Todd Blackledge on the Evolution of College Football & Storytelling in the Booth

If you love college football, you know the voice of Todd Blackledge - today’s guest on the Y-Option podcast, presented by our founding partner, 76.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, a few things were constant: Friday night high school football, postgame pizza with the team, and Saturday afternoons in front of the TV watching college football. My friends and I dreamed of playing in massive stadiums at places like Pitt, Penn State, and Notre Dame. As life has unfolded and I’ve traveled the world, I’ve realized that wherever young athletes grow up, this ritual remains the same.

The same was true for today’s guest, Todd Blackledge - college football analyst for Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC and Peacock.

I grew up watching highlights of Todd’s career at Penn State, where he led his team to a National Championship over Herschel Walker’s Georgia squad in the Sugar Bowl. Later, as a fan of the game, I came to recognize his voice every Saturday in the broadcast booth. I’ve admired his work for decades, and when I learned he had also worked alongside Ted Robinson, I knew he had come from the “School of Ted” - a mentor who has shaped so many of us in the craft of broadcasting.

In our conversation, Todd reflects on:

* When he first fell in love with football and how a conversation with the late Joe Paterno on a park bench helped him navigate early adversity in his college career.

* His 30+ years in the booth, the evolution of the game, and the common thread that ties college football together amid constant change.

* His take on the new-look Big Ten, now an 18-team powerhouse after its first season.

* One of the most unforgettable finishes of the 2024 season—the wild, unpredictable ending between Ohio State and Oregon, a game he called alongside Noah Eagle in Eugene last fall.

Finally, as I reflect on our conversation - and the many I’ve had with Todd over the years - one thing stands out: his humility. In a sport that’s constantly evolving, he remains focused on celebrating the game, bringing passion and insight to every broadcast.

I hope you enjoy today’s conversation with NBC Sports college football analyst Todd Blackledge, presented by our founding partner, 76.

As always, be sure to subscribe to the Y-Option newsletter at Y-Option.com for more insights into college football.

Much love and stay steady, Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

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