The second week of the 2026 NFL preseason is officially underway. The first game on the docket is a Thursday night clash between the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders, with C.J. Stroud getting his first reps of the preseason.
However, as the game got underway, fans were quick to notice that ESPN had put together a new scorebug for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, most folks weren’t huge fans of the new change.
Fans Unconvinced About ESPN’s Change of Scorebug
The scorebug is a feature of the NFL broadcast that has constantly been a vital part of the viewing experience. Providing fans at home with key information about the game, it has always added a certain personality to the screen.
As a result, it is also an area that sees constant tweaks seemingly every year. With networks trying to optimize the experience as much as possible, the scorebug has a new version almost every year.
It looks like this season isn’t going to be much different, with ESPN showcasing the new bug during the preseason game.
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NFL reporter Ari Meirov pointed it out, writing, “ESPN has unveiled a new scorebug for the 2026 NFL season.”
ESPN has unveiled a new scorebug for the 2026 NFL season: pic.twitter.com/Gs9BgRAuzK
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 21, 2026
Unfortunately, fans weren’t thrilled with the change, as one bemoaned, “Why does it always get worse?” He wasn’t the only one who disliked the new view, as another fan went technical with his criticism, explaining, “Not a fan. Way too much dead space.”
Why does it always get worse😭
— TheDr.K (@Kylespani_0) August 21, 2026
Others were harsher with their disgust over the new screen, writing, “[Expletive] get it off my screen immediately.”
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One other fan suggested, “This ain’t it. Go back to the old design.”
Even prominent media members weren’t embracing the new design, as Ryan Canfield of Fox News claimed, “Immediate reaction: not a fan,” while some just outright called it “So boring.”
So boring https://t.co/XuRmtbyBL0
— BearsEmpire (@BearsEmpire_) August 21, 2026
Over the years, different networks have put their own touch on the scorebug to create a certain look around it. However, even with the constant changes, it doesn’t look like ESPN has captured what the fans want with this new variation.
It’s unlikely that the scorebug gets another makeover this year, even with the fans’ criticism of it. But with changes assuredly coming next season as well, ESPN might choose to embrace some of the complaints and provide a better viewing experience for its consumers.
