Tennessee Vols legend to replace Gary Danielson as CBS Sports college football analyst in a move that comes a few years too late
A Tennessee Vols football legend is set to replace Gary Danielson as CBS Sports' lead college football analyst following the 2025 season. According to a release from Paramount, former Vols football player Charles Davis will replace Danielson as the lead analyst for CBS Sports college football broadcasts beginning in 2026. The former Tennessee defensive back […]
A Tennessee Vols football legend is set to replace Gary Danielson as CBS Sports' lead college football analyst following the 2025 season.
According to a release from Paramount, former Vols football player Charles Davis will replace Danielson as the lead analyst for CBS Sports college football broadcasts beginning in 2026.
The former Tennessee defensive back has called NFL games for CBS since 2020 after spending over a decade calling games for Fox Sports.
Release via Paramount: Gary Danielson, CBS Sports’ lead college football analyst, has announced he will retire following the 2025 college football season, which will mark his 20th season with CBS. Danielson, who is entering his 36th season in television, is currently the longest-tenured college football game analyst on any network. Danielson will work his final season alongside Brad Nessler and reporter Jenny Dell.
CBS Sports veteran football analyst Charles Davis will succeed Danielson as lead college football analyst beginning with the 2026 season, calling CBS’ weekly marquee Big Ten games. Davis will continue as an analyst for the NFL ON CBS during the 2025-26 season.
“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it,” said Danielson. “I have discussed the timing of this moment with CBS Sports leadership over the past few years and we felt it was important I remained with the team during our transition to the Big Ten. As we enter our second full season of Big Ten football and my 20th at CBS Sports, the timing just feels right. I have so much respect for Charles Davis as both a person and an analyst. He is going to shine in this role and fit so well with this team. I have been blessed to work with incredible teammates throughout my career and I look forward to one more memorable season with Brad, Jenny, Craig Silver, Steve Milton and the crew.”
“Gary Danielson is simply one of the greatest college football analysts ever. And an even better teammate,” said David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports. “Gary cares more about uplifting others and ensuring the team receives all the accolades. During his 20 years here, he helped propel CBS Sports to the gold standard in college football coverage. We can't thank him enough; he will always be part of the CBS Sports family and wish him the best in retirement.”
“Gary has been the preeminent voice in college football for decades, and someone I have long admired and respected,” said Davis in a press release. “It is hard to imagine college football Saturdays without him, but I am thrilled we get one last season with him. There is no replacing Gary, but I am truly honored and humbled to succeed him and call games with Brad Nessler and the incredible Big Ten on CBS team.”
Tennessee fans undoubtedly would've liked to have seen this move come a few years ago. The 2023 season was CBS Sports' final season broadcasting SEC football games. The network now broadcasts Big 10 games, which means it's unlikely that Vols fans will ever get to hear Davis call a Tennessee game.
