Tennessee Vols athletics gets an element the school has been missing for years
Tennessee Vols fans received one of the best post-Christmas gifts of all time on Thursday. Tennessee announced on Thursday that longtime Titans play-by-play announcer Mike Keith is the new Voice of the Vols. Keith will be calling football and basketball games for Tennessee, as well as "various new programming initiatives that will be unveiled later […]
Tennessee Vols fans received one of the best post-Christmas gifts of all time on Thursday.
Tennessee announced on Thursday that longtime Titans play-by-play announcer Mike Keith is the new Voice of the Vols.
Keith will be calling football and basketball games for Tennessee, as well as "various new programming initiatives that will be unveiled later this year", per a statement from UT.
“While it is very hard to say goodbye to the Tennessee Titans, it is not hard to say 'yes' to a return to the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network,” said Keith in a statement released by the school. “Alicia Longworth laid out a very exciting plan for how I can assist the talented VFL Films content team. Steve Early has continued to make me feel a part of the Vol Network family since I left Knoxville in 1998—it was like I never left. Everyone associated in this process has been very professional, very impressive and very kind. This continued a theme from a series of experiences that I have had over the last five years when dealing with anyone—athletics, University and Campus leadership, staff, faculty, students, etc.—-from the University of Tennessee. Everyone is just top-notch, and I mean EVERYONE. I am excited to join this entire team in hopes that I can add a solid contribution. It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025!”
Keith, a Tennessee graduate, is one of the most dynamic play-by-play guys in sports. His energy and enthusiasm will bring an element to Tennessee football games, specifically, that's been missing since John Ward stepped down after the 1998 season.
And that's not a shot at Bob Kesling, the man that Keith is replacing (Kesling is retiring after the 2024-25 basketball season).
Kesling, who is a former walk-on fullback for Tennessee, is truly one of the greatest Vols of all-time. His passion and dedication to Tennessee is unmatched. Kesling is Tennessee royalty. He's a legend on Rocky Top.
Keith, however, has one of the best voices in radio. And that's something that Tennessee, especially as it's in the midst of a tremendous run across all athletics, badly needs. Keith has provided some incredibly memorable calls for the Titans over the years. And now Vols fans will get to hear that same voice call the action every Saturday in the fall.
Tennessee is on the verge of becoming a force in college football. There are undoubtedly some exciting (and huge) games on the way for the program. The Vols will now have one of the absolute best voices in the business calling the action. Can you imagine how it'll be to see highlights of a big Vols win on Sunday morning with Keith's voice in the background? Imagine a walk-off touchdown in Neyland Stadium next fall to beat Georgia with Keith's voice describing the scene. Fans will love it, and just as importantly, recruits will love it.
This is something that Tennessee has been missing. Keith was born to be a play-by-play guy for Tennessee football. And this is the perfect time for him to leave the Titans and return to Rocky Top.
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