ESPN is putting its chips on Peter Schrager, handing the veteran analyst the keys to a brand-new daily program that will anchor the network's afternoon lineup this NFL season. According to a report from The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, the show — aptly titled Big Day with Peter Schrager — is set to premiere on September 10 at 2 p.m. ET, running Mondays through Thursdays and bumping SportsCenter from that timeslot. Fridays will feature Bussin' with Pate, another fresh addition to the network's revamped schedule.
Schrager, 44, won't be flying solo. The show will bring in two or three panelists each day, mixing former players, reporters, and even the occasional celebrity sports fan, per sources. While Schrager made his name as a football guy — he was a cornerstone of NFL Network's Good Morning Football during its rise — Big Day is expected to lean heavily on the NFL but will also dip into other sports, keeping things fresh for a broad audience.
The guest list is already shaping up to be a who's who of football media. Names like Steve Smith, Jason McCourty, Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo are all expected to rotate through the show, giving it instant credibility and a wealth of insider knowledge. It's a star-studded ensemble that should make for some lively debates and sharp analysis.
This move has been in the works for a while, with ESPN president of content Burke Magnus personally eyeing Schrager for a prominent role. Schrager jumped ship from NFL Network to ESPN in April 2025, ending a nearly decade-long run on Good Morning Football. Now, he's getting a platform that signals the network's clear commitment to him as a centerpiece personality.
The timing is notable. ESPN has been through some serious upheaval recently, cutting ties with a number of on-air talents, including longtime contributor Ryan Clark. In the wake of those changes, the network has been busy reshaping its programming for the upcoming season, bringing in popular voices like Taylor Lewan, Will Compton, and Josh Pate, while also expanding the roles of bigger names like Pat McAfee. Schrager may not bring the same bombast as McAfee or Stephen A. Smith, but his steady, knowledgeable approach clearly has the brass's confidence. He's being positioned for a much bigger spotlight, and this show is his chance to shine.
For fans, Big Day promises to be a must-watch for anyone craving in-depth NFL talk with a rotating cast of familiar faces. It's a smart play by ESPN to diversify its afternoon lineup and give viewers a reason to stick around beyond the morning shows. And with the NFL season kicking off on Prime Video, the timing couldn't be better for a fresh perspective.
Schrager's rise also comes amid broader changes in the sports media landscape, including ESPN's sideline crew shake-up and the network's ongoing efforts to rebuild its roster. It's a bold new era for the Worldwide Leader, and Schrager is at the forefront of it.
