Ranking best commentators and analysts for SEC football
We know you can’t wait to start watching college football again. But are you ready to hear people talk about the sport again? We’re pretty confident that answer is yes.
Just like the SEC has no shortage of coaches and players who are interesting personalities in college football, there is a unique group of gabbers who cover the conference.
We’ve ranked the SEC’s top 10 commentators and media figures based on their entertainment value.
10. Dari Nowkhah
The SEC Network’s head anchor since it initially went on the air two years ago, Nowkhah knows his stuff, has a likable personality and is a pro. Versatility is one of his strengths as the Oklahoma grad has hosted shows such as “SEC Now” and has been featured on the network’s football, basketball and baseball programming.
9. Brad Nessler
ESPN’s loss stands to be CBS’ gain with Nessler, who will replace Verne Lundquist and team up with Gary Danielson and Allie LaForce for the 2017 season now that his contract with “The Worldwide Leader” has expired. Like ESPN’s Joe Tessitore, Nessler has a smooth and powerful voice, and he’s handled multiple sports, but his strong suit seems to be college football.
Nessler never seems to have an agenda when he’s on the air, but that doesn’t mean what he has to say isn’t interesting. He comes across as a pro, and the veteran knows when to play it straight and when to yuk it up a bit.
Danielson and his next partner used to work together for ESPN, which was Nessler’s home for the last 24 years. You’ll be able to catch Nessler this season on those Saturdays when CBS airs an SEC doubleheader.
8. Joe Tessitore
The first thing that jumps out about Tessitore is his voice. It is usually crisp, clear and very strong.
The second thing is how well he adjusts from serving as host of ESPN’s “College Football Live” to doing play-by-play, which he did for Thursday night games last season while also hosting “SEC Nation” and “College Football Final.”
This season, Tessitore is moving to Saturday night games to work with Todd Blackledge. It should be a smooth transition for Tessitore, who gets a good partner in the former Penn State and NFL quarterback.
7. Tim Brando
The longtime voice of “The SEC on CBS,” Brando has spent the last two seasons with Fox Sports, where he has been reunited with broadcasting cohort Spencer Tillman. You might not always agree with his opinions, but there’s no denying his vast knowledge of the sport and the SEC in particular.
Like Tessitore, Brando is also adaptable, which he proved by serving as the desk anchor for CBS’ “College Football Today” shows along with doing play-by-play for the network. If you like a voice whose assessments are typically blunt, Brando is the guy for you.
That bluntness can work to his detriment at times, but his unabashed commentary is usually a breath of fresh air. Brando is also strong at calling college basketball games, too.
6. Gary Danielson
You can’t be a color commentator without being critical sometimes, right? Danielson, who is entering his 11th year as Lundquist’s on-air partner, isn’t afraid to give his insights or opinions.
His approach may rub some SEC fan bases the wrong way, but he refuses to apologize for it. It will be interesting to hear how his last season with Lundquist will sound.
5. Brent Musburger
It’s too bad that the SEC Network’s lead play-by-play man will probably be most remembered for fawning over Katherine Webb during the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, but that awkward moment doesn’t seem to have hurt the 77-year-old, whose middle name – believe it or not – is Woody. We can’t make this stuff up.
You might be tired of his “You are looking live from …” signature opening. You also might not be a fan of his Vegas undertones when he refers to how high or low scoring a game could possibly be that he happens to be broadcasting.
But when I think of Musburger, I harken back to the days when he and Keith Jackson were ABC’s voices of college football. I miss Jackson, and I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only person who’ll miss Musburger when he finally decides to hang it up.
4. Clay Travis
Regardless of how you feel about Travis, you can’t deny the impact he has made in the sport. An analyst for Fox Sports 1’s weekly SEC football show, Travis has no shortage of opinions and detractors, but a lot of people still turn to his website, Outkick the Coverage, to get their college football news.
Travis can definitely get under some SEC fans’ skin, but he’s made himself into a million-dollar brand in a fairly short time. The 37-year-old is the youngest personality on this list.
3. Tony Barnhart
No one deserves the nickname of “Mr. College Football” more than the Georgia alum. First as a reporter and then as an author, broadcaster and analyst, Barnhart has been the eyes and ears of SEC football for decades.
His knowledge of the sport and the conference is second to none. And he’s always been a professional while wearing his many hats.
2. Verne Lundquist
In his 53rd year of broadcasting, including his 16th season as CBS’ lead play-by-play man, Lundquist has definitely earned his spot on this list. His call of Chris Davis’ Kick-Six return in the 2013 Iron Bowl is one of his many memorable moments.
“Uncle Verne” would probably be the first to admit he’s not as sharp as he used to be. But no one can deny how good he has been over his long and illustrious career.
1. Paul Finebaum
We understand that Finebaum isn’t every SEC fan’s cup of tea, but you can’t deny the fact that the man is a lightning rod. If not for the SEC Network’s simulcast of Finebaum’s radio program, where else would you be able to hear calls from the overly enthusiastic but always entertaining Phyllis from Mulga along with those from more rational SEC football fans?
Finebaum can come off as crusty at times, but that crustiness has become part of his shtick. Plus, you have to respect his fearlessness when it comes to confronting Nick Saban about some of his players’ off-the-field transgressions or when he takes on Hugh Freeze regarding Ole Miss’ recent recruiting issues.