Brett McMurphy: The Story of a Respected College Football Insider
In the world of college football journalism, very few names carry as much weight and credibility as Brett McMurphy. Known for his investigative reporting, accurate scoops, and bold storytelling, McMurphy has built a career that spans over three decades. From his early years covering high school sports in Texas to becoming a nationally recognized College Football Insider at On3, his journey reflects passion, persistence, and professional excellence.
This article dives deep into Brett McMurphy’s career path, his transition across leading media organizations, his reputation in bowl projections, and the qualities that make him one of the most trusted voices in American college football.
Early Career and Education
Journalism Foundation at Oklahoma State University
Brett McMurphy’s career began with a strong academic foundation. He studied Journalism at Oklahoma State University from 1980 to 1985, sharpening his writing, communication, and research skills. This education not only gave him the technical ability to succeed in a competitive field but also instilled in him the discipline needed to thrive as a reporter.
Starting in Texas
His professional journey began at the Odessa American (1985–1987), where he provided coverage of high school sports, including the legendary Odessa Permian High School football program. This role helped him build experience in reporting, interviewing, and storytelling while also familiarizing him with the competitive landscape of Texas high school football.
The Tampa Tribune: Two Decades of Excellence
After his early work in Texas, Brett McMurphy moved to the Tampa Tribune, where he worked as a senior writer from 1987 to 2009. For more than 22 years, he delivered award-winning coverage, blending creativity with investigative reporting. His work at the Tribune earned him national recognition and multiple awards, including nominations for prestigious prizes in sports journalism.
During this period, McMurphy became known for his ability to digest complex stories and translate them into clear, engaging narratives. His investigative pieces, in particular, stood out for their depth and accuracy.
Transition to National Platforms
AOL FanHouse
In 2009, McMurphy joined AOL FanHouse as a national college football and basketball writer. Here, he demonstrated his versatility, covering multiple sports at a national level. Though his time at FanHouse lasted less than two years, it solidified his reputation as a reliable voice in national sports reporting.
Freelance Work with Major Outlets
By 2011, McMurphy had built such a strong reputation that he freelanced for some of the largest news organizations in the country, including The New York Times, ESPN.com, CBSSports.com, CNNSI.com, MSNBC.com, and Sporting News. His ability to deliver high-quality reporting on tight deadlines made him a sought-after journalist in the sports media industry.
CBSSports.com and ESPN: National Recognition
CBSSports.com
In 2011, McMurphy joined CBSSports.com as a national college football writer and columnist. His reporting during this period focused heavily on conference realignment and NCAA policy changes, giving him a platform to show his investigative skills on a national stage.
ESPN
From 2012 to 2017, Brett McMurphy served as a College Football Insider at ESPN. This role gave him one of the largest platforms in sports media. He broke numerous stories involving coaching changes, bowl selections, and NCAA investigations.
His work at ESPN was both respected and controversial. In 2018, even after his departure, he made headlines for his independent reporting on the Ohio State coaching scandal involving Urban Meyer and Zach Smith. This story highlighted his commitment to truth and accuracy, even when reporting outside traditional media channels.
Stadium: Expanding into Multimedia
After ESPN, McMurphy joined Stadium (2018–2021) as a college football insider. This role expanded his presence into digital video and multimedia platforms, where he provided on-camera analysis, podcasts, and live reporting. By moving into a multimedia-driven environment, McMurphy proved that his adaptability extended beyond print and online journalism.
The Action Network: Betting Meets Journalism
From August 2021 to June 2025, Brett McMurphy worked at The Action Network, a part of Better Collective. Here, he combined traditional college football reporting with insights into the growing sports betting industry.
Brett McMurphy Bowl Projections
One of the areas where he became especially influential was in bowl projections. Each season, fans and analysts waited for McMurphy’s detailed breakdowns of how the postseason landscape might look. His projections often gained attention because of their accuracy and his deep understanding of bowl tie-ins, conference politics, and playoff scenarios.
Whether predicting the College Football Playoff matchups or highlighting lesser-known bowl games, McMurphy’s projections carried weight among fans, media, and even athletic departments. His reputation for accuracy over hype made his work at the Action Network essential reading every season.
On3: A New Era as College Football Insider
In June 2025, Brett McMurphy joined On3 as a Senior College Football Insider. On3, a rapidly growing sports media company, gave him the platform to expand his coverage into recruiting, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, and conference realignment news.
At On3, McMurphy continues to produce breaking news reports, in-depth analysis, podcasts, and bowl projections. His move reflects both his staying power in the industry and the demand for his brand of reporting — a mix of hard facts, accurate predictions, and investigative depth.
Style and Specialties
Investigative Journalism
Brett McMurphy is not just a reporter; he is an investigative journalist. His Pulitzer-nominated stories prove his ability to handle sensitive, high-stakes reporting with professionalism and precision.
Communication Skills
His career highlights his strong communication skills, both in writing and on camera. From in-depth articles to TV interviews and podcasts, McMurphy adapts his message for every medium.
Analytical Approach
His approach to college football is rooted in analysis and context, not just quick takes. This is why his bowl projections are respected—they reflect careful research rather than speculation.
Career Timeline Overview
- 1985–1987: Odessa American – Sports Writer
- 1987–2009: The Tampa Tribune – Senior Writer
- 2009–2011: AOL FanHouse – National College Football & Basketball Writer
- 2011: Freelance Work – The New York Times, ESPN, CBSSports.com, etc.
- 2011–2012: CBSSports.com – National College Football Writer
- 2012–2017: ESPN – College Football Insider
- 2018–2021: Stadium – College Football Reporter
- 2021–2025: The Action Network – College Football Insider
- 2025–Present: On3 – Senior College Football Insider
Conclusion
Brett McMurphy stands as a model of consistency, accuracy, and credibility in sports journalism. From his humble beginnings in West Texas to the national spotlight with ESPN, Action Network, and now On3, McMurphy has never wavered in his commitment to reporting the truth.
His influence on college football bowl projections, investigative stories, and insider reporting makes him one of the most trusted names in the industry. For fans, coaches, and fellow journalists, McMurphy’s work represents the gold standard of college football coverage.
As he continues his journey with On3, Brett McMurphy remains not just a journalist but a storyteller who has shaped the way millions of fans experience college football.
