The Tennessee Volunteers football program has a rich and storied history, not just on the field but in its media presence as well. The Vol Network, Tennessee’s official broadcast and multimedia network, has been integral to bringing Volunteer football to fans for decades. Whether you’re sitting in the stands at Neyland Stadium, tailgating, or listening from your car, the Vol Network has been the trusted voice of Tennessee football. As the 2025 football season approaches, Tennessee fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the new broadcast team, a group of voices that will carry the excitement, drama, and passion of Vols football into homes across the state and beyond.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the new faces and familiar voices that will make up the 2025 Vol Network Football Broadcast Team. From game-day play-by-play to expert analysis, this team will deliver comprehensive coverage of the Vols throughout the 2025 season. We’ll explore the backgrounds of key members of the broadcast team, what fans can expect from their work, and the broader impact of these hires on Tennessee football’s visibility and engagement.
1. The Importance of the Vol Network
Before diving into the specifics of the 2025 broadcast team, it’s essential to understand the importance of the Vol Network in the landscape of college football broadcasting. For decades, the network has been the cornerstone for fans who want to follow Tennessee football through radio, television, and digital platforms. From game broadcasts to post-game analysis and weekly talk shows, the Vol Network serves as the hub of Tennessee football coverage, offering an insider’s view of the team and its players.
Fans of the Vols, whether in Knoxville or across the country, rely on the Vol Network for accurate and timely information. The team behind the microphone plays a critical role in shaping the fan experience. They’re the ones calling the action, providing insight into the game, and offering a sense of connection to the program. As such, choosing the right broadcast team is essential for the network, the university, and its passionate fanbase.
The Vol Network has historically maintained a high standard of excellence, offering broadcasts that are informative, entertaining, and filled with the excitement that only Tennessee football can provide. Now, as the 2025 season nears, fans can look forward to a new chapter in the network’s long legacy.
2. The Play-by-Play Announcer: Bob Kesling’s Legacy and His Successor
For the past several years, Bob Kesling has been the voice of Tennessee football on the Vol Network. His distinctive voice has been a staple for Tennessee fans, calling games from Neyland Stadium and across the country. Kesling, who began his career as the play-by-play announcer for Tennessee in 1999, has developed a deep bond with Vol fans, delivering commentary that captures both the intensity and the tradition of Tennessee football.
As the 2025 season approaches, however, Kesling announced that he would be stepping down from his play-by-play duties after an illustrious career. The Vol Network has handled this transition carefully, selecting a successor who can continue the tradition of excellence and maintain the enthusiasm that Kesling brought to the job.
The new voice of Tennessee football for the 2025 season will be Eric Cain, a rising star in the world of sports broadcasting. Cain has spent several years with the Vol Network, first as a reporter and sideline analyst before making a name for himself as a color commentator for various sports. Cain’s deep knowledge of Tennessee football, coupled with his engaging style, makes him a natural fit to take over play-by-play duties.
Cain has a unique ability to capture the rhythm of the game, creating a seamless experience for listeners. His voice is energetic, clear, and authoritative, ensuring that listeners never miss a moment of action. As the new lead play-by-play announcer, Cain is poised to become the voice that a new generation of Tennessee fans will come to know and love.
**3. Color Analyst: A Familiar Face in Bobby Scott
Tennessee football fans are fortunate to have an array of former players who contribute to the network as analysts. One of the most beloved and respected voices in Tennessee football is Bobby Scott, a former Vols quarterback and one of the program’s all-time greats. Scott’s knowledge of the game, coupled with his firsthand experience as a player for Tennessee, gives him a unique perspective that enriches the broadcast.
As part of the 2025 broadcast team, Bobby Scott will continue in his role as the color analyst, offering insights into the strategy, playcalling, and individual performances that shape each game. Fans can expect Scott to bring a blend of analysis, humor, and passion to his commentary. His deep connection to Tennessee football allows him to provide context that adds depth to the broadcast. Whether breaking down key plays or offering a player’s-eye view of the action, Scott’s voice remains one of the most respected in Vols football coverage.
Scott’s continued role in the broadcast booth further cements his place as a key figure in the Vol Network’s success. As a former SEC champion, his contributions to the broadcast bring authenticity and a touch of nostalgia to every broadcast. Tennessee fans will be eager to hear his perspective on the 2025 season as the team strives for greatness under head coach Josh Heupel.
4. Sideline Reporter: Maryann Jordan’s In-Depth Coverage
Every great broadcast team needs a sideline reporter who can provide in-depth, up-to-the-minute updates from the field. For the 2025 season, that role will be filled by Maryann Jordan, a respected journalist and sports reporter with years of experience in covering college football.
Jordan is known for her ability to report on the emotional and tactical aspects of the game as they unfold in real-time. She has a keen eye for detail and the ability to capture key moments and player reactions that provide valuable context for fans. Whether it’s an injury update, a sideline exchange, or an on-the-spot interview with coaches or players, Jordan’s presence on the sidelines ensures that Vols fans get the most complete and accurate information throughout the game.
Jordan has a background in sports reporting and a familiarity with the inner workings of Tennessee football, making her a perfect fit for the sideline role. Her approachable demeanor and professionalism will make her an invaluable asset to the Vol Network broadcast team in 2025.
5. The Pre-Game and Post-Game Show: Comprehensive Coverage and Fan Engagement
No broadcast team is complete without a pre-game and post-game show that provides comprehensive analysis, interviews, and insight into each matchup. In 2025, fans will continue to enjoy robust coverage with the Vol Network’s pre-game and post-game programming.
At the helm of these shows will be Brian Rice, a familiar voice to Tennessee fans who has been with the Vol Network for years. Rice brings a combination of in-depth knowledge of Tennessee football and an engaging hosting style that keeps fans informed and excited for every game. His experience as a sports anchor and reporter, combined with his deep understanding of the Vols, makes him the perfect fit to lead the pre-game and post-game shows.
The pre-game show will feature analysis of key matchups, player profiles, and exclusive interviews with coaches and players, setting the stage for each game. After the final whistle, the post-game show will break down the game’s major moments, analyzing individual performances and providing fan reactions from across the stadium.
Both shows serve as essential parts of the Vol Network’s broadcast package, allowing fans to engage with the program beyond just the game itself. These shows provide a deeper look at the culture of Tennessee football, the players, and the history of the program, all while keeping fans connected to the action.
6. Digital and Social Media Engagement: Reaching Fans Everywhere
The Vol Network understands that fans today consume content in various ways, and as a result, the network has invested heavily in expanding its digital and social media presence. The 2025 broadcast team will play an important role in this effort, offering fans an immersive experience across multiple platforms, including online streaming, social media channels, and podcasts.
As Tennessee football continues to evolve in the digital age, the Vol Network’s digital team, led by Jacob Hall, will create dynamic content that complements the traditional radio and TV broadcasts. Fans will be able to engage with the team through interactive social media posts, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive interviews with coaches and players. The digital team’s goal is to create a more connected and engaged community of Vols fans, whether they’re attending the game or following from afar.
The integration of digital media into the broadcast experience will allow the 2025 Vol Network team to reach a broader audience and bring the Tennessee football experience to new heights.
