Tennessee football being three games into its 2025 season means it’s been three games with new Voice of the Vols Mike Keith calling the matchups over the airwaves. Keith will be the lead play-by-play announcer for both Tennessee football and men’s basketball going forward after starting in the role this fall.
Keith fills the position left by Bob Kesling, who spent 26 years as the lead radio announcer for Tennessee football and men’s basketball. Kesling announced his retirement in November and finalized his career by calling the Vols men’s basketball program playing in a second-straight Elite Eight.
On Tuesday, it was announced that Keith will be honored at his past stop. The NFL’s Tennessee Titans will induct him to the Ring of Honor after spending decades with the franchise on Sunday. At halftime of the game against the Colts, he will be recognized at Nissan Stadium. This is one day following the Vols’ home game against UAB on Saturday afternoon. He will be the 19th member of the team’s Ring of Honor.
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“Few individuals have had as profound an impact on the Tennessee Titans as Mike Keith,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in January. “From the moment we announced our relocation to Tennessee, Mike became more than just a broadcaster; he became the voice that welcomed an entire state to our team. With his passion, professionalism, and unmistakable energy, Mike introduced countless Tennesseans to who we are, starting with those first pre-game moments on Tennessee stations that carried our games.
“Mike’s contributions extend far beyond the booth. With an unparalleled talent that’s earned him 12 Tennessee Sportscaster of the Year awards, he’s brought our stories to life, shaped our identity, and helped build a devoted community of Titans fans from Tennessee to far corners of the globe. He’s traveled across the state in and out of season building connections within our communities, and his unique, personal touch brought each person closer to the team. With immense gratitude, it is my honor to announce that Mike Keith will forever remain the original Voice of the Titans, and will be immediately inducted into the Titans Ring of Honor. His legacy is not just in the accolades but in the hearts of millions who fell in love with this team, thanks to him.”
The 57-year-old Keith has served as the Tennessee Titans’ radio announcer since the franchise moved from Houston to Tennessee in 1997. Ironically, outgoing Tennessee radio color commentator Pat Ryan was Keith’s first radio partner with the Titans. The two were on the call for the iconic Music City Miracle.
The move to UT is a return to his alma mater.
