Rece Davis Named New Host of ESPN College GameDay

ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis agreed to a new contract with the Worldwide Leader that will make him the new host of college football's most popular show, College GameDay. 

Davis, who currently hosts the basketball version of the show, will replace the man who has hosted the show since the very first broadcast, Chris Fowler. This marks the first change in the show's 25-year history.

“I’m extremely pleased to continue to call ESPN my professional home," Davis said. "The past 20 years have been extraordinarily rewarding and this new chapter as the host of College GameDay is one I eagerly embrace. I’ve cared deeply about college football my entire life. As a result, I’m humbled and grateful to join the brilliant men and women who have built GameDay into the sport’s defining show.”

ESPN said that Fowler will continue with his high-profile play-by-play responsibilities, which include the ABC Saturday Night football game, the College Football Playoff, and some of the biggest tennis tournaments.

The move came as a surprise to many when the news broke on Thursday night, but this was a move by ESPN to keep one of its best talents in Bristol, Connecticut. With his contract expiring, there was speculation that he could land at one of the other full-time sports networks in a major capacity. ESPN avoided that by giving Davis one of the network's biggest roles.

Along with the Saturday morning show, Davis will continue to host the basketball version of GameDay, retain his college basketball play-by-play duties, and call select college football bowl games.