ESPN has announced a high-energy collaboration: Grammy-nominated artist Machine Gun Kelly (Mgk) will provide the musical anthem for its 2025-26 college football season. His new song, “don’t wait run fast,” from the upcoming album “Lost Americana,” will serve as the theme song for ESPN and ABC’s extensive coverage.
The network’s college football coverage kicks off Saturday, August 23rd, with the album set for release on August 8th. "Music and college football have been intertwined for years, and our ESPN College Football anthem ushers in that first spark of the season. This 12th iteration, mgk brings a passionate, high-voltage sound that mirrors the raw emotion and untamed spirit of college football,” stated Curtis Friends, ESPN vice president of marketing.
This partnership marks ESPN's 12th consecutive year featuring a musical artist's anthem. Past collaborations have included notable acts such as Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Fall Out Boy, Lauren Alaina, and Imagine Dragons. Mgk's track will be prominently featured in ESPN's promotional materials and throughout its college football broadcasts, which include games from the Southeastern Conference, Big 12, and Atlantic Coast Conference. The season culminates with the College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T on January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.