Chicago Radio: The Score Lands Jarrett Payton For Mornings

Jarrett Payton will replace Mike Mulligan as morning co-host on 104.3 The Score (WSCR), joining David Haugh on the newly named “Haugh & Payton” show starting Aug. 31. 

The Chicago sports talk station announced the change Monday, just days after parting ways with Mulligan, a two-decade fixture who had co-hosted the morning program (previously “Mully and Haugh”) since 2008. 

Payton, a veteran sports anchor and the son of late Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Famer Walter Payton, steps into the 5:30–10 a.m. weekday slot. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for The Score,” said Mitch Rosen, vice president and brand manager. “We’re excited to welcome Jarrett Payton and believe his experience, perspective and deep connection to Chicago and its great fan bases will be a tremendous addition to our morning show alongside David Haugh.” 

Jarrett Payton

Payton, who left WGN-TV in late July after more than a decade as a sports anchor (including the “GN Sports” show), called the move an honor. “This place has always felt like family to me. My dad graced these airwaves back in the ’90s, and the thought of being part of that same legacy means everything,” he said.  “I’m grateful beyond words for this opportunity. Let’s get to work.” 

A former University of Miami running back with a brief pro career, Payton brings broadcasting experience, business background, public-speaking work, and philanthropy through the Jarrett Payton Foundation. 

He has longstanding ties to The Score through frequent guest appearances. 

The station also recently dropped midday co-host Marshall Harris; Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote continue in that slot (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), with Spiegel & Holmes remaining in afternoon drive. Haugh, a former Chicago Tribune sportswriter who joined the morning show in 2018, remains in place. The move ends a brief period of speculation after Mulligan’s departure Friday and positions a familiar Chicago sports name at the helm of the city’s leading sports talk station’s morning drive.

New 104.3 The Score weekday lineup is as follows.

• 5:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. CT: “Haugh & Payton”
• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT: “Rahimi & Grote”
• 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT: “Spiegel & Holmes”

As the flagship station for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bulls and official broadcast partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 104.3 The Score remains Chicago’s premier destination for sports coverage and conversation.

📻Listeners can tune in to 104.3 The Score (WSCR-FM) in Chicago on-air and nationwide on the Audacy app and website. Fans can also connect with the station on social media via X, Facebook and Instagram.