Josh Pate Expands ESPN Partnership With New Friday College Football Show

College football commentator Josh Pate will broaden his relationship with ESPN this fall by co-hosting a new Friday television program alongside “Bussin’ With the Boys” hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, broadcasting live from college campuses nationwide. The expanded role represents a significant milestone for Pate, who has built one of sports media’s most successful independent brands while maintaining full ownership of his flagship program and media company.

According to reporting from OutKick, ESPN has identified Pate as one of four key figures the network plans to center its future around, alongside Pat McAfee, Laura Rutledge, and Peter Schrager. Pate expressed humility about the distinction, noting his professional respect for all three individuals and comparing McAfee’s industry impact to that of legendary wrestling figure Steve Austin, whose presence transcended personal success to create opportunities for countless others.

Pate’s media operation generates revenue through approximately five or six primary streams, including YouTube advertising, programmatic revenue, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, public speaking engagements, and his ESPN talent deal. The commentator has adopted a selective approach to sponsorships, turning down opportunities to maintain brand integrity and avoid overexposure to his audience.

The new Friday program appealed to Pate because of its campus-based format and timing, capitalizing on what he describes as the unique atmosphere of college football weekends. He emphasized the importance of proximity to fans and the distinct energy surrounding Friday nights in college towns during football season.

Beyond sports broadcasting, Pate indicated plans to expand his media company into weather coverage and storm chasing, a secondary passion he pursues between 15 and 30 days annually during spring. While acknowledging he lacks formal meteorological training, Pate said his deep interest in atmospheric science could eventually lead to weather-focused content projects.

Regarding editorial decisions, Pate stressed that content creators bear responsibility for choosing their own platform priorities rather than responding to external pressure to address trending topics. He declined to expand coverage into politics or the WNBA, reasoning that audience expectations and creator expertise should guide editorial judgment.

Pate also reflected on his faith, describing God as omnipresent throughout his daily life and professional journey. The commentary emerged during an interview where Pate discussed his trajectory from earning $27,000 annually and facing eviction to building a thriving independent media brand.