ESPN plans big changes to its 2026 NFL coverage, with Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce possibly joining as an analyst.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN is expected to make a change with its No. 2 broadcast crew for its NFL coverage, a team that includes Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick, as the network begins a new deal with the league.
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That trio is the B-team to ESPN’s top broadcast team, Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.
“ESPN is expected to change its No. 2 NFL game-calling team of Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick Jr. due to its new NFL Deal, according to sources briefed on ESPN’s plans,” Marchand reported.
Marchand adds that Kelce is a “dark horse candidate” to replace someone in ESPN’s NFL broadcast booth as an analyst, alongside Kurt Warner, who calls games for NFL Network.
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“As part of a potential new booth, Jason Kelce has emerged as a dark horse candidate on the analyst side, according to sources briefed on discussions, while NFL Network’s Kurt Warner is also in the mix,” Marchand added.
Who are the play-by-play candidates?
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Chris Fowler. | Julian Finney/Getty Images
Of course, Kurt Warner and/or Jason Kelce would need a play-by-play guy by their side. That’s the job that Fowler held, with Orlovsky and Riddick serving as analysts.
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When it comes to candidates for that role, Marchand names ESPN’s Dave Pasch, Mike Monaco and Bob Wischusen, although the list is not limited to those three.
“ESPN’s Dave Pasch and Mike Monaco are contenders to be a part of the new booth as play-by-play announcers. ESPN executives are still sorting out their plans, and other candidates, like Bob Wischusen, could emerge,” Marchand wrote.
Jason Kelce’s broadcasting experience
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Monday Night Football commentator Jason Kelce before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce wouldn’t exactly be a rookie as a broadcaster. Granted, he has never consistently called games before, but he does have experience with analysis on live television.
Kelce’s biggest role is analyst on “ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.” ESPN hired him in 2024 after he joined the company’s NFL Broadcasting and Media Workshop.
Kelce has done guest spots on Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football,” including as an in-game analyst for a quarter in 2024. More recently, Kelce served as a special correspondent for the NHL Stadium Series in February.
The former Eagles star also hosts the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce.
Looking at Kelce’s full broadcasting work, he has a strong chance to excel as a live-game analyst. He’s obviously knowledgeable about the NFL and has a great voice for the job.