ESPN2 to air high school football season opener between sons of NFL great and country music star

The ESPN High School Football Kickoff will include a highly anticipated matchup between a couple of big-name quarterbacks.

Gunner Rivers and St. Michael Catholic will host Bo Bryan and Battle Ground Academy on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 p.m., ESPN announced Thursday. The game will be televised by ESPN2.

Gunner Rivers is the son of NFL great Philip Rivers. He is committed to NC State. Philip is also the head coach at St. Michael Catholic. He is entering his sixth season leading the Cardinals program.

Bo Bryan is the son of country music star Luke Bryan. He holds multiple Division I offers.

Bo Bryan is ranked as a three-star quarterback in the class of 2027, according to 247Sports. He holds offers from North Alabama, Eastern Kentucky, East Tennessee State and Austin Peay.

Bo is entering his senior season at Battle Ground Academy. He threw for 336 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions as a reserve in 2025.

Bo spoke to the Times-Georgian about what it’s like being the son of Luke Bryan.

“I’ve been born into it, so I’m just used to it by now,” he said. “The thing I’ve kind of always been taught by my parents is to not be stuck in a shadow and just build your own thing. Make a name for yourself.

“I feel like I’ve done it pretty well. I’ve still got a ways to go, but I’m just going to keep going and just keep loving while I’m doing it. I’m enjoying this journey a lot.”

Gunner Rivers is a four-star quarterback who is also in the class of 2027. He is ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the country, according to 247Sports.

Gunner completed 69.1 percent of his passes last season, throwing for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns in 14 games. He also rushed for 196 yards and a score.

Stories by Matt Connolly

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.