ESPN STUNNER: Craig Way Named Best College Sports Play-by-Play Announcer, Solidifies His Status as Longhorns Broadcasting Legend

In an announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sports broadcasting world, ESPN has officially named Craig Way the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. With this prestigious honor, Way has cemented his legacy as one of the most electrifying voices in collegiate athletics. Known across the nation for his impassioned delivery, vivid storytelling, and magnetic ability to breathe life into every play, Way’s elevation to the top of the broadcasting hierarchy is both a celebration of his immense talent and a recognition long overdue.

For Longhorns fans, the news comes as no surprise. Craig Way has been the voice behind some of the most unforgettable moments in University of Texas sports history, capturing the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between with clarity and emotion that few can replicate. His ability to weave drama, history, and intensity into his play-by-play calls has made him a household name among college sports fans—not just in Texas, but across the country. From game-winning touchdowns to buzzer-beating threes, from heartbreaking losses to national championships, Way has given voice to the spirit of the Longhorns with unwavering energy and passion.

What makes Craig Way so unique is not just his talent behind the microphone, but his deep understanding of the game and the culture that surrounds it. He’s not simply calling plays—he’s telling stories. Each broadcast is a carefully crafted narrative, a blend of facts, emotion, and authenticity that transports listeners into the heart of the action. His preparation is legendary, his delivery iconic, and his connection with the audience undeniable. It’s not just the Longhorns playing; it’s Craig Way narrating history in real time.

ESPN’s national voting process for the award was fiercely competitive, drawing nominations and support for some of the most recognized voices in college sports. But what set Craig Way apart, according to voters and fans alike, was his consistency, longevity, and the emotional resonance he brings to every game. Way didn’t just win—he dominated. Coast to coast, from casual fans to die-hard sports aficionados, the consensus was clear: no one calls a game quite like Craig Way.

While some broadcasters rely on gimmicks or hyperbole, Way’s strength lies in his authenticity. When he raises his voice in excitement, it’s because the moment deserves it. When he pauses for dramatic effect, it’s perfectly timed. His calls become soundtracks to the memories fans cherish most. Ask any Texas fan where they were when a big play happened, and they’ll likely remember not just the moment, but Craig Way’s call of it. That’s the mark of greatness.

This award from ESPN doesn’t just recognize a single season or a stretch of good work—it honors a career spent elevating the craft of play-by-play broadcasting. Over decades behind the microphone, Way has called football, basketball, baseball, and more for the Longhorns, often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, all while maintaining the highest standard of professionalism and passion. His voice has become synonymous with Longhorn sports, a constant presence amid the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

Beyond the booth, Way has also been a mentor and role model to aspiring broadcasters. His commitment to excellence, his humility, and his willingness to share his knowledge have made him a beloved figure in sports media circles. Many of today’s up-and-coming voices in sports broadcasting cite Craig Way as an influence, both for his skill and for the dignity with which he approaches his work. His recognition by ESPN is not just a personal milestone—it’s a victory for the art of sports broadcasting itself.

The reaction from the Longhorns community has been nothing short of euphoric. Fans, alumni, athletes, and university officials have poured out their congratulations, flooding social media with memories, praise, and heartfelt messages. Many have pointed out that while awards like this are rare, they are most meaningful when they go to someone who truly represents the best of the industry—not just in talent, but in character. Craig Way checks all those boxes and more.

This accolade also shines a national spotlight on the University of Texas, reinforcing the school’s reputation not just for athletic excellence but for excellence in every facet of its athletic program, including media and communication. For a university that takes pride in doing things “the Texas way,” there is no more fitting ambassador than Craig Way—a man who has lived and breathed Longhorn sports for decades, and who now stands atop the mountain of college sports broadcasting.

For Way himself, the honor is deeply humbling. Known for deflecting praise and focusing on the game rather than the spotlight, he responded to the ESPN award with characteristic grace, thanking his colleagues, the university, the fans, and his family. He made it clear that while the recognition is appreciated, the real joy has always come from being part of something bigger—from bringing fans closer to the teams they love, and from telling the stories that matter most.

“I’ve always said it’s a privilege to do what I do,” Way said in a statement following the announcement. “To be entrusted with the task of telling the story of Texas athletics is something I never take for granted. This recognition from ESPN is incredibly special, but the real reward has always been the opportunity to be a part of these moments, alongside the best fans in the country.”

That humility is part of what has endeared Way to so many. While others might chase the limelight, he has always focused on the moment—the snap, the shot, the swing—and on making sure the audience feels what he feels. That authenticity, that raw connection, is what separates the great from the legendary. And with this award, Craig Way has officially joined the ranks of the latter.

It’s rare in sports media for a broadcaster to become as central to the experience as the athletes themselves. But Craig Way has done just that. He’s not just the voice of the Longhorns—he’s the voice of countless memories, of shared experiences, of triumphant Saturdays and unforgettable nights. His words have echoed in stadiums, living rooms, radios, and hearts. And now, with ESPN’s recognition, his voice echoes through history.

As college sports continue to evolve—with shifting conferences, new formats, and the rise of streaming—one thing remains constant: the need for great storytelling. In an era where attention is fleeting and coverage is everywhere, the play-by-play announcer is more important than ever. And no one tells the story better than Craig Way. He doesn’t just narrate the game—he elevates it. He turns plays into poetry and games into chapters of a larger saga. He is, quite simply, the gold standard.

With this award, ESPN has recognized what Texas fans have known for years: that Craig Way is not only the best at what he does, but one of the best to ever do it. In honoring him, they’ve also honored the countless memories he’s helped create—the dramatic touchdowns, the impossible comebacks, the buzzer-beaters, the heartbreaks, the triumphs. Through it all, his voice has been the thread that ties generations of Longhorn fans together.

So here’s to Craig Way—broadcaster, storyteller, legend. The Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. A title earned not just through talent, but through decades of dedication, passion, and excellence. From Austin to every corner of the country, his voice has become a symbol of what makes college sports truly special.

And now, with this honor from ESPN, that voice has officially taken its place among broadcasting royalty.