“Breaking: ESPN Names Legendary Former ‘Voice of the LSU Tigers’ Jim Hawthorne as Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports”
The news coming out of Baton Rouge has sent waves of joy, nostalgia, and pride through the LSU community as ESPN has officially named Jim Hawthorne, the beloved former “Voice of the LSU Tigers,” as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in college sports. For generations of Tigers fans, Hawthorne’s voice was more than just commentary—it was the soundtrack to decades of athletic triumphs, heart-pounding moments, and unforgettable LSU memories. From Tiger Stadium on Saturday nights to the electric atmosphere of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, his calls brought games to life for fans near and far, painting vivid pictures with his words that captured the passion and pageantry of LSU athletics. This honor from ESPN is more than a recognition of professional excellence; it’s an acknowledgment of a man whose work became part of the cultural fabric of Louisiana sports.
Jim Hawthorne’s tenure with LSU spanned over 30 years, during which he became an irreplaceable presence in the lives of fans. His warm, familiar tone and unmatched ability to convey both the technical and emotional aspects of a game made him a trusted companion for Tigers supporters. Whether it was a football game against Alabama, a tense SEC basketball showdown, or a College World Series baseball matchup, Hawthorne had a gift for making every moment feel bigger, more meaningful, and more connected to the proud tradition of LSU athletics. In an era when fans often feel like just observers, he made them participants, drawing them in with his excitement and giving them a front-row seat no matter where they were listening from. His voice carried the weight of LSU pride, and his words often became as memorable as the plays themselves.
The announcement from ESPN comes as a heartwarming reminder of the legacy Hawthorne built over decades. Play-by-play announcing is an art form, requiring precision, quick thinking, and the ability to deliver clarity in moments of chaos. It’s also a job that demands deep knowledge of the sport, the teams, and the culture surrounding them. Hawthorne excelled in all these areas, but what truly set him apart was his emotional connection to LSU. He was never just reading the game—he was living it alongside the fans and the players. His calls captured the highs of last-second victories, the heartbreak of narrow defeats, and the stories that unfolded in between. That combination of skill and authenticity is rare, and it’s what made his voice timeless for so many people.
For LSU fans, hearing Hawthorne’s name in this context brings back a flood of cherished memories. Some will think back to the unforgettable night games in Death Valley, when his voice rose with the roar of the crowd after a crucial touchdown. Others will recall the tense moments in March Madness, where his play-by-play kept fans on the edge of their seats. Still others will remember the spring afternoons of LSU baseball, when his narration made every pitch feel like it was loaded with possibility. Through it all, he had a knack for knowing when to let the moment breathe, allowing the sound of the crowd and the energy of the game to speak for itself.
Colleagues in the sports broadcasting industry have long admired Hawthorne’s work. He had the ability to balance professionalism with personality, delivering sharp, accurate descriptions without sacrificing the human element that made his broadcasts so engaging. ESPN’s recognition not only celebrates his impact on LSU but also places him in the broader context of college sports history. To be named the best in a field that has seen countless talented voices is no small feat, and it underscores the respect Hawthorne commands from peers, fans, and players alike. This is a career-crowning moment, even though his legacy was secure long before this award.
It’s also worth noting the emotional connection Hawthorne fostered over the years. For many in Louisiana, LSU sports are a source of identity, pride, and community. In that sense, Hawthorne was not just a broadcaster—he was a unifying figure. His voice was the constant through seasons of change, coaching transitions, and the ebb and flow of success and rebuilding. In good times and bad, he was there to tell the story, offering both enthusiasm in victory and grace in defeat. Fans often say that certain voices become part of the soundtrack of their lives, and for LSU faithful, Hawthorne was exactly that. He narrated moments that are now etched into personal and collective memory, making his work feel both intimate and epic.
