Barstool Sports is embarking on a new direction for its college football content with the launch of a new program. The long-standing podcast, 'Unnecessary Roughness,' has officially wrapped up, paving the way for a revamped show. This strategic shift will see one of its hosts head a new solo venture, while the other will expand her contributions across Barstool's other football-related initiatives and a significant partnership with Fox Sports. The change aims to evolve their coverage and engage their audience with fresh formats and expanded roles for their key personalities.
This transition follows a decision by the co-hosts to conclude 'Unnecessary Roughness' on a high note, rather than letting its popularity wane. The move allows both individuals to pursue new opportunities that align with their evolving career paths and the broader strategic vision of Barstool Sports and its collaborations. The new structure promises to deliver comprehensive college football analysis and entertainment through different platforms, reflecting the dynamic landscape of sports media.
Brandon Walker Launches Solo College Football Show
Brandon Walker, a familiar voice to Barstool Sports’ audience, is set to debut his new program, 'The Brandon Walker College Football Show,' on August 3rd. This solo venture will take over the existing YouTube channel and social media presence previously used by 'Unnecessary Roughness.' The show is planned to run four days a week, from Monday to Thursday, initially. Once the college football season commences, the schedule will adjust to three episodes per week, ensuring consistent content for fans throughout the season. The format will incorporate a variety of interactive elements, including guest appearances, direct listener phone calls, and recorded voicemails, aiming to foster a strong community engagement. Liam Blutman, a contributor to the previous show, is expected to maintain a role in this new production, ensuring some continuity in the team.
Walker’s decision to move to a solo format was clarified during the final episode of 'Unnecessary Roughness.' He emphasized that the transition was not motivated by any issues with his former co-host, Kaycee Smith, but rather a strategic decision for program evolution. Walker expressed his respect and affection for Smith, highlighting that the change was a mutual agreement to explore new avenues and expand their individual contributions to Barstool Sports. This new show represents a significant step for Walker in establishing his distinct brand within college football commentary, allowing him to delve deeper into topics and engage with the audience in a more personalized manner.
Kaycee Smith Expands Role in Barstool and Fox Sports Initiatives
Following the conclusion of 'Unnecessary Roughness,' Kaycee Smith will be dedicating her efforts to other prominent football properties within Barstool Sports and its collaborative network. Her responsibilities will include continued involvement with the 'Barstool College Football Show,' where she co-hosts alongside notable figures like Brandon Walker, Dave Portnoy, and Dan “Big Cat” Katz. This show has notably integrated with Fox’s 'Big Noon Kickoff' as a recurring segment since Barstool’s extensive partnership with the network began last summer, signifying a significant expansion of its reach and influence. Smith’s role in these high-profile productions underscores her value and expertise in college football commentary.
Furthermore, Smith revealed plans to significantly increase her time in Tampa, working with Jon Gruden during the upcoming season. This new commitment is part of an already growing workload resulting from Barstool’s deal with Fox Sports. While a more detailed announcement regarding this specific endeavor is anticipated, it suggests a deeper dive into content creation and analysis, potentially involving exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes coverage. Smith highlighted the mutual decision to end 'Unnecessary Roughness' on their own terms, emphasizing a desire to conclude while the show was still successful and respected, rather than letting it decline. This strategic move allows her to explore new and expanded opportunities that align with her career growth and the evolving media landscape.
