Northwestern University Athletics Names Jake Saunders as Radio Sideline Reporter

Strategic Insights -

Jake Saunders, a former Northwestern University defensive lineman from 2016-2020, will take on the role of radio sideline reporter for the 2025 season. Saunders will join play-by-play announcer Dave Eanet, who is entering his 36th year, and analyst Ted Albrecht, who is in his 32nd year. Saunders will be responsible for providing live commentary during Northwestern's football games.

As a former player, Saunders understands the ebbs and flows of the game and will be able to pick up on what's happening on the sideline. He's also excited to learn from the players and coaches about how the game has evolved and developed. Saunders has a journalism background, having graduated from Medill with a degree in journalism. He completed a journalism residency at the Big Ten Network and has been interested in finding a way to stay involved with Northwestern and broadcasting.

Saunders is looking forward to being back on the sidelines at his alma mater, this time as a reporter instead of a player. He's excited to work with Eanet and Albrecht, who are both pros in the industry. Saunders has high praise for Northwestern's football program, citing its special kind of recruits and incredible coaching that keeps talent and builds long-lasting relationships. He's also looking forward to working in the new Ryan Field, which is set to open in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jake Saunders, former Northwestern University defensive lineman from 2016-2020, will be the radio sideline reporter for the 2025 season.
  • Saunders has a journalism background, having graduated from Medill with a degree in journalism and completing a journalism residency at the Big Ten Network.
  • As a former player, Saunders understands the ebbs and flows of the game and will be able to pick up on what's happening on the sideline.
  • Saunders is excited to be back on the sidelines at his alma mater, this time as a reporter instead of a player.
  • He's looking forward to working with play-by-play announcer Dave Eanet and analyst Ted Albrecht, who are both pros in the industry.
  • Saunders has high praise for Northwestern's football program, citing its special kind of recruits and incredible coaching that keeps talent and builds long-lasting relationships.
  • The program has had four trips to bowl games and two trips to the Big Ten Championship game during Saunders' playing days.
  • Saunders is also excited about working in the new Ryan Field, which is set to open in 2026.

Statistics:

  • 29: The number of career tackles Saunders tallied during his playing days.
  • 7.0: The number of tackles for loss Saunders had during his playing days.
  • 2: The number of sacks Saunders had during his playing days.
  • 14: The number of tackles Saunders registered in 2020, his final season with the program.
  • 5.0: The number of tackles for loss Saunders had in 2020.
  • 36: The number of years Dave Eanet has been calling Northwestern games.
  • 32: The number of years Ted Albrecht has been analyzing Northwestern games.

Sources:

  • "Northwestern University Athletics Names Jake Saunders as Radio Sideline Reporter" (official release from Northwestern University Athletics)