Mike Keith, the new radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, has long held a dream of stepping into the role that many fans consider an iconic position within the state’s college sports scene. As the voice of the Vols, Keith now has the responsibility of conveying the pulse of one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, a position that was once held by legendary broadcasters and will undoubtedly shape his career and his legacy. This opportunity, one that Keith has dreamed of for years, not only represents a personal milestone but also ties his name to the rich tradition and history of Tennessee Volunteers athletics.
The Dream: A Lifelong Aspiration
Mike Keith’s journey to becoming the radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers didn’t happen overnight. For Keith, the dream began early, long before he would ever don the headset to call games for the team he grew up loving. Born and raised in Tennessee, Keith was a fan of the Volunteers from an early age. As a young boy, he would listen to broadcasts of Tennessee football games with his family, absorbing the passion, excitement, and drama that only college football could bring. The radio voices of legendary broadcasters like John Ward, who called Tennessee games for decades, became etched in Keith’s mind as examples of what a broadcaster could achieve: becoming the voice of a state, connecting with fans, and capturing the emotions of every game.
Keith’s passion for sports and broadcasting blossomed during his youth. He was drawn to the art of storytelling, the ability to describe a moment in a way that made listeners feel as though they were part of the action. He saw firsthand how the right voice could elevate a game, turning it from a mere contest to an experience that fans could treasure for years to come. In Tennessee, sports radio has long held a place of importance in the community. The Volunteers, with their storied history, loyal fan base, and high-profile games, have always been at the heart of this community.
Growing up in the region, Keith’s connection to Tennessee athletics was deep and personal. His desire to contribute to the tradition was rooted in his love for the game and his respect for the program. Keith recognized that being the voice of the Volunteers would mean more than just calling the plays; it would mean becoming a trusted figure who would accompany fans through the highs and lows of every season. This was the kind of opportunity that Keith had dreamed about, the kind of role that could shape his career and his life.
The Path to the Booth
Mike Keith’s professional career in sports broadcasting began long before he was given the keys to the Tennessee Volunteers’ radio booth. Like many broadcasters, his journey was not linear, nor was it without its challenges. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Keith started his career at a local radio station in Nashville, gaining experience and building his reputation as a talented play-by-play announcer. He worked in a variety of roles and for several teams across the state, calling everything from high school games to professional sports.
Keith’s break into the big leagues came when he was hired as the play-by-play announcer for the Tennessee Titans in 1999. This position allowed him to call games for an NFL team in his home state, giving him a high-profile platform to showcase his skills. Keith became the voice of the Titans, and his distinctive style and deep knowledge of the game helped him build a loyal following. Over the years, Keith became a beloved figure among Titans fans, with his calm, insightful, and emotionally charged calls of pivotal moments on the field.
While calling NFL games for the Titans was an incredible achievement in itself, the pull of college football and the Volunteers never waned for Keith. He continued to harbor the dream of one day being the voice of Tennessee’s flagship sports program. That opportunity finally came in 2025 when Keith was officially named the new radio voice of the Volunteers, succeeding Bob Kesling, who had served as the team’s radio announcer for many years. It was a transition that brought excitement and anticipation from fans who had followed Keith’s career in Nashville and were eager to hear him bring his talents to the college football landscape.
For Keith, this new role represented a culmination of everything he had worked for throughout his career. It was the opportunity to bring his knowledge, experience, and love of Tennessee athletics to a broader audience. Calling the games of the Volunteers was not just a professional achievement; it was a personal victory for a man who had spent his life dreaming of the chance to connect with Tennessee’s passionate fan base and provide the soundtrack to some of their most memorable moments.
The Legacy of the Radio Voice
The role of the radio voice for a college football program like the Tennessee Volunteers comes with immense responsibility. In many ways, the broadcaster becomes an extension of the team itself. The fans come to rely on the announcer not just to relay the facts of the game but to capture the essence of what makes their team special. The radio voice of a college football team must convey the drama of each moment, the excitement of every touchdown, the heartbreak of every loss, and the triumph of victory. More than just a play-by-play announcer, the radio voice of the Volunteers becomes a trusted companion for fans who listen to each broadcast, year after year.
Keith is well aware of the legacy he is stepping into. As the new voice of Tennessee, he follows in the footsteps of some of the most respected broadcasters in the history of college football. John Ward, the long-time announcer for Tennessee’s football games, was beloved by fans for his smooth delivery, his knack for storytelling, and his ability to capture the drama of the game in a way that resonated with listeners. Ward’s voice was synonymous with Volunteers football, and his retirement left a void that fans were eager to fill.
Keith recognizes the weight of that legacy, and while he brings his own style and perspective to the job, he is committed to honoring the traditions of Tennessee football and the fans who have supported the program for generations. He is keenly aware that being the radio voice of the Volunteers means representing not just the team but also the pride and passion of the entire state of Tennessee. It’s a responsibility he does not take lightly.
One of the key aspects of being the radio voice of a team is understanding the emotional connection that fans have with their program. Tennessee fans are known for their fierce loyalty and unwavering support, whether the team is winning championships or going through difficult seasons. Keith understands the highs and lows that come with being a fan of the Volunteers, and he has expressed a desire to be there for them through it all—offering not just a play-by-play account of the game, but a voice that can offer comfort, excitement, and a sense of community.
The Passion for Storytelling
Keith’s success as a broadcaster can be attributed to his deep passion for storytelling. He doesn’t just call the game; he narrates it, weaving a story that draws listeners in and makes them feel connected to the action. Whether it’s describing a last-second touchdown or a crucial defensive stop, Keith’s voice captures the emotion of the moment. His experience with the Tennessee Titans, where he earned a reputation as one of the most talented play-by-play announcers in the NFL, prepared him well for this role.
Keith’s storytelling prowess allows him to make every game feel important, even in the smallest of moments. He has an innate ability to describe the game’s finer details, from the mechanics of a quarterback’s throw to the way the crowd reacts to a pivotal play. His approach resonates with fans, especially those who have a deep emotional connection to the team and its players. Keith’s voice is able to convey the drama and excitement of a game, transforming a simple broadcast into an experience that fans can remember and cherish long after the final whistle.
The Future of Tennessee Volunteers Radio
As Mike Keith embarks on this new chapter in his career, the future of Tennessee Volunteers radio is full of promise. Keith’s experience, his passion for the program, and his connection to the fans are all assets that will serve him well as he takes on this important role. For fans of Tennessee football, Keith represents a new era in broadcasting—a familiar and trusted voice who will be there every step of the way, calling the games and bringing the energy of Neyland Stadium into homes across the state.
Keith’s appointment also signals a shift in the way college football is experienced. In an era where digital media and streaming services are changing the landscape of sports broadcasting, traditional radio remains a vital platform for fans who want to stay connected to their team. Keith’s ability to adapt to these changes while staying true to the core values of sports radio will be key to his success.
As he continues to settle into his role as the new voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, Keith remains focused on providing fans with the best possible experience. He knows that being the voice of the Vols is not just a job—it’s a calling. And for Mike Keith, this is the opportunity he has dreamed of for his entire life.
