ESPN is rolling out the red carpet for Peter Schrager, and one of the network's most beloved voices is already cheering him on. The former NFL Network and FOX personality is set to headline his own daily afternoon program, and longtime anchor John Buccigross is all in on the move.
News broke Wednesday that Schrager will host a one-hour show titled "Big Day with Peter Schrager," slated for the 2 PM ET slot starting next week. It's a major addition to ESPN's lineup, and Buccigross—who signed a multi-year extension with the network last spring—didn't hesitate to share his excitement.
"Very cool," Buccigross said. "Peter is old school ESPN. Energy and a pure love of sport like Berman, Stu Scott, Linda Cohn, SVP, [etc]… Informed, connected, enthusiastic and as passionate as the people who watch ESPN. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼"
Buccigross has been a fixture at ESPN since 1996, calling NHL and college hockey games for three decades. His praise carries weight, and Schrager was quick to respond on social media, calling it "maybe the highest of compliments."
"Wow," Schrager wrote. "And what we are hoping to really lean into, and bridging the best of what's being done now. And there's a lot of it! Bucci, – I was writing you emails about Ilya Kovalchuk and The Tragically Hip from a college dorm room. Wow. Let's go."
Schrager now joins a star-studded roster of daily ESPN hosts, including Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAfee, Mike Greenberg, Michael Wilbon, Tony Kornheiser, and Scott Van Pelt. It's a significant step up for Schrager, who has been a familiar face on NFL coverage for years.
The move is part of ESPN's broader strategy to bolster its afternoon programming, and it's already generating buzz. Buccigross's endorsement is a strong signal that Schrager fits the network's culture, and fans are eager to see what he brings to the table.
For more on this developing story, check out ESPN's full commitment to Schrager and how it fits into their evolving lineup. And if you're curious about other big sports media moves, the 2026 NFL season is also getting a new home on Prime Video.
Schrager's debut can't come soon enough for fans who appreciate his blend of inside knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. With Buccigross's seal of approval, "Big Day" is shaping up to be a must-watch for sports fans everywhere.
