Calls Mount For ESPN To Fire Desmond Howard For Another Michigan Legend, Days After Contract Extension

The curtain has lifted on another college football season, and early winners like Auburn and Georgia Tech have already set the tone with opening triumphs. And of course, the season start wouldn’t be complete without the showmanship and high-energy analysis from Pat McAfee, Rece Davis, and Kirk Herbstreit, turning game day into pure entertainment. But this season, CFB fans are calling for the sacking of a prominent CFB analyst, whose legacy extends way beyond the broadcasting world.

“ESPN should replace Desmond Howard with Jake Butt. His knowledge of the ball is incredible,” wrote popular CFB account ‘The Buckeye Nut’, posting Jake Butt’s video of the OSU defense’s analysis. The post has now started a debate regarding Desmond’s role in the CFB broadcasting world. But why Desmond? And why Jake to replace him?

The video posted on Buckeye Nut’s X account shows Jake Butt analyzing how OSU’s linebackers duo, Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese, combine to make the “most athletic linebacker room” in the country, and how they effectively “close gaps” and “chew up turf space.” Not just that, first safety Caleb Downs, according to him, gives OSU the benefit of having the “12th defender.” Lastly, the analyst called Downs an extra “linebacker” capable of stacking the box, triggering, and making plays “right away.” His eye for detail and sharp analysis have impressed fans and fellow analysts alike. Desmond Howard, on the other hand, isn’t too weak in his analysis either.

Since joining ESPN’s College GameDay in 2005, Desmond Howard has shared the stage with legends like Rece Davis, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit, sharpening his voice and presence on one of college football’s biggest platforms. This year, he’s again covering the marquee OSU vs Texas GameDay. Add to that, Howard’s status as Michigan’s 1st round pick in the 1992 NFL Draft and his Heisman Trophy win adds an extra dimension to the in-depth analysis the guy brings. However, not everyone is convinced!!

Fans mount strong calls against Desmond Howard’s role at ESPN

To honor Desmond Howard’s career going well into the third decade at ESPN, the organization had decided to extend Howard’s ESPN contract just two days ago, before he entered his 21st season. “I am thrilled to continue this journey with ESPN. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing during the fall than showcasing the incredible sport that we all love alongside my College GameDay family,” said Howard on his contract extension. However, the reaction to the X post was largely critical. Many felt ESPN should have held off before handing out the extension.

One of the users wrote, agreeing with the post on Jake Butt’s hiring, “Agree, but he is too fair. ESPN wants idiots who say ridiculous things so everyone will talk about what they said.” While another user echoed the same sentiment with a simple message: “Agreed, Desmond adds no value.” All of these messages seem harsh, but one can’t deny that ESPN’s GameDay ‘model’ is not built on analyzing those games from a purist’s perspective.

Sure, GameDay has the legendary head coach Nick Saban and Kirk Herbstreit to provide that “in-depth” analysis. But it also focuses on the raw entertainment that Pat McAfee and Howard bring to the table. People loved it when Pat McAfee ripped his shirt off on live television, predicting his pick. And Howard, giving his takes through his blend of enthusiasm and humor, is what sets him apart. That said, it seems like Jake Butt has his share of supporters, too.

“He’s really good. Extremely knowledgeable,” commented one user. While another user even called for removing Dave Portnoy to give Jake his place in the press box. “Jake Butt is a top-tier commentator, too. Would make more sense to put him in Desmond’s spot and certainly Dave Portnoy.” Jake Butt, a Michigan heritage himself, has sure made a name for himself beyond his contributions on the field, into the broadcasting world.

Making a name for himself as the 2015 and 2016 Big Ten tight end of the year, Jake Butt transitioned smoothly into broadcasting after a brief NFL career and is now thriving in his new role. Jake currently divides his time between the Big Ten Network and The Big College Football Show for Chicago Sports Network. Moreover, the guy is right now a rising star as an analyst, and we could see big-name networks like FOX or ESPN roping in his services eventually (potentially without firing anyone).