Laura Rutledge announced Tuesday that she is leaving SEC Nation after a decade on the show.The longtime host established herself as one of the rising stars of the sports media industry through her work on the ESPN-owned SEC Network.Rutledge has announced her departure from SEC Nation after a decade on the showGettyIn recent years, Rutledge has added more NFL duties to her work with the Worldwide Leader in Sports, and with their Super Bowl broadcast year fast approaching, has decided to step back from SEC Nation.Beloved ESPN host announces exit from iconic show“Ten years ago, I walked onto this set not fully knowing what the journey would become,” she said in a statement, shared on ESPN Front Row.“Today, I walk away knowing it became one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.“SEC Nation has never just been a show to me. It’s been a family, a front-row seat to the passion of college football and a weekly reminder of what makes the SEC so special.“From the roar of packed stadiums on crisp fall mornings to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments that viewers never see, every second has meant something.“Seeing all of you show up for us every Saturday and feeling genuinely honored you wanted to take pictures and chat will always stick with me.”Rutledge, who settled an unthinkable bet live on air during her final season, added that she will still be involved in college football coverage moving forward.“It’s hard to say goodbye to something that has given me so much,” she continued.“SEC Nation has shaped me, challenged me and given me memories I will carry forever.“While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact it’s had on me never will. I’ll still be involved in college football and the SEC and I’m excited for those opportunities.Rutledge will continue to cover college football despite handing over SEC Nation hosting dutiesGettyThe ESPN star will take on more NFL duties ahead of February’s Super Bowl broadcastGetty“Thank you for letting me be a part of your Saturdays, your traditions and your stories. It has truly been an honor.”Rutledge joined ESPN in 2014, and soon got her big break on SEC Nation.Alongside her work covering college football, she picked up roles as a Monday Night Football sideline reporter, and host of ESPN’s NFL Live — recently opening up about battling ‘anxiety’ around those expectations.The network has not yet shared details about Rutledge’s expanding NFL assignments, but will broadcast Super Bowl LXI next February, at the conclusion of the 2026 season.Who could replace Laura Rutledge on SEC Nation?Her replacement on SEC Nation is yet to be made official, but according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Matt Barrie is in line to replace Rutledge.Barrie has been a college football host and play-by-play announcer, as well as a SportsCenter anchor, across 13 years at ESPN.Barrie is expected to replace Rutledge on SEC Nation this fallGettyHe is expected to feature on SEC Nation alongside the show’s lead analysts, Tim Tebow and Paul Finebaum, this fall.Marchand reported in March that Rutledge had opportunities to leave the show previously but chose to stay.Her departure is now official, and means fans will see a new face on SEC Nation next season.Stay up to date with the NFL across all our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET