Scott Van Pelt, a distinguished host at ESPN, has become synonymous with the college football season. His weekly segment, “Winners,” airs every Thursday night on SportsCenter. This segment has captivated fans by allowing Van Pelt to share his predictions on five to seven college football games each week during the season.
Scott Van Pelt’s Bold Decision
Recently, Van Pelt almost made a significant change to the “Winners” tradition. He considered altering his format to focus on a single game worth six points instead of his usual picks. This proposed change sparked excitement and debate among his colleagues, including longtime collaborator Stanford Steve.
Reaction from ESPN Insiders
In a recent podcast, Stanford Steve recalled his reaction to the potential change. He was watching the segment with Rece Davis and expressed enthusiasm for the idea. He mentioned that the change would have been unprecedented in the history of the segment. Despite the buzz, Van Pelt ultimately decided to adhere to his established approach, finishing the week with a commendable 5-1 record.
Importance of Integrity in Predictions
Van Pelt’s commitment to accountability is what makes his “Winners” segment a fan favorite. He meticulously tracks his predictions and openly acknowledges losses, reinforcing the segment’s credibility. This dedication has allowed the segment to thrive for over a decade.
Unrevealed Mega-Pick
Although he did not disclose which game he considered for the six-point mega-pick, speculation continues among fans. Van Pelt’s Week 11 predictions included:
- Missouri +6.5 vs. Texas A&M
- Penn State +14.5 vs. Indiana
- Iowa +6.5 vs. Oregon
- Wake Forest +6.5 vs. Virginia
- Colorado State +4.5 vs. UNLV
Van Pelt also highlighted a bonus winner on Texas Tech, solidifying a strong performance for the week.
Potential Shift to Primetime
As Van Pelt continues to deliver engaging content, there are discussions about moving him to an earlier time slot. ESPN is contemplating adjustments to maximize viewership during the 5 p.m. hour, a coveted time frame between “NFL Live” and “Pardon the Interruption.”
Future at ESPN
Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, confirmed that Van Pelt is being considered for this new time slot. He expressed a personal interest in the decision, reflecting on Van Pelt’s prior partnership with Ryen Russillo. The anticipated shift could reshape the network’s programming strategy and further elevate Van Pelt’s prominence at ESPN.
