CBS Sports just announced that longtime college football analyst Gary Danielson will retire following the 2025 football season, marking the end of a broadcasting career spanning 36 years.
Danielson, who has been the lead college football analyst for CBS since 2006, expressed gratitude for his time in the booth.
“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it,” Danielson said in a statement. “I have discussed the timing of this moment with CBS Sports leadership over the past few years and we felt it was important I remained with the team during our transition to the Big Ten.
“As we enter our second full season of Big Ten football and my 20th at CBS Sports, the timing just feels right. I have so much respect for Charles Davis as both a person and an analyst.
“He is going to shine in this role and fit so well with this team. I have been blessed to work with incredible teammates throughout my career and I look forward to one more memorable season with Brad, Jenny, Craig Silver, Steve Milton and the crew.”
As Danielson pointed out, his replacement will be the well-respected Charles Davis.
Davis will step into the role beginning in 2026, pairing with play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Jenny Dell as CBS continues to broadcast Big Ten football.
CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson emphasized Davis’ extensive background and reputation in the industry.
“For the past two decades, Charles has been among the best analysts across the NFL and college football,” Berson said.
“He’s well known to fans, from calling college football national championships to NFL playoff games to the voice of ‘Madden NFL.’ We’re thrilled Charles will be returning to his roots — college football — and calling our top Big Ten game each week.”
Before joining CBS, Danielson worked at ESPN and ABC Sports, covering both college and professional football.
He teamed with Verne Lundquist on CBS’s signature “SEC on CBS” broadcasts for nearly two decades before Brad Nessler replaced Lundquist in 2017.
Danielson will retire as the longest-tenured in-game college football analyst in television history, closing out a career that has made him one of the sport’s most recognizable voices.
While it’s no secret that Danielson wasn’t loved by all, even his harshest critics have to admit that he’s had one hell of a career.
What are your thoughts on his decision to retire after the upcoming season? … Are you happy with Davis as his replacement???
