Diehard Sports Network Names Bryan Brasher as Associate Publisher for Jax State Diehards

Diehard Sports Network today announced veteran journalist Bryan Brasher as the network’s associate publisher for Jacksonville State athletics, leading coverage of the Gamecocks as part of Jax State Diehards, powered by Diehard Sports Network.

Brasher brings more than three decades of journalism experience to the role, including stints at The Birmingham News, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis and for a decade with B.A.S.S., LLC. A four-time Tennessee Sports Writers Association award winner for Best Outdoors Writer and the most decorated sports writer in Georgia in 2002, Brasher covered SEC football, University of Memphis athletics and high school sports throughout his career in addition to his nationally recognized outdoors coverage.

His appointment is the latest milestone for Diehard Sports Network, which launched in 2026 to provide professional-grade coverage for Group of 6 college sports programs — the fan bases that national and local media abandoned. Brasher joins publisher Doug Konkel (South Alabama/Jags Jungle) as the network’s second local market publisher.

“We’re excited to have Bryan Brasher join the Diehard family as associate publisher of Jax State Diehards,” said Tim Stephens, founder and CEO of Diehard Sports Network. “Bryan is an experienced journalist with great passion for college football. That makes him a great fit to serve the diehards who love the Jax State Gamecocks.”

“I’ve always made it a point to cover every assignment equally, no matter the topic,” Brasher said. “But anyone who knows me will tell you my true passion has always been college athletics. The pageantry and tradition at Jacksonville State give me chills, and I can’t wait to get started.”

In addition to Jacksonville State coverage, Brasher will contribute columns on G6 and Sun Belt Conference issues.

Diehard Sports Network currently covers four Alabama programs — UAB, Troy, Jacksonville State and South Alabama — as well as G6 national coverage. It intends to expand to 60-plus Group of 6 and FCS communities nationally. The network combines experienced local publishers with a proprietary editorial operations system to deliver coverage, community and credibility to underserved fan bases.

Jax State Diehards content is available at no cost, with free access to articles, newsletters and community discussion boards. VIP Premium memberships ($10/month or $100/year) provide access to insider content, VIP community boards, a VIP badge and exclusive perks. A limited number of Starting 22 Elite Founding Memberships are also available for each school.

About Diehard Sports Network

Diehard Sports Network is a hyperlocal college sports media network covering Group of 6 and FCS programs across the country. Founded by Tim Stephens, a veteran sports media executive who began his career as a correspondent at the Mobile Register and went on to lead sports departments at newspapers across the Southeast before spending a decade in sports technology and SaaS, Diehard serves the 60-plus FBS programs outside the Power 4 that receive little consistent professional coverage. The network’s mission: “We cover your team. For you.” Learn more at diehardsportsnetwork.com.