ESPN’s Laura Rutledge Announces Surprising Departure
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Laura Rutledge has left fans stunned following an announcement revealing she’s stepping away from her longest-tenured ESPN gig.
The popular host and analyst is leaving the SEC Network.
Rutledge currently chairs ‘NFL Live’ at The Worldwide Leader in Sports. She also reports for ‘Monday Night Football’ and is a draft night feature for the broadcasting company. She turned heads with her outfit during the most recent one and went viral for gushing over a certain prospect.
Having made her bones in college football, Rutledge plays an extensive role in CFP coverage and hosts ‘SEC Nation’.
As of Tuesday, however, the latter is no more.
The 37-year-old revealed she will be leaving the SEC Network due to additional NFL assignments at ESPN.
“Ten years ago, I walked onto this set not fully knowing what the journey would become. Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life,” she wrote.
Fans React To Laura Rutledge’s Announcement
Rutledge’s fans were taken by surprise.
“Oh no, why? We loved seeing you on the set with the guys and letting your daughter pick the wins. God bless and enjoy your new chapter 🙏,” one wrote.
Oh no, why? We loved seeing you on the set with the guys and letting your daughter pick the wins. God bless and enjoy your new chapter 🙏
— Stephen (@stephenBlackwe6) May 26, 2026
“I’m so sad to see you go!! SEC network won’t be the same. You were the star!!!! Best of luck! Hotty Toddy‼️😂❤️💙,” another said.
I’m so sad to see you go!! SEC network won’t be the same. You were the star!!!! Best of luck! Hotty Toddy‼️😂❤️💙
— Amanda Glenn Newman (@agnewman67) May 26, 2026
“We are gonna miss you so Much!! You are the best !! You make Gator Nation very proud!!” said a third.
We are gonna miss you so Much!! You are the best !! You make Gator Nation very proud!!
— Beau Daws (@bluegrassgator) May 26, 2026
“SEC Nation has never just been a show to me,” Rutledge added. “It’s been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special. From the roar of packed stadiums on crisp fall mornings to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never see, every second has meant something.”
The ESPN host did note that she would still be involved with the SEC and college football, despite her career change.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of your Saturdays, your traditions and your stories. It has truly been an honor,” she concluded.
ESPN has not named her successor.
