As the 2025 college football season approaches, USA Today will be without one of its signature voices. Taking to X on Friday, longtime columnist Dan Wolken announced his departure from the national newspaper and website following 13 years with the outlet.
“After 13 years with USA Today Sports and more memories than I deserve, it’s time to say goodbye,” Wolken wrote. “I leave proud of the work we did together and how hard we fought every day, often under less than ideal circumstances.
“I’ll be honest: talking about this with my colleagues hasn’t been easy. This wasn’t just some job for me or a rung on the career ladder I was trying to climb. It represented a huge chunk of my life, and I poured everything I had into it because I understood how lucky and how rare it was to be in the position I was in. Getting to do a job like this for 13 years in our industry doesn’t happen for many people.”
Wolken added: “But at the same time, I always figured there would come a day where I knew deep down it was time to go in a different direction. That moment recently came for me.
The Vanderbilt alum said that he will now “disappear for a little while” but added that he’d eventually reappear. He ended his message by thanking all who have consumed his content over the years.
“It’s been a hell of a run, but when one ends, another begins,” he wrote. “We’ll talk very soon.”
An announcement from me, and a heartfelt thank you. pic.twitter.com/Hck5550NV9
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) August 15, 2025
Considering his status as one of the longest tenured national sports columnists, it will certainly be worth monitoring what’s next for Wolken. Similarly, USA Today‘s roster now finds itself with a sizable void heading into the all-important football portion of the sports calendar.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.