Machine Gun Kelly's New Song to Serve as ESPN's College Football Anthem for 2025-2026 Season

What's Happening?

Machine Gun Kelly, now known as MGK, has announced that his new song 'Don’t Wait Run Fast' will be the official anthem for ESPN's college football coverage for the 2025-2026 season. This announcement was made during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, with ESPN confirming the details to Billboard. The song is part of MGK's upcoming album, 'Lost Americana,' set to release on August 8. This marks the 12th season that ESPN has collaborated with an artist for its college football soundtrack, with previous collaborations including artists like Jelly Roll, Post Malone, and Juice WRLD. ESPN has also released a cinematic trailer featuring MGK and his song, showcasing highlights from the 2024 college football season, which concluded with Ohio State winning the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Why It's Important?

The collaboration between ESPN and MGK underscores the longstanding relationship between music and college football, enhancing the excitement and emotional connection fans have with the sport. By selecting a high-energy song like 'Don’t Wait Run Fast,' ESPN aims to capture the raw emotion and spirit of college football, potentially increasing viewer engagement and anticipation for the upcoming season. This partnership also highlights the influence of music in sports marketing, as it can significantly impact the atmosphere and fan experience during broadcasts. For MGK, this collaboration provides a platform to reach a broader audience, potentially boosting his album sales and expanding his fan base.

What's Next?

The college football season is set to kick off on August 23 across ESPN's platforms and ABC, with MGK's anthem playing a central role in the network's coverage. Fans can expect to see the song featured prominently in promotional materials and during game broadcasts, further integrating MGK's music into the college football experience. As the season progresses, ESPN may release additional content featuring MGK and his song, maintaining viewer interest and engagement throughout the season.