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 show01:18 — St. Louis food, toasted ravioli & SEC food spots05:28 — Matt's ultimate barbecue destination08:28 — From college track athlete to broadcaster10:33 — How fast is a 3:42 mile?13:57 — The long road through sports broadcasting14:44 — “When are you going to get a real job?”15:39 — Calling games for free & driving eight hours for $20016:00 — COVID, real estate & nearly leaving broadcasting17:21 — Faith, family & believing before anyone else does19:20 — Visualizing himself calling SEC football20:32 — Getting the call from ESPN22:18 — What fans don’t see during a live broadcast24:22 — How broadcasters prepare for a game25:18 — Working with Aaron Murray & Taylor Davis28:08 — Inside the College Football Playoff selection room31:37 — Three must-visit venues in college sports37:07 — 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_onTikTok — @preferredwalkonFacebook — facebook.com/PreferredWalkOnX / Twitter — @PreferredWOWant to reach The Scout Team? Sponsorship packages available:Walk-OnPartial ScholarshipFull RideInquiries: seth@preferredwalkonshow.comWalk-On grit. All-American film.