Veteran College Football Reporter Secures Long-Term Extension

ESPN and on-air personality Marty Smith have reached an agreement on a long-term contract extension. The deal ensures Smith will remain with the network as he prepares to celebrate 20 years with the company this fall.

The extension maintains stability for several of the network’s high-profile properties. Smith is a regular contributor to "College GameDay" and continues to co-host "Marty & McGee" alongside Ryan McGee.

Securing Smith’s services comes at a busy time for the network as the spring sports calendar intensifies. He will continue his work across multiple platforms covering the Masters, the NFL Draft, and the Kentucky Derby.

Smith’s national sports media coverage

The decision to retain Smith reflects the network's broader strategy to prioritize versatile talent capable of covering multiple disciplines. Smith provides a consistent presence that connects the college football audience with professional golf and horse racing fans.

His role on "College GameDay" is a central component of the program’s identity during the fall. By keeping Smith on a long-term basis, the network ensures its premier college football show maintains its established reporting roster.

SEC Nation analyst Marty Smith speaks on the sideline during pre-game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

"If you work at our place, you got to be damn good," Smith said regarding the standards at the network. "And I’m just grateful that they believe enough in me to continue on with this."

The reporter has also spent the last two years as a sideline reporter for TMRW Golf League (TGL), the high-tech golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. He remains an advocate for continued partnership with that league as he looks to expand his portfolio under the new agreement.

Storytelling roles at The Masters and beyond

Smith is scheduled to provide extensive coverage for the upcoming Masters tournament at Augusta National. He recently traveled to Northern Ireland to produce a feature on Rory McIlroy that will air on "SportsCenter."

This international assignment highlights how the network utilizes Smith for major events that require deep profile pieces. He is also preparing a companion digital story about the trip for the network’s website.

"I’m invigorated by being challenged to acclimate to something and study well enough and learn the personalities well enough to try to offer that storytelling to the world," Smith said about his approach to new assignments.

Sports media news this morning: Marty Smith has signed a long-term extension with @espn.

He'll be onsite at Augusta National next week and will have an in-depth Rory piece airing on "SportsCenter" this Sunday. Was in Holywood recently to report that out https://t.co/9tqRTHZKFQ
— Josh Carpenter (@JoshACarpenter) April 2, 2026