After leading the CBS broadcasts of SEC football games for over a decade, iconic broadcaster Verne Lundquist is set to retire at the end of this season.

The decision was made prior to the start of the 2016 college football year. Filling in for Lundquist will be Brad Nessler — who left ESPN earlier in the year for this assignment.

The Nov. 5 game between Florida and Arkansas will mark the debut for Nessler on CBS calling SEC games:

Like Lundquist, Nessler has been a veteran broadcaster for multiple sports — including NFL, Golf, College Basketball, and NBA. He worked a two-year stint for CBS (1990-91) before transitioning to ABC Sports.

Nessler is supremely excited about the new challenge. He was also very complimentary of the friend he’s replacing (as told to Gridiron Now):

“I’m totally excited. I couldn’t get excited for a while. I didn’t want to say anything because Verne and I are friends. But the first thing you have to know is you don’t replace Verne Lundquist. I am honored that when he’s ready to go, I get to sit in his chair.”

Per The Washington Post, Lundquist echoed similar sentiments about his fellow broadcast journalist:

“In 2017, I’ll happily step aside from college football and welcome Brad to the booth. I’ve known Brad for more than 30 years and have always admired his work ethic and his on-air presence. He shares the same passion for college football that I do. The SEC ON CBS is in great hands. Brad and Gary (Danielson) will form a great partnership in the years ahead.”