Broadcaster Jason Benetti has been tapped to handle play-by-play duties for this Saturday’s Notre Dame football game. The move comes as a direct result of Dan Hicks being unable to fulfill his scheduled assignment following a sudden personal loss.
Network officials confirmed the change in the broadcast lineup earlier today. The decision was made to accommodate Hicks during this difficult time. The announcement noted that “Jason Benetti Will Replace Dan Hicks on Notre Dame Play-by-Play Saturday Following Sudden Passing” in an exclusive report regarding the network’s coverage plans for the upcoming weekend.
Benetti, a versatile and highly regarded announcer, frequently calls major sporting events across various platforms. His transition into the booth for the Fighting Irish matchup provides the network with a seasoned voice during an unexpected schedule shift. Colleagues across the sports media industry have expressed their support for Hicks as he navigates the sudden passing of a loved one.
The network has not yet provided additional details regarding the specific nature of the family emergency or the expected duration of Hicks’ absence from the airwaves. Production teams are currently working to finalize the broadcast logistics to ensure a seamless transition for the weekend program.
Notre Dame fans and viewers of the network’s college football coverage will see Benetti alongside his usual broadcast partners for the scheduled kickoff. The network remains focused on providing high-quality coverage while respecting the privacy of their staff members during this period of bereavement. Further updates regarding the broadcast team for future weeks will be provided as the situation develops.
As of now, the focus remains on the upcoming game and supporting the broadcast team through this sudden change in operations. The sports broadcasting community continues to offer condolences to Hicks and his family as they deal with the impact of this unexpected and profound loss.