We don’t usually give in to conspiracy theories; It’s generally not a profitable way of predicting business, technology trends, or even who might win the next College Football National Championship. But it simply can’t be a coincidence that, just as Taylor Swift preps her 12th album for release, the college football season will be concluding with 12 teams in the playoffs. Swifities? No? Maybe we’re just seeing orange.
When the 2025 college football season kicks off on August 23, CMSI will once again be supporting ESPN’s coverage with the same dedication and expertise we’ve brought to the sport for more than 15 years. From the earliest days of ABC Sports to the modern ESPN era, CMSI has been an integral part of bringing the sights, sounds, and excitement of college football into homes across the country.
College football is unlike anything else in sports. Packed stadiums buzzing with tradition, the intense rivalries that define each fall weekend, the push notifications from FanDuel that we all pretend to ignore… The energy is unmatched, and the technical demands are just as high. That’s where CMSI thrives. Our team delivers proven file-based workflows, lightning-fast remote postproduction, and technical support that ensures ESPN can tell every story, every play, and every unforgettable moment.
CMSI’s Role in the Expanded College Football Playoff
Earlier this year, CMSI played a pivotal role in producing the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff, marking one of the most significant changes in the sport’s history. That expanded format, introduced in the 2024–2025 season, required scalable solutions that could meet heightened coverage needs while maintaining the production excellence ESPN is known for. CMSI delivered on that challenge, and we’re bringing that same spirit of innovation to the new season ahead.
“College football has been a part of our DNA for over a decade,” says Noah Gusdorff, President at CMSI. “There’s nothing quite like kickoff on a Saturday afternoon, and our team is honored to help ESPN capture the magic every week. We can’t wait to get started.”
With a new season comes new challenges and new opportunities to move the ball down the field, figuratively speaking. As the first five games begin on August 23, CMSI will be there to support coverage. Our team will deliver broadcasts that capture the passion and pageantry of college football.
Remembering Chad Hanna
This season, we honor Chad Hanna, a legendary EVS operator who recently lost his battle with cancer. Chad was a cornerstone of ESPN’s College GameDay for more than 30 years. He became the longest-serving production-side crew member. During that time, he earned 12 Emmy Awards for his outstanding work. His career spanned nearly every corner of sports broadcasting. He contributed to College GameDay: Football and Basketball, The Masters, and The Olympics. He also worked on Wimbledon, the PGA Tour, and countless championship events. Chad’s technical skill and creativity helped shape iconic sports moments.
His calm presence influenced broadcasts for more than three decades. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chad was beloved for his humor, generosity, and ability to connect with everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and friendship. That legacy will be deeply missed by everyone who worked with him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many colleagues who considered him a mentor and dear friend.
