With Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn
Weekdays 7Am-10AM
Need a jolt stronger than your morning coffee? Wake up with Off the Bench, where former LSU and NFL players Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn bring the energy, the chaos, and just enough science to make you question your life choices.
Every weekday from 7 to 10 AM, Hester and Flynn smother and cover everything from LSU football, baseball, and basketball to the Saints, the Pelicans, and whatever weirdness the sports world threw at us overnight. It’s a full Louisiana sports breakfast with a side of SEC flavor and a drizzle of pop culture nonsense.
Think: sports talk meets group chat.
So whether you’re headed to work, school, or just pretending to be productive, buckle up, grab your morning beverage of choice, and let the boys get you right.
Jacob Hester
Off the Bench Co-host
One of the most beloved former athletes in LSU history, Jacob Hester joined 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge in 2018 and “Off the Bench” in 2020. Hester was a running back on the 2007 national championship team and played five NFL seasons with San Diego and Denver. His on-field experience and broadcasting chops have made him a star in sports media. Hester is also a host across multiple shows on Sirius/XM. Jacob and his wife Katie have five children and reside in Baton Rouge.
Matt Flynn
Off the Bench Co-host
Matt Flynn is the other half of a morning show that comprises LSU legends. Along with co-host Jacob Hester, Flynn led the LSU Tigers to a national championship in the 2007 season and was named MVP of the BCS National Championship Game. Drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2008, Flynn also had stints with the Seahawks, Raiders, Bills, Patriots, and Saints during his NFL career.
He is the founder and CEO of MyHy, a liquid hydration company.
Matt and his wife Lacey met during their time at LSU and have three children.
Alondra Villarreal
Off the Bench Audio Producer
Alondra Villarreal joined Guaranty Media in May 2022 and quickly established herself as a dynamic force in Louisiana broadcasting. A native of South Texas, she began her career producing Mornings with Brian Haldane on Talk 107.3 before transitioning to 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge in January 2024, where she now serves as the producer of Off the Bench, one of the most popular sports shows in the state.
With experience across every station in the building, Alondra has built a unique connection with listeners who appreciate variety and versatility. She also plays a key role with the LSU Sports Radio Network, where she’s known as the “straw that stirs the drink.”
Recognized by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters as the “Young Professional of the Year,” Alondra brings creativity, energy, and a passion for storytelling to everything she touches. Her goal is simple: to create smart, engaging content that drives listener loyalty across platforms.
Taylor Sharp
Off the Bench Video Producer
Taylor Sharp is a Louisiana native and proud graduate of Walker High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. He began his radio career in March 2019 as a board operator at Talk 107.3 and has since grown into a versatile presence at Guaranty Media.
Now a key contributor on 104.5 ESPN’s morning sports show, he’s also a regular behind the scenes producing LSU basketball and baseball broadcasts and occasionally serves as a play-by-play voice for high school sports.
