The news that Scott Van Pelt will be hosting a new special midnight edition of SportsCenter is interesting enough in its own right, but it also leads to another substantial story; who’s going to take his place on ESPN Radio? Along with co-host Ryen Russilo, Van Pelt has developed SVP and Russilo into one of ESPN’s top radio properties, and he’s going to be leaving a big void there. Fortunately, there are plenty of candidates to fill it. Here’s a look at some of ESPN’s potential options for the show.

Russilo on his own:  Russilo’s been doing the show with Van Pelt for the last five years, and he has substantial ESPN Radio experience from before that period too. Letting him fly solo, even if just for a test period, might provide the most continuity for the show’s enthusiastic fanbase, and it sounds like Van Pelt is encouraging that option. Of course, there are some issues with this as well. For one, Russilo’s contract is expiring this year. For another, single-host radio can carry its own challenges, especially in a big and prominent timeslot that’s been key for ESPN over the years. Beyond that, Van Pelt is such a popular sports figure and such a key part of that show that replacing him with no one may feel like a downgrade. That’s why it may make sense to bring in another host to work with Russilo. Alternatively, if ESPN feels they can’t retain him, they may decide to go with two new figures. For either option, there are plenty of candidates they could tap. Here are a few.

Adnan Virk: As noted when he was mentioned on our top Canadians in U.S. sports media list (he clocked in at #6, for the record), Virk has done almost everything since joining ESPNews in 2010, and he’s done it all very well. He’s proven to be a terrific radio presence, especially as a guest host of Mike and Mike, but he’s also shone on TV, in everything from SportsCenter to Olbermann to Baseball Tonight. Virk has seemed like a star on the rise for some time, and this might be a perfect spot for ESPN to boost his star further.

Robert Flores: Similarly to Virk, Flores has been making waves with his effective hosting of SportsCenter and the personality he lets shine both there and on Twitter. This midday radio slot seems like a good venue to promote a SportsCenter anchor, as that certainly worked for Van Pelt, and Flores would certainly be an intriguing candidate there. And hey, his shirts are made for radio

John Buccigross: Buccigross has also made his SportsCenter appearances memorable, and his mix of extensive cross-sports knowledge and a calm, analytical style might be the closest replacement to Van Pelt. He’s also proven he can find unconventional ways to connect with and engage with fans, as the incredible popularity of his #bucciovertimechallenge shows.

Bomani Jones: Jones is another star on the rise at ESPN, from his appearances on Dan LeBatard’s show to his recent gig hosting a late-evening ESPN Radio show. He brings a thoughtful and unique take on sports and the larger issues that surround it, and he’s very good at creating entertaining and informative radio.

There’s a wide bullpen of talent that ESPN could go to here, though, including everyone from other SportsCenter anchors to other ESPN Radio types like Jorge Sedano and Freddie Coleman to the WWL’s massive stable of writers. They certainly won’t be short on options. Replacing Van Pelt isn’t going to be easy, though, and it will be interesting to see both the direction they take and how it’s received by their listeners.

About Andrew Bucholtz

Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.

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