As college football season approaches, Saturdays in the fall become a vibrant tapestry of pageantry, excitement, and tradition across the United States. The Big Noon Kickoff program on Fox Sports, now entering its eighth year, has become a staple for fans, serving as the pregame show that enhances the college football experience. At the helm of this successful endeavor is Rob Stone, who has been instrumental in shaping the show since its launch.
Reflecting on the program's journey, Stone remarked, "In terms of television time, we’re still sort of an infant. We haven’t been a long time, but have witnessed an amazing early run." He noted that the past couple of years have seen significant growth, allowing the show to mature and evolve, which he views as a testament to its success.
Last season marked a milestone for Big Noon Kickoff, achieving record viewership with an average of 1.8 million viewers per episode, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. This surge in popularity can be attributed in part to the inclusion of personalities from Barstool Sports, led by Dave Portnoy, which added new dimensions to the show's content and digital outreach.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Stone is eager to build on the momentum generated last year. He emphasized a willingness to embrace change and innovation, stating, "Something that will be new this year will be our openness to accepting newness." This includes exploring new locations and expanding the show's reach, which has become increasingly important in the competitive landscape of sports broadcasting.
One of the most exciting developments for Big Noon Kickoff is its inaugural international broadcast, set to take place during Week 3 of the college football season. The show will air live from Wembley Stadium, where Kansas will face Arizona State. This event was announced during Fox Sports' coverage of the FIFA World Cup, a tournament that Stone also hosted, highlighting the interconnectedness of college football and international sports.
Stone expressed his enthusiasm about taking college football to a global audience, noting, "It’s now our responsibility to take college football to their shores and introduce to them the passion and energy of college football." He believes that college football shares a unique bond with international soccer, making this venture a natural progression for the program.
While other networks are expanding their pregame programming, Fox Sports has decided to maintain the 10 a.m. Eastern start time for Big Noon Kickoff. Stone believes that this two-hour format is optimal for delivering engaging content without overstretching the show's narrative. He stated, "Two hours is the sweet spot for us," indicating a preference for quality over quantity in programming.
The upcoming season will also see a continuation of the partnership with Barstool Sports, which has proven successful in its first year. Stone credited the Barstool team for their adaptability and the fresh energy they bring to the show, enhancing the overall production and audience engagement.
As Stone prepares for another season of Big Noon Kickoff, he remains focused on fostering a collaborative environment among the show's talent. He believes that building trust and chemistry with co-hosts is crucial for the show's success. "Building equity with anyone as soon as I can is vital," he explained, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in creating compelling television.
Stone's adaptability and professionalism have also been evident in his role during the FIFA World Cup, which set viewership records in the United States. He recalled a particularly memorable moment while broadcasting in Seattle, where the energy of the crowd left a lasting impression on him. This experience underscored the growing interest in soccer in the U.S. and the potential for crossover with college football.
Looking to the future, Stone is optimistic about Fox Sports' involvement in the College Football Playoff, advocating for a more inclusive broadcasting approach. He believes that having multiple networks involved in the playoff would benefit the sport as a whole, enhancing its visibility and reach.
As the new college football season approaches, Big Noon Kickoff stands poised for continued growth and evolution under Rob Stone's leadership. With a commitment to innovation and an eye on expanding its audience, the program is set to remain a vital part of the college football experience, welcoming fans to the excitement of Saturday mornings.
Leave a Comment