CBS Sports announces Brian Kelly as college football analyst for 2026 season

July 28, 2026 - 03:41

CBS Sports has added former LSU and Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly to its college football broadcast team for the 2026 season. Kelly, 64, will step into the analyst role starting with the Week 0 matchup between Jacksonville State and North Dakota State in Fargo, North Dakota.

The move brings a veteran sideline voice to the network's coverage. Kelly has spent over three decades coaching at the collegiate level, including a national championship appearance with Notre Dame in 2012 and a Heisman Trophy season with LSU's Jayden Daniels in 2023. His record stands at 298 wins across stops at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and LSU.

Kelly's transition to broadcasting comes after a turbulent final season at LSU, where the Tigers finished 8-4 and missed the College Football Playoff. He was fired in November 2024 after five seasons in Baton Rouge. The analyst role marks a new chapter for a coach known for his intense preparation and detailed breakdowns of game film.

CBS Sports has not announced whether Kelly will work alongside a specific play-by-play announcer or if he will appear on the network's pregame and halftime shows. The Week 0 game in Fargo is expected to draw strong viewership as the season opener for the FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, which has won nine national titles since 2011.