In a significant development for Tennessee Volunteers fans, the Vol Network has announced the return of Mike Keith as the new “Voice of the Vols,” beginning with the 2025 football season. This appointment marks a homecoming for Keith, who previously worked with the Vol Network from 1987 to 1998 before becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Tennessee Titans. His return is met with widespread enthusiasm, as he is set to bring his extensive experience and dynamic broadcasting style back to the University of Tennessee’s athletic programs.
Mike Keith’s broadcasting career is deeply rooted in Tennessee. Born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin, Keith’s connection to the Volunteers began during his time as a student at the University of Tennessee. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the sports director at WUTK and was soon hired by the legendary John Ward at the Vol Network. During his initial tenure, Keith served in various capacities, including as the “Voice of the Baseball Vols” from 1992 to 1998. His early work laid the foundation for a distinguished career in sports broadcasting
In 1999, Keith transitioned to the NFL, becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Tennessee Titans. His tenure with the Titans was marked by memorable moments, most notably his call of the “Music City Miracle,” a last-second touchdown that secured a playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills in January 2000. This call was later recognized by ESPN as one of the 10 Best Radio Calls in American Sports History. Over his 26 years with the Titans, Keith earned numerous accolades, including being named Tennessee’s Sportscaster of the Year 12 times and induction into multiple halls of fame, such as the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
The decision to bring Keith back to the Vol Network was driven by a desire to leverage his exceptional skills and deep ties to the university. Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White emphasized that Keith was the top choice for the position, stating, “When we discussed potential candidates, one name topped our list without question: bringing Mike and his family back to Rocky Top.” This sentiment reflects the high regard in which Keith is held within the Tennessee athletics community.
Keith’s role as the “Voice of the Vols” will encompass play-by-play duties for both football and men’s basketball games. Additionally, he will be involved in various new programming initiatives aimed at enhancing fan engagement and expanding the reach of Tennessee Athletics. His return is seen as a strategic move to elevate the Vol Network’s broadcasting quality and to connect with fans through innovative content.
The announcement of Keith’s return has been met with widespread approval from fans and players alike. Notable figures such as football star Nico Iamaleava and basketball standout Zakai Zeigler have expressed their excitement over the appointment, highlighting the positive impact Keith’s presence is expected to have on the university’s athletic programs. Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the news, sharing clips of Keith’s memorable calls and expressing enthusiasm for his return to Knoxville.
Keith himself has expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the University of Tennessee. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the Titans but emphasized that the opportunity to return to the Vol Network was compelling. He praised the professionalism and quality of the university’s staff and expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success. His statement, “It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025,” encapsulates his excitement for the new role.
The transition comes as Bob Kesling, the previous “Voice of the Vols,” announced his retirement following the conclusion of the college basketball season. Kesling served in the role for 25 years, providing fans with countless memorable moments. His departure opened the door for Keith’s return, a move that many see as a continuation of the Vol Network’s tradition of excellence in broadcasting.
As the 2025 football season approaches, anticipation is building for Keith’s debut in his renewed role. Fans are eager to hear his distinctive calls resonate through Neyland Stadium once again. The Vol Network’s decision to bring back a familiar and respected voice reflects a commitment to enhancing the fan experience and honoring the rich history of Tennessee athletics.
In addition to his broadcasting duties, Keith is expected to collaborate closely with the VFL Films content team, contributing to the creation of engaging multimedia content that showcases the university’s athletic programs. This collaboration aims to provide fans with behind-the-scenes insights and highlight the stories of student-athletes, further strengthening the connection between the teams and their supporters.
Keith’s return also signifies a broader effort by the University of Tennessee to invest in its athletic programs and media presence. By bringing in a broadcaster of Keith’s caliber, the university is demonstrating its commitment to providing top-tier coverage of its sports teams and enhancing the overall fan experience. This move is expected to have a positive impact on recruiting, as prospective student-athletes recognize the value of being part of a program that receives such high-quality media attention.
The Vol Network, one of the largest collegiate radio networks in the country, is poised to benefit significantly from Keith’s return. His experience and reputation are likely to attract a broader audience, both regionally and nationally. This increased visibility can lead to greater opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships, further strengthening the university’s athletic programs.
As the new season approaches, the excitement surrounding Keith’s return continues to build. Fans are looking forward to experiencing his dynamic commentary and insightful analysis during games. The anticipation is not just about nostalgia; it’s about the promise of a new era in Tennessee sports broadcasting, one that honors the past while embracing the future.
the return of Mike Keith as the “Voice of the Vols” represents a significant and positive development for the University of Tennessee’s athletic programs. His extensive experience, deep connection to the university, and dynamic broadcasting style make him an ideal choice to lead the Vol Network into a new era. Fans, players, and university officials alike are enthusiastic about what the future holds with Keith back in the booth, ready to narrate the next