Tennessee Reveals 2025 Vol Network Football Broadcast Team, Ushering in a New Era of Game Day Excellence

The University of Tennessee has long been synonymous with passion, tradition, and pride when it comes to college football. From the iconic checkerboard end zones at Neyland Stadium to the roar of 100,000 fans singing “Rocky Top,” the Volunteers’ game day experience is unlike any other. But it’s not just what happens on the field that defines Tennessee football — it’s also the voices that bring those moments to life. As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2025 season, the Vol Network has officially announced its new football broadcast team, and the lineup promises to deliver excellence, insight, and energy to fans across the state and beyond.

The announcement comes after months of speculation following the retirement of some long-time voices of the program. Tennessee’s athletic department and Vol Network leadership collaborated to find a dynamic mix of experience, familiarity, and fresh perspective to carry the torch. And now, with the 2025 broadcast team set, a new chapter begins for one of the most respected radio networks in college athletics.

Leading the new team is veteran broadcaster Bob Kesling, who will return for his 27th season as the play-by-play voice of the Vols. Known for his polished delivery, steady cadence, and ability to capture the emotion of every play, Kesling is a fixture in Tennessee sports history. His return brings a sense of continuity and professionalism that longtime fans deeply appreciate. Kesling’s voice is synonymous with big moments — from walk-off wins to iconic SEC matchups — and his continued presence ensures that tradition remains intact.

Joining Kesling in the booth will be a new but familiar face: former Vols standout linebacker Al Wilson. The All-American and College Football Hall of Fame inductee brings not only his legendary playing career but also his deep knowledge of the game and passion for the program. Wilson’s addition to the booth is widely seen as a home-run move by the network. His ability to translate complex defensive schemes into digestible insight for listeners, combined with his natural charisma, will offer a fresh and compelling angle to each broadcast.

This decision to bring in a beloved former player like Wilson is emblematic of the Vol Network’s strategy: blending heritage with innovation. Wilson understands the culture of Tennessee football not just from the press box but from inside the huddle. His stories, analysis, and emotional connection to the program promise to elevate each game day broadcast into an immersive experience for fans.

Rounding out the broadcast team on the sidelines is Kasey Funderburg, who continues her rapid ascent within the Tennessee athletics media sphere. Funderburg will serve as the sideline reporter, offering real-time updates, injury reports, and interviews throughout each game. Her engaging on-camera presence and insightful reporting have made her a favorite among fans, and her expanded role on the Vol Network confirms her status as a rising star in sports media.

The network has also announced that its popular pregame and postgame shows will continue, with long-time host Brent Hubbs taking on expanded duties. Hubbs, the founder of VolQuest and one of the most respected voices in Tennessee sports coverage, will anchor extended analysis before and after each contest. His ability to connect with both casual listeners and hardcore fans ensures that coverage will be thorough, thoughtful, and deeply informed.

Another key figure in the network’s programming is VFL Jayson Swain, who will continue to co-host the “Big Orange Game Day” pregame show alongside Hubbs. Swain’s blend of humor, player insight, and engaging storytelling makes him a valuable asset. Together, Swain and Hubbs provide fans with a perfect balance of X’s and O’s, historical perspective, and locker room-level understanding of what it takes to succeed in the SEC.

What sets the 2025 Vol Network team apart isn’t just their individual résumés — it’s the chemistry they bring as a group. The new lineup is built to create a fluid, dynamic broadcast that caters to all types of fans. Whether you’re tuning in from your car on the way to a tailgate, streaming the game from across the country, or sitting in the stands with a headset on, the broadcast will deliver a complete, emotionally resonant experience.

This revamped team also reflects Tennessee’s broader commitment to excellence under head coach Josh Heupel. As the Vols continue their upward trajectory on the field, having a first-class media presentation is essential. It’s about more than calling plays — it’s about telling the story of Tennessee football in a way that builds excitement, pride, and connection for fans of all generations.

Vol Network President Steve Early emphasized the importance of this new era during the announcement, saying, “Tennessee football is bigger than a game — it’s a tradition that spans decades and brings communities together. Our new broadcast team honors that tradition while injecting new energy, perspective, and passion into every game.”

The team will make its debut during Tennessee’s spring game, offering fans a first glimpse at their chemistry and style. Early reports from closed rehearsals suggest that the transition has been seamless, with Wilson quickly adapting to his role and developing strong rapport with Kesling and Funderburg. Their blend of experience, insight, and emotional investment is already setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark year in the booth.

In addition to traditional radio broadcasts, the Vol Network is also expanding its digital offerings. Each game will be available via online streaming platforms and the official Tennessee Athletics app, giving fans more flexibility in how they tune in. Behind-the-scenes segments, exclusive interviews, and highlight packages will also be made available weekly to enhance the listener experience.

The response from the Tennessee fan base has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up after the announcement, with fans praising the decision to bring Wilson into the booth and expressing excitement about the direction of the broadcast. “Hearing Al Wilson break down a defense is going to be a game-changer,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “This team is the perfect blend of heart, knowledge, and tradition. Can’t wait for kickoff.”

For those who have followed the Vols through the ups and downs of the past few decades, the broadcast is more than background noise — it’s part of the emotional fabric of Tennessee football. The call of a touchdown, the analysis after a key turnover, the sideline reaction after a fourth-down stop — these moments live on in memory, and they’re shaped by the voices who deliver them.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Vol Network’s newly announced football broadcast team offers more than just play-by-play and commentary. It offers connection. It honors tradition. And most importantly, it sets the stage for what could be one of the most thrilling seasons in Tennessee football history. With Kesling’s steady hand, Wilson’s infectious energy, Funderburg’s dynamic reporting, and a host of supporting personalities, fans are in for a broadcast experience worthy of the passion that defines Rocky Top.