MOUNT OLIVE, NC – The University of Mount Olive (UMO) has announced that former NFL star and ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday will serve as the keynote speaker for its spring commencement ceremony. The event will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10 AM.
Saturday brings a wealth of experience, both as a leader in professional football and as a respected voice in sports media. His 14-year NFL career, primarily with the Indianapolis Colts, was marked by excellence. A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro Team selection, Saturday played a pivotal role in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory and their AFC Championship run in Super Bowl XLIV. His partnership with quarterback Peyton Manning remains legendary, with 172 starts together, the most in NFL history for a center-quarterback duo. Saturday’s outstanding contributions to the game earned him induction into the Colts Ring of Honor in 2015.
Following his retirement, Saturday transitioned into sports media, joining ESPN in 2013 as an in-studio analyst. He became a familiar face on programs like Get Up, First Take, and SportsCenter, offering expert analysis on the game. In 2022, he took on the role of Interim Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts for the remainder of the season before returning to ESPN in 2023.
Beyond football, Saturday is deeply involved in community service and philanthropy. He has supported numerous charitable organizations, including Kids’ Voice of Indiana, People’s Burn Foundation of Indiana, Riley Hospital for Children, Hoosier Burn Camp, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. His impact extends beyond the NFL, as he has also been inducted into both the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame.
University of Mount Olive President Dr. H. Edward Croom said, “We are excited to welcome Jeff Saturday to campus. His experience as a professional athlete, coach, media personality, and community leader will provide graduates with valuable lessons on resilience, teamwork, and lifelong success as they prepare to launch their careers.”
Approximately 300 bachelor and master’s degree students from the University’s four schools will participate in the spring commencement. The commencement ceremony will be for graduates and their ticketed guests.
