‘Gonna Be Sad’ – Fans Say Gator Nation Won’t Be the Same As Popular Beat Reporter Talia Baia Makes Major Career Shift

Talia Baia is trading in the Swamp for South Bend, and the Gator Nation isn’t ready to let her go. The popular ESPN college basketball reporter, who went viral during Florida’s NCAA Tournament run, has announced a major career move. Baia is joining ABC57 as a sports reporter, covering Notre Dame football and basketball.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining ABC57 as their sports reporter, covering Notre Dame football and basketball! I can’t wait to get back on the field and deliver stories that connects fans, athletes and tradition. Go Gators ➝ Go Irish 🍀🫣,” she tweeted, breaking hearts across Gainesville.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be joining ABC57 as their sports reporter, covering Notre Dame football and basketball!!

I can’t wait to get back on the field and deliver stories that connects fans, athletes and tradition.

Go Gators ➝ Go Irish 🍀🫣 pic.twitter.com/NjjUnplzdW

— Talia Baia (@talia_baia) June 26, 2025

Fans swarmed the comments section, blending congratulations with playful heartbreak.

“Gator Nation is gonna be sad to see you go, but congrats on the new job!” said a fan.

Another wrote, “Congratulations, but it’s always just GO Gators 💪.”

One X user sarcastically tweeted, “UF sending a spy to infiltrate the program 6 years before our series is pretty impressive.”

“From Kim Jong Un to Hitler,” joked another.

Poking fun at her move from sunny Florida to snowy Indiana, another fan said, “You’ll probably need some warmer clothes.”

“South Bend? Don’t forget your snow shovel and boots,” commented one more.

Baia shot to stardom during her flirty postgame moment with Florida’s Bennett Andersen, who fell for the ESPN reporter, if the popular rumor is to be believed.

Who Is Talia Baia? Meet The Popular Gators Reporter Whose Viral Interview Sparked Buzz

Talia Baia has quickly become a recognizable name for Florida Gators fans, not just for her reporting. A courtside interview with Gators guard Bennett Andersen in March 2025 drew massive attention online.

As a University of Florida student pursuing a degree in sports and media, Baia has built an impressive foundation through dedication and hustle. She wears many hats while working as a reporter for ESPN Gainesville, serving as a sideline correspondent for ‘Inside the Gators’, and managing digital content for Barstool Sports. Her hands-on experience includes anchoring at Gainesville’s WUFT and contributing behind the scenes as a broadcast associate with CBS Sports.

She covers SEC football under Friday night lights and navigates the rhythms of an MLB Spring Training camp. Baia has proven to possess a sharp eye and professional composure in various settings.

Off camera, she has an unmissable digital footprint. Her audience across platforms includes approximately 19,000 followers on Instagram and over 12,000 on X. The following grew after the Andersen interview, when viewers suggested the Gators star looked “love-struck” during their interaction, which lit up comment sections and meme threads across platforms.

As Baia bids farewell, she is expected to remain visible on the sidelines wherever she goes, with high fandom and love from the sports fraternity.

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