From Calling Games for Free to Calling SEC Football | Matt Schumacker

Matt Schumacker spent years envisioning himself calling college football in front of 80,000 fans.Now he gets to do it for real.The new lead play-by-play voice for SEC Network football joins The Preferred Walk-On Show to tell the story behind an 11-year climb through sports broadcasting, from calling minor league baseball for free and driving hours for $200 assignments to nearly leaving the profession altogether during COVID.Matt discusses the moments he wondered whether the opportunity would ever come, the role his wife and faith played in keeping him going, and why he became a believer in visualizing the life and career he wanted before they became reality.We also go behind the scenes of a major college football broadcast: the preparation fans never see, communicating with producers during live television, developing chemistry with Aaron Murray and Taylor Davis, and the responsibility that comes with telling the story of SEC football every Saturday.Plus, Matt shares what he learned participating in a mock College Football Playoff selection committee, his bucket-list college sports venues, his background as a college track athlete and, because this is college football, the best places to eat barbecue and best college-town fare.⏰ CHAPTERS:00:00 — Matt Schumacker joins the show 01:18 — St. Louis food, toasted ravioli & SEC food spots 05:28 — Matt's ultimate barbecue destination 08:28 — From college track athlete to broadcaster 10:33 — How fast is a 3:42 mile? 13:57 — The long road through sports broadcasting 14:44 — “When are you going to get a real job?” 15:39 — Calling games for free & driving eight hours for $200 16:00 — COVID, real estate & nearly leaving broadcasting 17:21 — Faith, family & believing before anyone else does 19:20 — Visualizing himself calling SEC football 20:32 — Getting the call from ESPN 22:18 — What fans don’t see during a live broadcast 24:22 — How broadcasters prepare for a game 25:18 — Working with Aaron Murray & Taylor Davis 28:08 — Inside the College Football Playoff selection room 31:37 — Three must-visit venues in college sports 37:07 — Matt’s advice to his younger selfIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Preferred Walk-On Show. New episodes every week.The Preferred Walk-On is the people's college football show. Hosted by Seth Saunders, with James Kehm joining as featured co-host, the show covers college football's full Division I landscape: every Power Four conference, every Group of Six matchup, and every corner of the FCS. Walk-On grit. All-American tape.Apple Podcasts & Spotify — search "The Preferred Walk-On Show" Instagram — @preferredwalk_on TikTok — @preferredwalkon Facebook — facebook.com/PreferredWalkOn X / Twitter — @PreferredWOWant to reach The Scout Team? Sponsorship packages available:Walk-OnPartial ScholarshipFull Ride Inquiries: seth@preferredwalkonshow.comWalk-On grit. All-American film.