ESPN’s first-quarter audio problems during Texas’ 20-17 win over Tennessee were likely unrelated to President Donald Trump’s appearance, Front Office Sports reported, citing ESPN sources. The teams had worked with the Secret Service to clear radio frequencies.
ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit’s audio remained troubled in the first quarter, then normalized as the game continued. The teams had no notable complaints about their headset communications. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge said the teams expected coach-to-coach radio to work, but had signaling plans in case coach-to-player communication failed.
Before the game, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said a president’s movement inside a stadium can disrupt communications, citing his experience as Alabama’s offensive coordinator at the 2019 game against LSU. He also said Miami coach Mario Cristobal told him communications went out during the Hurricanes’ final drive in the previous year’s national championship game.
