Ahmed Fareed has been named NBC Sports’ new host of Big Ten College Countdown, its weekly Saturday night primetime college football studio show that begins in August. Following the football season, he will also anchor NBC Sports’ Monday night NBA coverage, presented exclusively on Peacock.
An extremely versatile host, Fareed has already worked on many of NBC Sports’ biggest events and across numerous sports and properties, including the Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, PyeongChang, and Rio Olympics; the Paris and Beijing Paralympics; Premier League; Major League Baseball; college football and basketball; horse racing, and more.
“College football under the lights is sacred, and we’ve got the crew to match its energy. Plus, helping shape our NBA coverage in its return to NBC Sports? I can’t wait to start,” Fareed said. “I’m thankful to be trusted with these roles. I’m even more motivated by the responsibility that comes with them.”
In May, Fareed hosted the majority of the 151st Kentucky Derby in place of Mike Tirico, who left following an allergic reaction. His performance was critically acclaimed, with The Athletic writing, “Fareed seamlessly handled the host role and found easy chemistry with hosts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss. Excellent work.”
“Ahmed has repeatedly demonstrated his passion for storytelling, love of college football, and ability to meet the big moments,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports. “He’s a wonderful teammate who makes every event he touches feel bigger and forms an instant connection with his analysts. Ahmed’s leadership and presence will continue to be a tremendous asset to our coverage of these premier properties.”
Fareed, who worked as the in-stadium host and occasional studio host on NBC Sports’ first two season of Big Ten football coverage, replaces Maria Taylor as the host of Big Ten College Countdown as she pivots to a new NBA role.
Peacock will present exclusive national Monday night NBA games starting this fall as part of NBCUniversal’s new media rights agreement with the NBA. Additionally, NBC and Peacock will present doubleheaders on Tuesday nights beginning in October. After Sunday Night Football coverage concludes in January 2026, NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock, debuting on February 1. As previously announced, Taylor will host Sunday and Tuesday nights.
Fareed has prior experience working on the NBA, serving as a host on NBC Sports Bay Area’s coverage of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings from 2013-2018. During his tenure with Bay Area, he covered three Warriors NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018) and five postseason appearances.
Fareed won a Sports Emmy® as part of NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which was honored as Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event.
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