Sports fans across North Central Florida will soon have more reasons to tune in, as WRUF Radio brings local programming back to weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., starting today. The revamped lineup features the return of longtime voice Steve Russell, new local shows, and the continued role of WRUF as the flagship station for Florida Gators athletics and NFL coverage.
“WRUF has been a part of the University of Florida since 1928, serving the Gator Nation and providing UF students with incredible professional experiences in the broadcast industry,” said Randy Wright, executive director of Media Properties at the UF College of Journalism and Communications. “We’re excited to open this new chapter in WRUF’s history with a brand-new lineup of live, locally produced sports programming.”
The new weekday schedule begins with nationally syndicated programs, including Unsportsmanlike from ESPN Radio from 6-9 a.m. and The Dan Patrick Show on FOX Sports Radio from 9 a.m. to noon. Local programming picks up at noon with SportScene with Steve Russell, followed by Sports Lab with Kevin Winter from 2-4 p.m., featuring a rotation of students enrolled in UF’s Sports Lab class.
The afternoon concludes with The Tailgate with Jeff Cardozo and Pat Dooley from 4-6 p.m.
“We’re also proud to welcome former ESPN national talent Kevin Winter to the airwaves, where he’ll be joined by top UF CJC students from 2-4 p.m,” said Wright. “Listeners can look forward to even more Gator-focused content from the only radio station that has always been home to the Florida Gators.”
Winter joined WRUF in July after spending 21 years with ESPN in several roles with the radio network. He first joined ESPN in 2004 as an ESPN Radio SportsCenter anchor and served as a studio host for MLB, NBA, NFL, college football, and college basketball. Additionally, he called college football play-by-play for ESPN Radio.
In addition, WRUF will adjust the broadcast time of Southern Sports Today with Chuck Oliver, airing 6-8 p.m. The station also maintains weekly highlights, including Coach Billy Napier’s press conference Mondays at 11:30 a.m., Inside the Huddle airing Tuesdays at noon featuring Russell alongside Coach Steve Spurrier and former Gator QB Shane Matthews. This Week in Gator Sports airs Thursdays from 2-3 p.m., and a new edition of Gator Talk with Head Coach Napier and Sean Kelley debuts Thursday evenings beginning Aug. 21.
WRUF continues its commitment to comprehensive coverage of Florida Gators athletics, including football, men’s basketball, baseball, women’s volleyball, soccer, basketball, and men’s soccer and lacrosse. In addition to collegiate sports, the station broadcasts Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and NFL coverage, including Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, select Sunday matchups, and college football beginning Aug. 23.
The expanded lineup reflects WRUF’s dual mission of delivering local sports content and offering professional learning opportunities for UF students.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
