Nicole Auerbach is an award-winning American sports journalist, broadcaster, and author who serves as the lead college football and college basketball insider for NBC Sports. In 2021, Auerbach made sports media history by becoming the youngest person ever to win the prestigious National Sportswriter of the Year award from the National Sports Media Association (NSMA).
Renowned for her authoritative breaking news reporting on conference realignment, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, and the College Football Playoff, Auerbach also co-hosts the weekly college football podcast Rushing the Field and hosts daily programming on SiriusXM.
Nicole Auerbach Biography & Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicole Auerbach |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1988 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Michigan (B.A. in Public Policy, 2011) |
| Profession | Sports Journalist, Television Insider, Radio Host, Podcaster |
| Current Employer | NBC Sports (Lead College Sports Insider) |
| Other Roles | SiriusXM Host, Olympic Broadcaster |
| Notable Awards | NSMA National Sportswriter of the Year (2021), USBWA Rising Star (2018, 2020) |
| Podcast | Rushing the Field (with Joshua Perry) |
| Spouse | Jeff Kemp (m. May 17, 2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–$2 Million |
| Social Media | X (Twitter): @NicoleAuerbach (~143K followers) • Instagram: @nicole_auerbach |
Early Life and Education
Nicole Auerbach was born on June 19, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a culturally rich household that blended her father’s Jewish heritage and her mother’s Catholic background, she developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, debate, and family traditions.
Auerbach attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy. While in Ann Arbor, she initially envisioned a career in government or public affairs. However, encouragement from a classmate prompted her to write for The Michigan Daily, the university’s acclaimed student newspaper. Becoming one of the few female sports reporters on staff at the time, Auerbach covered Wolverines athletics with tenacity, ultimately choosing to pursue sports journalism as her life’s calling.
Career: From USA Today to National Stardom
USA Today (2011–2017)
Following graduation and high-level internships, Auerbach secured a full-time position at USA Today. Over a six-year tenure, she covered NCAA men’s basketball, college football championships, and high-profile Olympic sports, quickly building a national profile for thorough beat reporting and investigative depth.
The Athletic & Big Ten Network (2017–2024)
In 2017, Auerbach became a core early hire at The Athletic, rising to Senior National Writer:
- Pioneering Industry Coverage: Led comprehensive analysis on the seismic shifts in college sports, including transfer portal policies, the College Football Playoff expansion, billion-dollar conference TV deals, and NIL legislation.
- Big Ten Network: Spent a decade serving as a regular studio analyst and panelist across Big Ten Network football and basketball broadcasts.
- USBWA Recognition: Honored twice with the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Rising Star Award in 2018 and 2020.
- Historic NSMA Award (2021): Voted the National Sportswriter of the Year by the NSMA, making her the youngest individual in the organization’s history to earn the honor.
NBC Sports Lead Insider (2023–Present)
Auerbach joined NBC Sports in 2023 as the network’s lead college football insider for B1G College Countdown and Not So Fast:
- In August 2024, she completed a seamless transition to NBC Sports on a full-time basis, expanding her role across all collegiate sports programming on NBC and Peacock.
- 2026 Winter Olympics Debut: Expanded her broadcasting scope by serving as an on-site reporter for NBC Olympics at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, covering cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined events.
Podcasts & SiriusXM Radio
- Rushing the Field: Auerbach co-hosts the weekly college football podcast alongside former Ohio State national champion linebacker Joshua Perry, delivering game breakdowns, coach interviews, and insider scoops to a passionate audience.
- SiriusXM: Co-hosts College Sports Today on SiriusXM College Sports Radio, engaging with national callers and sports administrators daily.
Personal Life: Marriage to Jeff Kemp
Nicole Auerbach married sports broadcaster and media host Jeff Kemp on May 17, 2025, at the historic Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey. The couple, who reside in Chicago, celebrated their honeymoon in the Maldives.
Beyond the press box, Auerbach enjoys golf, international travel, and competing in celebrity charity tournaments, including the Golic SubPar Classic and Chris Long’s Waterboys initiative.
Nicole Auerbach Net Worth & Salary
As of 2026, Nicole Auerbach’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million.
Her primary earnings originate from:
- NBC Sports Contract: Multi-platform salary as lead insider and Olympic reporter.
- SiriusXM Radio Deal: Daily hosting fees and production compensation.
- Podcasting & Speaking: Sponsorships from Rushing the Field and keynote moderating appearances at major sports management symposiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Nicole Auerbach?
Nicole Auerbach was born on June 19, 1988. She is currently 38 years old.
What college did Nicole Auerbach attend?
She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 with a degree in Public Policy and wrote for The Michigan Daily.
Who is Nicole Auerbach married to?
She is married to sports announcer and host Jeff Kemp, whom she wed in May 2025.
What major awards has Nicole Auerbach won?
She won the NSMA National Sportswriter of the Year award in 2021, becoming the youngest recipient in history, and is a two-time USBWA Rising Star award winner.
