Announcers for Illinois vs. Penn State on NBC in Week 5

There wasn’t much of an expectation that Bret Bielema’s Illinois Fighting Illini would be a threat in the Big Ten. That’s why Illinois was overlooked for Penn State’s annual White Out game, but after a 4-0 start, they’re heading to Happy Valley ranked as the No. 19 team in the nation, and Penn State head coach James Franklin is calling for “White Out energy” at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night. 

The last time that Illinois played in Happy Valley was 2021. It took nine overtimes, but the Fighting Illini eventually escaped with a 20-18 win. However, last year, the two programs clashed in Champaign and the Nittany Lions defense forced Illinois quarterback into four interceptions which helped Penn State to a 30-13 victory. 

Penn State is a big favorite, still viewed as a top-tier Big Ten contender after its 3-0 start to the season with a new-look offense, but if Illinois can pull off the road upset, then the Fighting Illini will suddenly become a threat to make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. 

With massive CFP implications on the line in Week 5, No. 19 Illinois and No. 9 Penn State will play in primetime on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night. 

Here is a look at the announcing crew that will be in Happy Valley for the top-20 conference matchup. 

Who are the announcers for Illinois vs. Penn State on NBC?

Play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle will be joined in the booth by former Penn State national championship-winning quarterback Todd Blackledge with Kathryn Tappen on the sidelines. Blackledge was the starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions from 1980-82 when he led the team to an 11-1 record and its first national title with a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia.