Josh Pate, a big name in college football media, sparked controversy after he announced an upcoming interview with former President Donald Trump. Pate, who’s built a solid platform with *Josh Pate’s College Football Show*, stood by his choice to host Trump.
Even though he promised the conversation would stick to football, just having such a polarizing guest has stirred up debate. The whole thing’s gotten people talking about what it means for sports media and where those lines are drawn.
Josh Pate’s Rise in College Football Media
Pate’s journey in sports media really is something. He started out in Columbus, Georgia, working local TV gigs before launching *The Late Kick*.
His genuine love for college football helped him grow a loyal audience. That eventually landed him a deal with 247Sports in 2020.
By August 2024, Pate made another leap—signing with CBS Sports. He rebranded his show and moved production to Nashville.
This move expanded his reach and cemented his spot as a major voice in college football media. Pate’s also teamed up with On3/Rivals, Yahoo Sports, and ESPN, which just adds to his credibility.
The Trump Interview: A Double-Edged Sword
Scoring an interview with a former President is a huge milestone for anyone in the media. For Pate, getting Trump on his show is probably the biggest moment of his career so far.
But let’s be honest—bringing Trump on comes with risks. Trump’s political persona is all about provocation, and even if Pate wants to talk just football, politics are going to sneak in.
Pate even admitted, *When the President of the United States offers to discuss College Football, it’s an auto-yes 1000% of the time.* Who could resist, really?
The Political Fallout
The political side of Pate’s decision showed up fast, even before the interview aired. Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, a known Trump supporter, posted a video on social media with Trump making a pointed comment about President Joe Biden’s knowledge of NIL rules.
That alone shows how tough it’ll be for Pate to keep things strictly about football. Just featuring Trump puts Pate right in the middle of political conversations, like it or not.
Some critics say that giving Trump a platform in 2026, when things are so politically charged, is a political move in itself. It’s hard to argue with that.
Balancing Act: Sports and Politics
Sports media and politics have always had a complicated relationship. Sure, the main focus is on the game, but sports don’t exist in a vacuum.
Journalists like Pate have to walk a tightrope, trying not to lose their audience while covering bigger issues. Pate insists he’ll keep the interview about college football, but with Trump, that’s easier said than done.
Trump isn’t exactly known for sticking to the script. So there’s a real chance things could drift into politics, and Pate will need to be ready if (or when) that happens.
The Stakes for Josh Pate
For Pate, this interview is more than a headline. It’s a nod to all the work he’s put into building his platform in college football media.
If he pulls this off, it could take his career to another level and open up new doors. But the risks are just as real.
People will be watching closely—every question, every reaction. If Pate’s seen as too soft or biased, it could hurt his credibility and push away parts of his audience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports Media
Pate’s interview with Trump really highlights a bigger shift happening in sports media. The lines between sports and politics keep getting fuzzier, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Athletes and sports figures are more willing to speak up on social and political issues these days. Journalists? Well, they’ve got to keep up and figure out how to cover it all without losing their footing.
For Pate, this interview feels like a bit of a trial by fire. Can he handle the heat and keep his reporting sharp and fair, especially when college football’s involved?
It’s a chance for him to show off his integrity—and maybe prove he can juggle tough topics without dropping the ball. Honestly, who knows how much this will shape the way sports media handles similar situations down the line?
For more details on Josh Pate’s interview with Donald Trump, you can read the full article on Awful Announcing.
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