Rece Davis, best known as the longtime host of ESPN’s College GameDay, will take on a new role as the host for ESPN's Wimbledon coverage starting June 29 through July 12, 2026. He will work alongside former tennis star Andy Roddick, providing comprehensive “first ball to last ball” coverage including onsite hosting and the “Breakfast at Wimbledon” segment. Davis steps in for Chris McKendry, who will transition to a play-by-play role as part of ESPN’s broad tennis announcing team revamp earlier this year.

Davis expressed enthusiasm for this opportunity, acknowledging that while tennis is not his primary sport, he is confident his broadcasting skills will complement the expertise of the analysts and enhance the dynamic nature of the coverage. To prepare for the role, Davis has immersed himself in tennis knowledge over the past year—studying the sport and leaning on experts, including a colleague who played collegiate tennis, to help him acclimate. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and letting other personalities shine, a skill honed from his extensive experience on GameDay.

The interview also touched on Davis’s perspective of college football and the impact of new personalities on GameDay. He praised Pat McAfee and Nick Saban for bringing fresh energy and insightful commentary to the show, maintaining its popularity with fans. Davis underscored the importance of preserving college football’s traditions, particularly cautioning against a 24-team playoff system, which he believes could dilute the significance of regular-season games and the homefield atmosphere.

Lastly, Davis shared his admiration for the largest college football turnarounds and praised the sport’s popularity, ranking it second only to the NFL in the United States. He reflected on the significance of his work in college football, stating that he strives each week to convey the unique excitement and tradition of the sport. Despite his new duties in tennis, Davis’s passion for college football remains at the core of his broadcasting identity.