Jim Hawthorne’s name has long been synonymous with LSU sports, a voice that carried the energy, drama, and traditions of the Tigers to generations of fans who grew up tuning in to hear him. From football Saturdays in Tiger Stadium to basketball nights at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Hawthorne wasn’t just an announcer; he was the connective tissue that brought the action on the field or court to life for those who couldn’t be there in person. Now, years after stepping away from the booth, ESPN has honored him by naming him the greatest play-by-play announcer in college sports history, an accolade that cements his legacy as one of the most iconic voices in broadcasting. The decision not only reflects Hawthorne’s decades of excellence behind the microphone but also underscores how deeply he became embedded into the identity of LSU athletics and the broader college sports culture.
Hawthorne’s career at LSU began in 1979, when he was hired to be the new “Voice of the Tigers.” From the very beginning, his style stood out. He wasn’t flashy or overly dramatic; he simply had a knack for understanding the rhythm of the game and conveying it with clarity and passion. His cadence built suspense at just the right moments, and his booming excitement when the Tigers scored a touchdown, hit a three-pointer, or walked off the baseball field with a victory created memories that fans carried for years. Over time, his calls became intertwined with the very identity of LSU athletics. For fans who lived across Louisiana and beyond, Jim Hawthorne was often their main connection to the Tigers, and his voice felt as much a part of game day as the Golden Band from Tigerland or the roar of the crowd in Death Valley.
Being named the greatest play-by-play announcer in college sports history by ESPN is no small recognition, and it reflects not just Hawthorne’s broadcasting ability but the cultural impact he had on LSU and college sports as a whole. Play-by-play announcers play a special role in the sports world; they are both narrators and historians, tasked with making sense of the action in real time while preserving those moments forever in fans’ memories. In college sports especially, where regional traditions, rivalries, and loyalty run deep, an announcer like Hawthorne does more than call the game—he embodies the spirit of the university. For more than three decades, LSU fans didn’t just hear the Tigers play; they heard them through Jim Hawthorne.
The list of iconic moments Hawthorne brought to life is nearly endless. Whether it was calling LSU’s national championship football victories, the exhilarating games during the Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Jackson basketball eras, or the countless dramatic finishes in Alex Box Stadium during the glory days of LSU baseball, his voice gave those moments permanence. For fans listening on radios across Louisiana and beyond, Hawthorne’s call was often their first and lasting memory of those games. That’s what makes ESPN’s recognition feel so fitting—because greatness in play-by-play is not simply measured by technical ability but by the enduring power of one’s voice to capture the essence of the sport and the school it represents.
One of Hawthorne’s defining qualities was his ability to balance professionalism with relatability. He wasn’t just an announcer who knew the statistics or delivered polished commentary; he felt like a friend talking fans through the game. His energy was authentic, and when the Tigers were winning, you could feel the joy radiating through his words. When they were struggling, his voice reflected the disappointment, but never in a way that overshadowed the players or the game itself. He struck that perfect balance of passion and objectivity, something not every announcer can achieve. It’s part of why fans trusted him, and why even now, years after his retirement in 2016, they still remember his voice so vividly.
ESPN’s decision also highlights how college sports are about more than just wins and losses; they’re about tradition, culture, and community. A professional broadcaster in the NFL or NBA may cover multiple teams or cities throughout their career, but in college sports, announcers often stay tied to a single school for decades. That continuity fosters a sense of belonging and tradition that becomes inseparable from the fan experience. Jim Hawthorne was LSU’s voice during a period when the school’s athletic success reached unprecedented heights, from football national championships under Nick Saban and Les Miles to baseball dynasties under Skip Bertman and Paul Mainieri. His voice was there to usher fans through those high points, and ESPN’s honor recognizes the unique way he helped LSU fans feel like they were part of every moment.
For LSU fans, Hawthorne’s retirement in 2016 was bittersweet. After so many years of hearing his voice, it was difficult to imagine an LSU game without him narrating the action. But what made his career so impactful was not just longevity; it was the way he always gave his best effort, regardless of the sport or the stakes. Whether it was a high-profile SEC football showdown or a midweek baseball game, he approached every broadcast with the same level of care and energy. That consistency is rare, and it’s part of why he’s being remembered not just as LSU’s voice, but as one of the greatest in college sports history.
Hawthorne’s influence went beyond the games themselves. He was also a mentor and example to young broadcasters, showing them that the job was about more than just calling plays—it was about storytelling, respect for the athletes, and serving the fans. His humility was another defining trait. Despite being the voice of one of the most successful athletic programs in the country, he never carried himself with arrogance. He often expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent LSU and its fans, and that humility endeared him to everyone who listened. In an industry where personalities can sometimes overshadow the games themselves, Hawthorne’s dedication to the craft and to his audience stands as a model for future generations.
The recognition from ESPN also allows fans to reflect on the importance of local and regional voices in sports. In an era where national networks dominate coverage and announcers often rotate across different games, the unique bond between a school and its long-time announcer feels increasingly rare. That bond, however, is what made Jim Hawthorne so special. He wasn’t just another broadcaster sent to cover LSU; he was LSU. His roots in the program, his familiarity with its traditions, and his connection to the fanbase made every broadcast feel authentic and personal. When ESPN names him the greatest, they are not only celebrating his career but also acknowledging the irreplaceable role that announcers like him play in the fabric of college athletics.
Even today, when fans replay old highlights, Hawthorne’s calls provide an emotional bridge to those memories. His voice carries the weight of nostalgia, instantly transporting listeners back to the moments when LSU pulled off a dramatic comeback or celebrated a championship. In many ways, he preserved the history of LSU athletics in sound, and that’s something that will live on long after his career.
Jim Hawthorne’s story is one of dedication, passion, and excellence. His recognition by ESPN as the greatest play-by-play announcer in college sports history is not just a personal accolade but a celebration of what makes college sports so special. It’s about the way announcers can shape the fan experience, capture the spirit of a university, and turn fleeting moments into lasting memories. For LSU fans, Hawthorne was far more than a broadcaster; he was the soundtrack of their fandom. For college sports as a whole, his career stands as a reminder of the power of voice, tradition, and authenticity. And now, with this latest honor, his legacy is firmly secured among the greatest to ever hold a microphone in the world of college athletics.
