ESPN revealed its official anthem For the 2025 university football season, “Backup Plan”, a high -energy country track interpreted by Luke Combs and Bailey Zimmerman. The song made its debut during the dry media in Atlanta on July 14 and was selected as the dry hymn for ABC shows.
“Backup Plan”, which was published for the first time in May, will be presented on the next album by Bailey Zimmerman, Different night of the same rodeo. It was written by Jimi Bell, Jon Sherwood and Tucker Beathard, and his placement in the ESPN campaign signals the growing cultural crossing between university football and country music.
Luke Combs had previously contributed “South on Ya” as a dry Hymne in 2021 and covered “Runnin ‘Down A Dream” by Tom Petty in the ESPN play promoting the 2024 university football season. His continuous commitment speaks volumes about his commitment to sport and fans.
The news is saved at the start of the dry media weekend, an important pre-season calendar marker while the teams are preparing to start their football seasons on August 23. ESPN is trying to protect fans with media-style trailer for trailer and social content around the anthem, suggesting excitement for another good football season.
“Backup Plan” has already resonated with fans of the SEC who have linked to its themes of the intensity and unpredictability of university football. The excitement generated by its introduction during media days only adds to this excitement, even in the context of off -scope speculation. This includes new speeches on Nick Saban who may be back in training, which has aroused a conversation throughout the landscape of university football.
While ESPN promotes the excitement surrounding the opening weekend, the Hymn addresses its role as a lasting element of the brand image of the season, creating connections based on music and the tradition and unification of its fans. With only weeks to go, “Backup Plan” compactly presents the tone of what will probably be an exciting season of the dry.