The recognition from ESPN also speaks to the enduring value of radio broadcasting in an era dominated by television and streaming. While TV offers visuals, radio demands an artistry that can transport listeners into the middle of the action without a single image. Hawthorne mastered that art. He knew how to create a mental picture so vivid that listeners felt as though they were in the stands, smelling the popcorn, hearing the band, and feeling the tension of a crucial play. His attention to detail and ability to weave in context gave depth to every game, transforming even routine plays into moments of significance. That’s a skill that not every broadcaster possesses, and it’s a large part of why his work stands the test of time.
Hawthorne’s journey to becoming the voice of LSU is itself a testament to dedication and passion. Long before the ESPN award, he had already earned the admiration of fans and respect within the industry. His approach to the job was rooted in preparation, deep knowledge of the teams, and an understanding of the emotional stakes of each contest. He never treated a broadcast as just another day at work—it was an opportunity to connect, inspire, and reflect the spirit of LSU athletics. That mindset resonated with listeners, who could sense the care and pride he put into every call.
Over the years, there were countless signature moments in his career. Fans can still recall his calls of legendary plays—whether it was a long touchdown run that turned the tide of a football game, a buzzer-beater in basketball that sent the Tigers to victory, or a walk-off hit in baseball that sealed a championship. These moments are replayed not just because of the plays themselves, but because Hawthorne’s narration elevated them. His ability to match the emotional tone of the moment without overshadowing it was a hallmark of his style. When LSU achieved greatness, his voice was there to capture it in a way that would be remembered forever.
Even after his retirement, Hawthorne’s influence continues to be felt. The broadcasters who have followed in his footsteps often speak about the standard he set. He was not only a model of professionalism but also a mentor figure who understood the responsibility that comes with being the voice of a beloved program. His name is synonymous with LSU sports broadcasting, and this latest honor from ESPN ensures that his contributions will be remembered on a national scale as well as within the LSU community.
The reaction from fans since the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to share their favorite calls and memories. For some, this award feels like overdue recognition for a man whose work defined an era. For others, it’s simply a joyful reminder of the bond they shared with LSU athletics through his broadcasts. The common thread in all these reactions is gratitude—gratitude for the countless hours he spent behind the microphone, for the way he made each listener feel like part of the LSU family, and for the legacy he leaves behind.
In a sports world that is often focused on numbers, statistics, and outcomes, it’s refreshing to see the human side of the game celebrated. Jim Hawthorne’s career is proof that a great broadcaster does more than report the facts—they bring the heart, history, and humanity of the sport to the forefront. His ESPN recognition is not just a nod to technical excellence but to the connection he forged with millions over the years. In honoring him, ESPN has also honored the role that storytelling plays in making sports meaningful.
For LSU fans, this moment is a chance to reflect on the many Saturdays, weeknights, and summer days spent listening to Hawthorne’s calls. It’s a reminder of how one person’s dedication and talent can enhance the experience of being a fan. It’s also a celebration of the idea that some voices, like some traditions, never fade—they become part of the identity of a community. The Best Play-by-Play Announcer in college sports isn’t just a title; for Jim Hawthorne, it’s a reflection of decades spent giving his all to the teams, the fans, and the spirit of LSU.
As the news continues to spread, it’s likely that the celebrations will extend far beyond Baton Rouge. Former players, coaches, and colleagues will share their own stories of working with Hawthorne, adding to the rich tapestry of his career. His journey stands as a reminder that the magic of sports is not only in the competition itself but in the voices that bring it to life for those who can’t be there in person. And for over 30 years, no one did that better for LSU than Jim Hawthorne.
In the end, this recognition by ESPN serves as both a capstone to a remarkable career and a reaffirmation of the values that made Hawthorne beloved: passion, precision, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to his audience. Generations of LSU fans grew up with his voice guiding them through the highs and lows of their teams’ journeys. Now, with this honor, his place among the legends of sports broadcasting is undeniable. The “Voice of the LSU Tigers” may have stepped away from the microphone, but thanks to the moments he gave us—and the love he poured into every call—his voice will echo in the hearts of fans forever.
