USA Sports has named Ryan Leaf as its lead game analyst for Pac-12 Conference football on USA Network. The assignment marks the network’s inaugural season of conference coverage, launching this September.
What We Know: Leaf brings deep Pac-12 roots to the role. He was a standout quarterback at Washington State, leading the Cougars to a Rose Bowl appearance in 1997. He was drafted second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. On the media side, he co-hosts The Opening Drive on SiriusXM NFL Radio, calls games for Westwood One Sports, and has worked as a college football analyst for The CW, ESPN, and the Pac-12 Network. In addition, he will also call select Pac-12 basketball games on USA Network.
What They Said: Ryan Leaf: “I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead USA Sports’ inaugural season of Pac-12 coverage. USA Sports has made a big investment in myself and in the Pac-12. They want to be the authentic home for the conference with the biggest games week-in and week-out. I have witnessed Commissioner Gould’s leadership first-hand over the past two years. I’m excited to help showcase the bold, new era of the Pac-12 to a national audience on USA Network starting this September.”
Jeff Behnke, EVP of Sports Production at USA Sports: “We’re incredibly excited to have Ryan join the USA Sports team in our first season of Pac-12 coverage on USA Network. Ryan’s extraordinary career at Washington State, paired with his intimate knowledge and passion for the conference, will offer viewers one-of-a-kind insight and elevate our team’s coverage across the board.”
What Remains Unclear: Leaf’s full broadcast team is currently uknown. Additionally, details on his role beyond football — specifically the scope of his basketball assignments — remain limited.
What It Means: Ryan Leaf is a perfect hire for this role. With his deep knowledge of the conference and experience playing at the highest level. Moreover, this will give USA Sports an immediate boost in interest. The five-year deal between USA Sports and the Pac-12 signals a long-term commitment. For Leaf, it’s a high-profile platform to anchor his continually growing broadcast career.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
