NBC is beefing up its college football coverage just days before the season kicks off, bringing two seasoned voices into the booth. Jason Benetti and Dave Flemming have been added to the network's play-by-play rotation for select Big Ten games this fall, according to a report from Awful Announcing.
The additions come as part of a handful of tweaks to NBC's college football lineup, which is set to begin in just 10 days. While the network's flagship Saturday night crew remains unchanged—Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kathryn Tappen will continue to anchor "Big Ten Saturday"—Benetti and Flemming will lend their talents to other matchups throughout the season.
Benetti, who was originally brought on to lead NBC's "Sunday Night Baseball" coverage, will now expand his role beyond the diamond. He'll also be part of Peacock's NBA broadcast team for a mix of regular season and playoff games, in addition to his new college football duties. His versatility has made him a valuable asset across multiple sports, and this move further solidifies his place in NBC's rotation.
Flemming, meanwhile, is making the jump after a 16-year run at ESPN. He'll team up with Benetti as part of NBC's college football coverage, and he's already been added as the second voice for "Sunday Leadoff" opposite Matt Vasgersian. His experience and steady delivery should make him a seamless fit for the Big Ten slate.
While the new duo won't be part of the marquee Saturday night broadcast, their presence adds depth to NBC's overall coverage. The network's season opener between USC and San Jose State on Aug. 19 will still feature the Eagle-Blackledge-Tappen trio, as will Kyle Whittingham's Michigan debut against Western Michigan on Sept. 5.
Dan Hicks and Jason Garrett are also back for their third year together in the Notre Dame booth, ensuring continuity for one of college football's most storied programs. With Benetti and Flemming joining the mix, NBC is clearly investing in a deeper bench for its college football broadcasts.
For fans, the expanded roster of announcers means more variety and expertise across the season. As the Big Ten schedule unfolds, viewers can expect fresh perspectives and polished play-by-play from two of the industry's most respected voices. The moves also signal NBC's commitment to growing its college football presence, especially with the conference's expanded slate in 2026.
With kickoff just around the corner, the additions come at a perfect time. Whether you're tuning in for a marquee matchup or a mid-season clash, the new voices are sure to enhance the viewing experience. And for those keeping an eye on the most overhyped teams this season, NBC's deep bench should make for some compelling commentary.
As the season approaches, fans might also want to revisit how programs are eyeing NFL castoffs to bolster their rosters—a storyline that could shape the Big Ten race. And with MaxPreps ranking the top high school teams, the future of college football looks bright.
