Jalen Rose is taking his talents back to the Big Ten, stepping into a new role as a studio analyst for NBC’s “Big Ten College Countdown” airing on the Peacock streaming service. Rose, a prominent figure from his time as a member of the iconic “Fab Five” team at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s, will be making his debut this Friday, as confirmed by the NY Post.
Rose’s return to college basketball comes after a storied career as an NBA analyst for ESPN, where he became a well-known and respected voice in sports broadcasting. Rose was part of a surprising round of layoffs last year, which saw several high-profile personalities leave ESPN, including Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Todd McShay, Max Kellerman, Steve Young, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber, and Matt Hasselbeck.
Despite the abrupt end to his time at ESPN, Rose’s passion for the game and his expertise have found a new home with NBC.
In addition to his role as an NBA analyst, Rose also previously hosted a podcast for The New York Post, where he discussed various topics related to sports, culture, and current events, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal as a commentator.
Rose’s first day at NBC will coincide with a major college basketball event, as Peacock will broadcast a men’s basketball quadruple-header.
The slate of games includes several exciting matchups, such as No. 2 Alabama hosting No. 13 Purdue and No. 9 Arizona facing off against Wisconsin on the road. These high-profile games will give Rose an opportunity to provide in-depth analysis and commentary for fans eager to see his return to the college basketball scene.
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Joining Rose in the studio will be former Notre Dame forward Jordan Cornette and former Georgia Tech and Memphis head coach Josh Pastner. Together, they will bring a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to “Big Ten College Countdown,” offering fans a unique perspective on the games and teams competing in one of the nation’s most storied conferences.
NBC Sports has made a significant commitment to college basketball this year, with plans to air 150 games across the Big Ten, Big East, and Atlantic 10 conferences. Of those 150 games, 120 will be available exclusively through Peacock’s streaming service, emphasizing NBC’s push into the digital streaming space and its effort to provide comprehensive coverage of college basketball.
In addition to Rose’s new role, The Post previously reported that rising play-by-play announcer John Fanta will also be calling games for NBC and Peacock this season. Fanta, who has become known for his energetic and insightful play-by-play commentary, will continue to call games for Fox Sports as well, balancing his duties between the two networks.
NBC is also preparing for its re-entry into NBA broadcasting, set to begin next season. NBC, which lost NBA television rights in 2003, is now gearing up for a renewed partnership with the league. This will mark a significant milestone for the network, as it returns to the professional basketball landscape.
Veteran broadcaster Mike Tirico and the talented Noah Eagle are expected to serve as the top two NBA play-by-play announcers for NBC, while the network will also be adding color commentators, a studio show, and production staff to complete its broadcast team.
Jalen Rose’s new role with NBC and Peacock marks an exciting chapter in his career, allowing him to reconnect with the college basketball community that first propelled him into the spotlight.
Fans of Rose will be eager to see his familiar face and hear his expert analysis as he brings his passion for the game back to the Big Ten, all while NBC Sports makes significant moves to expand its college basketball and NBA coverage.
