NBC will carry Big Ten football in 2023, and the network is reportedly targeting a major name to help lead that coverage.

According to Awful Announcing’s Ben Koo, NBC is hiring former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry as an analyst for a traveling road show in line with ESPN’s College GameDay and FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff. The network is also targeting former Wisconsin star JJ Watt for a role on that crew.

Awful Announcing reported that Watt is being courted by several networks, not just NBC.

Watt retired from the NFL following the 2022 season. In 12 seasons, he piled up 114.5 career sacks, 195 tackles for loss, 70 pass breakups, 27 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. He was a 5-time All-Pro selection, a 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, and 2017’s Walter Payton Man of the Year.

A sure-fire Hall-of-Famer, Watt makes perfect sense for NBC as it breaks into the B1G.

The broadcast team has already been announced for NBC’s in-game coverage. Todd Blackledge (analyst) and Noah Eagle (play-by-play) will work the booth while Kathryn Tappen serves as the sideline reporter.

Maria Taylor is believed to be in line to host the studio show.

Beginning this season, NBC will air 1 primetime B1G game each week, branded as Big Ten Saturday Night and modeled after its NFL package. The first game is scheduled for Sept. 2 when Penn State hosts West Virginia at 7:30 p.m. ET.