Do you hear that? That’s the sound of millions of college football fans mourning the loss of Molly McGrath. To be clear, she’s perfectly fine… she just moved on up in the world and is set to take on NFL coverage for ESPN instead of college football.
We’re just a few weeks away from the return of gridiron action. College football gets things kicked off on August 29, and the NFL follows closely behind with the start of their season on September 9. Soon, Saturdays and Sundays will be wasted away by snacks, alcoholic beverages, sports betting, and around-the-clock football.
Move over Christmas… it’s the real “most wonderful time of the year.”
Though it’s exciting to think about football’s return, college fans are devastated to hear that the college season will go on without one of its staples: Sideline reporter Molly McGrath. She’s been a part of ESPN’s college football coverage for over a decade, and over that period, became one of the prominent reporters in all of football.
That’s why it makes sense that she was promoted to the NFL level (as heartbreaking as it might be for college fans). On3 sports confirmed the news of her move earlier today:
“NEW: Sideline reporter Molly McGrath is moving from College Football to NFL coverage at ESPN, Ryan Glasspiegel reports.”
She’s now set to be the sideline reporter for the NFL Network’s slate of games, and she’ll also be the No. 1 fill-in-host for NFL Live.
It’s a great and joyous moment for Molly McGrath, but it’s a gut punch to all of the college football fans that have gotten used to her expertise on the sidelines. Judging by the comments on social media, it would be an understatement to say that those that faithful to the college game are devastated:
This is heart breaking. You can’t do this to us!
— Saban Field (@SabanFieldHQ) July 31, 2026
Couldn’t have announced this on Monday? Why ruin the weekend?
— Todd McQueen, MBA (@McqueenSnoop) July 31, 2026
Wow. College football lost a good one. This is heartbreaking
— CFBVIBES (@climsollins) July 31, 2026
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) July 31, 2026
Thought she was perfect in her CFB role. Hope they have a replacement in mind those are big shoes to fill
— Clubhouse Degenerate (@ClubhouseDegen) July 31, 2026
I just fell to my knees
— Woody (@woodyVSworld) July 31, 2026
Mommy McGrath can’t leave NO…. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
— Calorific (@HendrixDidIt55) July 31, 2026
At a loss for words. This is quite literally the WORST news I’ve ever seen.
— Dale (@dalesghost3) July 31, 2026
Pour one out for all of the college football fans… and congrats to Molly McGrath for moving on up!
