ESPN SHOCKER: In a jaw-dropping sweep of national accolades, Longhorns play-by-play announcer Craig Way has been officially crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN, cementing his place among broadcasting royalty. Known for his electric calls, unmatched storytelling ability, and commanding voice that has echoed through generations of Texas sports, Way’s recognition marks a defining moment not just in his storied career, but in the larger landscape of collegiate broadcasting.
The announcement came during ESPN’s annual College Sports Media Honors, where Way beat out a deep and talented field of industry veterans from across the country. With over three decades of experience behind the microphone, Way has long been a legend in the Lone Star State—but this national honor confirms what Texas fans have known for years: Craig Way isn’t just a voice of Texas, he’s the voice of college sports.
Craig Way’s voice has become synonymous with the spirit of Texas athletics. From iconic football wins and last-second basketball buzzer-beaters to volleyball championships and baseball walk-offs, his presence has been a constant companion for Longhorn fans. To many, he is as essential to game day as the burnt orange uniforms or the echoes of “The Eyes of Texas” drifting through Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. His tone, inflection, and timing are woven into the fabric of Texas sports culture. And now, with the national stage finally shining its spotlight on him, the rest of the country is catching up.
ESPN’s panel of judges, which included former athletes, broadcasters, producers, and media executives, unanimously voted Way into the top position following a rigorous evaluation of over 200 nominated announcers. Criteria ranged from vocal clarity and command of the game to emotional storytelling, historical insight, and the ability to create unforgettable moments through sound alone. One judge called Way “a masterclass in consistency, emotion, and professionalism,” while another noted, “He doesn’t just call games—he paints them.”
What truly sets Way apart, according to insiders at ESPN, is his ability to balance encyclopedic knowledge with deeply human insight. His calls transcend mere play-by-play narration. He captures the narrative arc of a game—the tension, the triumph, the heartbreak. Whether it’s a fourth-quarter rally or a seemingly insignificant midweek matchup, Way elevates every moment with equal importance, knowing that for the athletes and fans involved, each play matters.
Way’s most legendary calls have become folklore in Austin. His unforgettable exclamation—“Touchdown, Texas! You can put it in the book!”—has become a generational rally cry. In 2006, during Vince Young’s game-winning drive in the Rose Bowl, Way’s call was simulcast in bars, family rooms, and stadium tailgates across the country. His voice cracked with emotion as Young crossed the goal line, and in that moment, it wasn’t just Texas that won a national title—it was Craig Way who gave it a voice.
Beyond the headset, Way is revered for his humility, work ethic, and commitment to his craft. Those who work with him describe a man who arrives early, prepares obsessively, and never phones it in—even for games far from the national spotlight. Whether he’s broadcasting a nationally televised football showdown or a Tuesday night softball game in the rain, Way brings the same passion and professionalism.
“Craig doesn’t chase fame. He chases accuracy. He chases the truth of the moment,” said a longtime colleague in Texas Athletics. “He respects the game and the athletes enough to give them his best every time. And that’s what makes him the best.”
Interestingly, Way’s path to national prominence has been less about flash and more about foundation. He has served as the voice of the Longhorns since 2001, though his involvement in Texas broadcasting stretches back much further. A native of North Carolina who found his voice in Texas, he quickly built a reputation as a reliable and articulate presence. Over time, his style matured into something truly rare—unbiased but passionate, informed but never overwhelming, emotional but never over-the-top.
Despite covering one of the most high-profile athletic programs in the nation, Way has maintained a rare air of integrity. He celebrates the big wins with unfiltered enthusiasm but never gloats. He acknowledges the losses with grace and fairness. He makes space for athletes’ stories, coaches’ perspectives, and the unpredictable drama of live sports. It’s a balancing act few in the business can manage for long, let alone master for over 30 years.
In an era of media saturation—where podcasts, hot takes, and highlight clips dominate sports coverage—Way represents something enduring. He’s a reminder of the power of the live broadcast, of the storyteller in real time, of the voice that rises and falls with the beat of the game. His is not a performance—it’s a partnership with the audience, a shared journey through the joys and agonies of sport.
Fans across Texas took to social media to express their appreciation for the honor, many sharing personal memories tied to Way’s broadcasts. One user wrote, “Craig Way’s voice was the soundtrack of my childhood. Every big Texas moment, he was there. This award is so overdue.” Another posted, “It’s not just that he’s the best. It’s that he’s ours. And now the world knows it.”
The recognition from ESPN also shines a light on the broader value of collegiate broadcasting, a discipline often overshadowed by the glamor of professional sports media. Way’s award underscores the reality that college sports, with all their pageantry and unpredictability, require a unique voice—one steeped in knowledge, community, and an understanding of tradition. There are no replays, no second takes. It’s raw, it’s real, and Way has been the gold standard.
As part of his recognition, ESPN has announced a documentary segment on Way’s career, slated to air during the College Football Playoff coverage this season. The feature will include behind-the-scenes looks at his game-day process, interviews with coaches and players, and archival footage of his most iconic moments.
University of Texas President Jay Hartzell called the announcement “a point of pride not just for our athletic department, but for the entire UT community.” He added, “Craig Way represents everything that’s right about collegiate athletics: dedication, integrity, and a love for the game. We’re proud to call him a Longhorn.”
Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian echoed that sentiment. “Craig has been there for every high and low, and he does it with a professionalism that uplifts everyone. Our players love hearing his calls. It’s like hearing history being made in real time.”
Way, characteristically humble, responded to the honor in a brief and understated statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to ESPN and the entire Longhorn family,” he said. “This is not something I ever expected. I’ve just tried to do the job the right way, one game at a time.”
He also took a moment to thank his wife, Laurie, and their family. “Broadcasting can be a demanding life, with a lot of travel and late nights. My family has been my greatest support. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me.”
Now firmly in the national spotlight, Craig Way isn’t likely to change. Those close to him say he’s already deep into preparing for Texas’s season opener. For him, the next game is always the most important one. And that’s perhaps the secret to his greatness—not the pursuit of accolades, but the unshakable commitment to excellence in every moment, big or small.
As the curtain rises on another season of college sports, fans across the country—and especially in Texas—can take comfort in knowing that the voice behind the mic remains the same. Craig Way, the newly crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports, will be there, headset on, eyes sharp, heart in it, and voice ready to turn seconds into stories.
And for Longhorn fans, there is perhaps no sweeter sound than the one they’ve heard for decades, echoing through fall Saturdays, winter nights, and spring afternoons:
