Jason Capel rejoined ESPN in 2026 as a college basketball game analyst, bringing extensive experience as a player, coach and broadcaster. A four-year starter at North Carolina, Capel served as the head coach at Appalachian State from 2010-14 and most recently was an assistant coach at Pitt from 2018-26. He previously worked as a college basketball analyst for ESPN, ACC Network and Raycom Sports.
Capel played at North Carolina from 1998-2002 and helped the Tar Heels reach the 2000 NCAA Final Four. A two-time third-team All-ACC selection, he became one of a select group of players to start during all four seasons at North Carolina. He also recorded the second triple-double in program history, totaling 16 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against Buffalo in December 2000.
Following his collegiate career, Capel played professionally in the NBA Development League and overseas in Japan, Italy and Serbia. He later moved into broadcasting, providing analysis for college basketball coverage before beginning his coaching career.
Capel joined App State as an assistant coach in 2009 and was elevated to head coach the following year, leading the Mountaineers for four seasons. He returned to the ACC in 2018 as an assistant coach at Pitt, where he contributed to recruiting and player development during eight seasons with the Panthers. His tenure included Pitt’s 24-win campaign and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022-23.
A native of Fayetteville, N.C., Capel was a McDonald’s All-American before attending North Carolina. He comes from a prominent basketball family that includes his father, longtime coach Jeff Capel II, and his brother, Pitt head coach Jeff Capel III.