NBC Reveals Notre Dame’s New Sideline Reporter For 2026 Season – Everyone Is Loving The Decision
NBC brought an up-and-coming reporter.
NBC has named its new sideline reporter for Notre Dame football. The network chose Caroline Pineda, a 2022 Notre Dame graduate, for the role. She will cover four games this season.
The assignment includes the Sept. 6 opener against Wisconsin. That contest takes place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Dan Hicks and Jason Garrett return in the broadcast booth.
She replaces Zora Stephenson in the position. Stephenson held the sideline role for the past three seasons. Pineda already worked Notre Dame events on Peacock.
Those previous assignments included the Blue-Gold Game and Pro Day. She brings experience covering Big Ten football and basketball. MLB and WNBA duties also appear on her resume.
Carolina Pineda Steps Into Notre Dame Sideline Role
Carolina Pineda covering MLB. (Image via Instagram)
The reporter expressed clear excitement about the opportunity.
“Everyone who knows me knows how much I love college football,” Pineda told the South Bend Tribune. “I’m so honored and thrilled to get to do more games for NBC. Watching Notre Dame on NBC made me want to be a reporter, and then while I was a student, Notre Dame on NBC taught me how to be a reporter.”
The 2022 Jim Nantz Award winner earned top collegiate broadcaster honors. She remains the only Notre Dame student to claim that recognition. Her full-time NBC role began shortly after graduation.
Primetime Notre Dame games will feature a different crew. Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge handle those assignments. Kathryn Tappen reports from the sideline in those slots.
Why This Hire Fits Notre Dame Coverage Perfectly
Notre Dame logo (Image Credits: Imagn)
The reporter already knows the program and campus well. She covered Irish spring events as both student and professional. That background should help her deliver informed sideline reports.
Notre Dame opens the season ranked highly once again. Marcus Freeman’s team carries strong national title expectations. Quarterback CJ Carr returns after a productive 2025 campaign.
The Fighting Irish schedule includes Michigan State, Miami and SMU. Those matchups will also appear on NBC platforms. The new sideline voice adds a familiar perspective for fans.
Her selection continues a natural progression. From student intern to full sideline reporter, the path feels complete. Viewers can expect detailed updates from the field this fall.
College football season approaches quickly. NBC’s Notre Dame package remains a longtime broadcast staple. The updated team looks ready for another strong year of coverage.
