Who'll Replace Laura Rutledge On 'SEC Nation' This Season?

Laura Rutledge's incredible run as the host of "SEC Nation" has officially come to an end.

After spending a decade as the host of "SEC Nation," Rutledge announced this week that she's moving on from the popular show. She'll continue to help ESPN with its coverage of "NFL Live" and "Monday Night Football."

"Ten years ago, I walked onto this set not fully knowing what the journey would become. Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life," Rutledge wrote. "SEC Nation has never just been a show to me. It's been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special. From the roar of packed stadiums on crisp fall mornings to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never see, every second has meant something. Seeing all of you show up for us every Saturday and feeling genuinely honored you wanted to take pictures and chat will always stick with me."

Rutledge's reporting on the SEC has been so superb that Georgia football coach Kirby Smart gave her a shotuout this Tuesday.

"i'd like to start off with  Laura Rutledge, I found out this morning, she's going to be moving on, away from her SEC duties. I have a lot of respect for her, I feel like she and I have been in the SEC the same amount of time," Smart said, via DawgNation. "With the tenure I've had and the tenure she's had, she's a good friend, and a lot of respect for the work she's done. So, appreciate her service and wish her nothing but the best moving on."

Luckily for SEC fans, ESPN has a quality replacement.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported in March that longtime ESPN sportscaster Matt Barrie will step up and replace Rutledge on "SEC Nation." On Tuesday night, Brett McMurphy of On3 reported the same exact information.

"Barrie, an ESPN studio and College Football Final host the past 8 years, will still do play-by-play for Thursday night ESPN games," McMurphy said.

ESPN signed Barrie back in 2013 in a move that has aged quite well. The "SportsCenter" anchor already has 11 Emmy awards to his name. Now, he'll try to host one of the most popular college football shows.

Only time will tell if Barrie can thrive as Rutledge's replacement.

Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 6:43 AM.