If you’ve been glued to the TV during this year’s March Madness, you’ve likely seen the latest installment of the Capital One "Road to the Final Four" campaign. Alongside the legendary trio of Samuel L. Jackson, Charles Barkley, and Spike Lee—plus new favorites like Magic Johnson and Jennifer Garner—there is a bewildered, mustachioed man in a 19th-century suit claiming to be the inventor of basketball.
The actor playing Dr. James Naismith is none other than the brilliant Will Forte.
For fans of offbeat comedy and Saturday Night Live, the face (and the comedic timing) probably felt immediately familiar. But why is the "MacGruber" star the perfect choice for this role, and what makes this year’s Capital One commercials so buzzworthy? Let’s dive into the details of the performance that has everyone reaching for their phones to Google, "Who is that guy?"
Will Forte: From SNL Legend to Time-Traveling Inventor
Will Forte is a veteran of American comedy, best known for his eight-season run on Saturday Night Live (2002–2010). During his time at Studio 8H, Forte became famous for playing intensely committed, often absurd characters—think the "Falconer" or the disaster-prone "MacGruber."
In the 2026 Capital One March Madness spots, Forte leans into that signature "straight-faced absurdity." Dressed in a wool suit and holding a literal peach basket, his portrayal of Dr. James Naismith brings a hilarious "fish out of water" energy to the sleek, modern world of NCAA basketball. Whether he’s marveling at a T-shirt cannon or trying to understand the concept of a "slam dunk," Forte’s deadpan delivery is what makes the character land so well with American audiences.
The 2026 Capital One "Road Trip" Cast: Who Else is in the Car?
Capital One has turned its March Madness ad campaign into a yearly tradition that fans look forward to as much as the brackets themselves. The 2026 campaign features a heavy-hitting roster:
Samuel L. Jackson: The suave veteran of the group.
Charles Barkley: The lovable, often-confused "Chuck" who provides the heart of the humor.
Magic Johnson: Adding Hall-of-Fame prestige to the road trip.
Jennifer Garner: The voice of reason (and Venture card perks).
Caitlin Clark: The WNBA superstar making her campaign debut this year.
Will Forte: Joining the ranks as the "inventor" of the game.
The chemistry between Forte and Barkley is a particular highlight this season. Seeing the man who invented the sport in 1891 try to keep up with Barkley’s modern-day antics creates a comedic bridge between the history of the game and today’s high-octane tournament.
Why the "Dr. Naismith" Ads are Trending Right Now
The genius of the Capital One commercials lies in their timing and cultural relevance. By bringing in a historical figure like Naismith, played by a comedic powerhouse like Forte, the brand taps into the nostalgia and deep-rooted passion Americans have for basketball.
In one specific 2026 spot, Forte’s Naismith holds up a sign that reads, "I Traveled From 1891 to be here," a nod to the year he famously nailed a peach basket to a balcony at Springfield College.
Will Forte’s Career Highlights Beyond the Commercial
If you’re just now discovering Will Forte through these ads, you have a lot of great content to catch up on. Before he was Dr. Naismith, he was:
MacGruber: Both on SNL and in the cult-classic film and TV series.
The Last Man on Earth: Forte created and starred in this critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic comedy on Fox.
Nebraska: He showed off his dramatic chops in this Oscar-nominated film, proving he’s more than just a "funny guy."
Great North & Bob’s Burgers: He is a staple in the world of voice acting.
A Slam Dunk for Capital One
Will Forte’s addition to the Capital One family is a masterclass in casting. He fits perfectly into the existing dynamic of the "Road Trip" gang while offering something fresh and historically hilarious. As the tournament progresses toward the Final Four, expect to see more of Dr. Naismith struggling with nachos, foam fingers, and the sheer speed of modern play.
So, the next time the commercial comes on and someone asks, "Who is that Naismith guy?" you can confidently tell them it’s Will Forte—the man who took basketball from a peach basket in 1891 to the bright lights of 2026.