ESPN SHOCKER: Legendary OU Voice Toby Rowland Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
In one of the most stunning—and well-deserved—moments in recent college sports media history, ESPN has officially named Toby Rowland, the long-time voice of the Oklahoma Sooners, as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. The decision, announced during ESPN’s annual College Sports Broadcasting Honors ceremony, has sent shockwaves across the sports world, not only surprising many in the industry but thrilling legions of Oklahoma fans who’ve long recognized Rowland’s brilliance behind the mic.
For Rowland, this honor is more than a professional milestone—it’s a moment that cements his place among the pantheon of great American sports broadcasters. Known for his signature energy, captivating voice, and soul-stirring passion for the game, Rowland has spent years painting vivid pictures of unforgettable moments on the field, court, and diamond. His voice is not only synonymous with the University of Oklahoma athletics, it is part of the heartbeat of college sports itself.
From nail-biting football finishes under the lights in Norman, to buzzer-beating three-pointers during March Madness, and everything in between, Rowland’s calls have defined and elevated the experiences of countless OU fans. Now, with this unprecedented national recognition, the rest of the country is formally acknowledging what many in the Sooner Nation have known for years: Toby Rowland is the gold standard.
The award, which was voted on by a mix of ESPN executives, college athletics media professionals, coaches, players, and fans, saw Rowland emerge as the runaway favorite. His combination of technical excellence, emotional depth, and intuitive storytelling set him apart in a field that included elite voices from across the NCAA landscape.
“It’s more than just the words,” said one ESPN panelist. “Toby Rowland makes you feel something. Whether you’re in the stands, listening on the radio, or catching a highlight reel at 1 a.m., his voice reaches you. He doesn’t just call the game—he lives it with you.”
When asked about the honor, Rowland was characteristically humble. Speaking from his home in Norman, where he’s lived for over two decades, he admitted he was overwhelmed by the recognition.
“This is not something I ever expected,” he said. “To even be mentioned in the same breath as some of the great broadcasters in college sports—it’s incredibly humbling. I’ve always seen my role as being the voice of the fans. I’m there to tell the story, to bring people along for the ride, and to do justice to these incredible athletes and coaches who put it all on the line every day.”
That sense of purpose is exactly what has endeared Rowland to so many. His broadcasts aren’t just accurate—they’re intimate. His voice rises and falls not just with the momentum of the game, but with the collective heartbeat of a passionate fan base.
Ask any longtime OU fan where they were when Baker Mayfield planted the flag in Columbus, or when Kyler Murray turned a broken play into a 60-yard touchdown dash, or when Jocelyn Alo smashed her record-breaking home run, and they’ll probably also remember what Rowland said—or how he said it. His calls have become part of the fabric of OU athletics, woven into the very memory of its biggest moments.
Born and raised in Mustang, Oklahoma, Rowland’s connection to the state runs deep. Before taking the reins as the voice of the Sooners in 2011, he was a successful television anchor and sports reporter in Oklahoma City. But it was his move to radio, and specifically to Sooner Sports, that allowed his talents to truly shine.
Since taking over for the legendary Bob Barry Sr., Rowland has embraced the weight of the role with both reverence and innovation. He brought a fresh energy to the booth while preserving the tradition that OU fans cherish. Over the years, he’s covered countless football games, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball, often juggling multiple sports during overlapping seasons. His work ethic is relentless, his preparation exhaustive, and his enthusiasm—unmatched.
Teaming up with color analysts like Teddy Lehman in football and Kevin Henry in basketball, Rowland has built a rapport that’s both entertaining and insightful. Whether it’s providing strategic breakdowns or injecting humor into a blowout win, his broadcasts are always engaging, always authentic.
“Toby doesn’t just describe the game—he brings it to life,” said Lehman. “When you’re on the road, in a hostile stadium, or stuck in traffic listening on the radio, he makes you feel like you’re right there on the sideline.”
That ability to transport listeners, to make them feel the emotion and urgency of every play, is what separates great broadcasters from the merely good ones. And Rowland is, unquestionably, one of the greats.
Over the past decade, he’s collected regional awards, built a massive following on social media, and even authored books celebrating OU athletics. But until now, national recognition had largely eluded him—not because of a lack of talent, but perhaps because of the fiercely regional nature of college sports broadcasting.
That all changed this year. ESPN’s selection of Rowland as the top play-by-play announcer in college sports is a loud and clear declaration: Toby Rowland’s voice isn’t just the sound of Oklahoma—it’s the sound of college athletics at its very best.
Social media erupted within moments of the announcement. Fans from Oklahoma and beyond flooded platforms with congratulatory messages, many sharing their favorite Rowland calls over the years. Clips of his now-famous “You can unhitch the wagon!” after a big Sooners football win, and his jubilant exclamations following Patty Gasso’s softball dynasty moments, trended nationwide.
OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione released a statement shortly after the news, calling Rowland “one of the most important and beloved figures in the OU athletics family.”
“There is no one more deserving of this recognition than Toby,” Castiglione wrote. “His commitment, passion, and unmatched talent have elevated our programs and brought joy to countless fans. We are so proud to call him our own.”
Even current and former athletes joined the chorus of praise. Baker Mayfield, now an NFL quarterback, tweeted, “Nobody tells our story like @TRowOU. Legend. Congrats, my man.”
Jocelyn Alo, the greatest slugger in NCAA softball history, added, “Goosebumps every time I hear his calls. Toby Rowland is the GOAT!”
With this award, Rowland joins an elite group of broadcasters who have not only called the game but shaped its narrative. ESPN insiders hinted that this recognition may open the door for more national opportunities, including potential coverage of major bowl games or NCAA Tournament broadcasts. Still, Rowland made it clear he has no plans to leave Oklahoma anytime soon.
“This is home,” he said. “This is where my heart is. As long as they’ll have me, I’ll be here—calling the games, telling the stories, and doing my best to bring Sooner Nation along for the ride.”
And what a ride it’s been.
From the packed stands of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to the electric buzz of Lloyd Noble Center and the roaring crowds at Marita Hynes Field, Toby Rowland has been the thread tying generations of Sooner fans together. His voice has comforted, thrilled, and inspired. With every touchdown, every buzzer-beater, and every walk-off hit, he’s been there—not just narrating the game, but giving it meaning.
Now, with ESPN’s highest honor, his name takes its rightful place among the giants of sports broadcasting. It’s an achievement that not only recognizes past excellence but promises even more brilliance in the years ahead.
As the spotlight shines a little brighter on Toby Rowland today, fans across the country are tipping their caps, raising their radios, and tuning in—eager to hear what story he’ll tell next.
Because when it comes to college sports, no one tells it better than T-Row.