Sometimes the biggest highlight of a game doesn’t even happen on the field.
That was exactly the case for ESPN sideline reporter Taylor Davis, who became an instant fan favorite after a lighthearted pregame moment at Southern Miss went viral.
Taylor Davis Caught Dancing Before Kickoff
Before Southern Miss faced Mississippi State in their Week 1 matchup, Davis was spotted by the stadium DJ letting loose and dancing to Drake’s music.
Two clips captured her grooving in the stands, and she quickly pulled herself together just in time for her live segment.
Fans loved it, and the video spread across social media almost instantly.
Even Davis herself joined in on the fun, posting online with a playful caption: “Couldn’t help myself!”
Clearing the Air on a Podcast
The former Auburn student later spoke about her viral moment on a Bleav podcast with ex-Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell.
She admitted the attention surprised her but also revealed a little-known fact about her music taste.
“People assume I’d be into country because I’m from Alabama,” she said.
“But I don’t listen to country at all—I listen to rap and hip-hop.
That’s my pregame vibe.”
Davis added that she often remembers lyrics easily, which explains her rapping and dancing before broadcasts.
“I didn’t even know I was being recorded,” she laughed.
“I’m a little embarrassed—it’s kind of cringe—but that’s just me staying loose before a game.”
A Reporter Who Wants to Be Known for Her Work
While Davis took the moment in good humor, she admitted there’s a slightly frustrating side to going viral for a dance instead of her journalism.
“I get nervous before going on air, so I loosen up with music,” she explained.
“But I work hard to know football and to do my job really well. And what ends up blowing up online? Me dancing and rapping—not my actual reporting.”
A Career Built on Sports and Hard Work
Davis graduated from Auburn University in 2014 and quickly joined ESPN as a production assistant, where she spent four years learning the ropes. From there, she branched out into team reporting and hosting.
She worked with the Carolina Panthers as a studio and podcast host in 2019, then took on a role with the Kansas City Royals in 2021 and 2022.
Now, she’s back with ESPN covering college football—this time with a much bigger fanbase after her viral pregame dance introduced her to an audience well beyond sports.
A Fan Favorite Moving Forward
Whether fans tune in for her sideline reports or her unexpected dance moves, one thing is clear—Taylor Davis has quickly become a fresh and relatable face in sports broadcasting.
With her passion for the game, her playful personality, and now a viral moment to her name, she’s carved out her place as a rising star at ESPN.