by-play commentary comes through ESPN Unlimited, with the broadcast served via ESPN+ USA and Spectrum News 1. Fans tuning in from across the world can follow along on ESPN's public feed.

The main commentary team is headlined by Kevin Gehl, who has been a steady, dependable presence in college football broadcasting for years. He is joined as co-commentator by Kevin Shea, a pairing the broadcast notes covers the play-by-play and colour together. Rounding out the on-air team is the reporter, Rachel Hopmayer, who brings in the visual highlights and on-the-ground moments that turn a match into something worth watching.

What the teams are up against

Both groups enter the field at full strength, which is exactly the kind of matchup that makes for an interesting watch. Bucknell brings its full roster to bear, as does Holy Cross, so there are no diluted lineups to balance out the result. That leaves the outcome entirely in the hands of who clears the field first and who claims the final yard. For a competition of this size, the timing and coordination of the two teams is where the real story lives.

How to catch it

If you are in the United States, ESPN+ USA is the main route in, with the standard ESPN public feed available for anyone without a logged-in account. Those in the United Kingdom will want to keep an eye on Spectrum News 1, which carries the same competition feed and gives British-based viewers a reliable way to follow the action. The match runs for the full college football window, so there is plenty of time to tune in partway through and catch the finishing minutes.

The on-air team is in good shape for this one. Kevin Gehl has been called on repeatedly across recent competitions, and his consistent use as main commentator suggests a broadcaster who knows how to keep a long match engaging from start to finish. Kevin Shea complements him as the colour partner, while Rachel Hopmayer rounds out a team that has shown up regularly on the broadcast record. For anyone who enjoys college football commentary, this is a comfortable trio to follow.

Mark the clock at 18:00 UK time and you will be ready when the teams take to the field. With Bucknell and Holy Cross both at full strength, this is the kind of match where every minute counts, and having Kevin Gehl, Kevin Shea and Rachel Hopmayer on hand to walk it through makes it well worth the watch.

Article generated: 24 October 2026, 18:54 GMT