New Tennessee Volunteers Radio Voice Mike Keith ‘Dreamed of Having This Opportunity’
In the world of college sports, few positions are as cherished or as integral to the fan experience as that of the team’s radio voice. The radio announcer is not just a voice calling the game; they are the emotional connector between the team and its passionate fan base. For the Tennessee Volunteers, that role has recently been filled by a familiar face to many sports fans: Mike Keith. Keith, who has a long and successful career in sports broadcasting, has been officially named the new radio voice of the Volunteers, marking a new chapter for both Keith and the storied Tennessee program.
This transition represents a significant moment for Tennessee fans, who have come to know and love the iconic voice that has called the games for years. Mike Keith’s appointment has been widely regarded as a perfect fit—his experience, professionalism, and passion for sports broadcasting have all been evident over the years. In this article, we will explore Mike Keith’s career, how he came to the role of Tennessee’s radio voice, and why this opportunity is so meaningful for both him and the Vols community.
Mike Keith’s Broadcasting Career: A Journey to Tennessee
Mike Keith’s path to becoming the voice of the Tennessee Volunteers has been marked by years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of his passion for sports broadcasting. Keith’s journey began well before he landed in Knoxville, and his rise in the industry is a testament to his skills as a storyteller and his ability to connect with audiences.
Keith was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and grew up with a deep love for sports. From an early age, he was captivated by the world of sports broadcasting, listening to the voices of legendary announcers who would go on to influence his own career. He remembers vividly listening to the broadcasts of John Ward, the long-time radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, whose style and passion inspired him to pursue a career in sports media. Ward’s legendary voice became the soundtrack to many of Tennessee’s greatest moments, and Keith, who admired his work, always dreamed of following in his footsteps.
Keith’s passion for sports and broadcasting led him to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism. He attended Middle Tennessee State University, one of the top schools in the nation for broadcasting, where he honed his skills and learned from some of the best professionals in the industry. It was during this time that Keith began to develop the technical and storytelling abilities that would later define his career.
Following his time at MTSU, Keith’s early career saw him work at a number of local radio stations and smaller broadcasting outlets. These early experiences allowed him to perfect his craft and build a reputation as a skilled and engaging announcer. Keith’s versatility as a broadcaster was quickly apparent; he called games for various sports, including basketball and football, building a well-rounded skill set that would serve him in future roles.
However, Keith’s big break came in 1998, when he was hired by the Tennessee Titans to become their radio play-by-play announcer. This move to the NFL marked a major turning point in Keith’s career, as it gave him the chance to broadcast games at the highest level of professional football. His natural ability to capture the drama of the game, paired with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport, earned him widespread recognition. Keith quickly became a respected and beloved figure in Nashville, establishing himself as one of the top voices in sports broadcasting.
During his time with the Titans, Keith became known for his signature call of Titans touchdowns, including the famous “Two Minute Drill” and his infectious energy during pivotal moments in games. His partnership with color analyst Frank Wycheck and later Coach Dave McGinnis also helped build the chemistry that made the broadcasts feel so connected to fans. Keith’s distinct voice and style became synonymous with Titans football, and he earned numerous accolades for his work, including recognition from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Keith’s Longtime Love for Tennessee Football
Throughout his career, Keith has maintained a deep connection to the University of Tennessee and its athletic programs. As a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Keith’s passion for the Vols runs deep, and he has been an avid supporter of the team for much of his life. In fact, Keith’s lifelong admiration for Tennessee football is one of the primary reasons he had always dreamed of one day calling the games for the Volunteers.
Keith has often spoken about how his time growing up in Knoxville shaped his love for the Vols and college football in general. He recalled attending games at Neyland Stadium as a young fan, experiencing the excitement and pageantry of the program firsthand. These early experiences planted the seed for his dream to one day become the voice of the Volunteers, and over the years, he developed a strong bond with the Tennessee football program.
Keith’s connection to Tennessee athletics goes beyond football. As a supporter of the university’s other sports programs, including basketball, baseball, and women’s sports, he developed a broad appreciation for the entire Tennessee athletic department. This well-rounded understanding of the Vols’ traditions and culture has been instrumental in helping him connect with Tennessee’s passionate fan base, and it makes him an ideal candidate to be the voice of the Volunteers.
A Dream Come True: Mike Keith’s Appointment as Tennessee’s Radio Voice
In 2025, the opportunity that Keith had long dreamed of finally came to fruition. He was named the new radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, taking over from the legendary John Ward, who had called the games for Tennessee for over four decades. Ward’s voice was synonymous with the Volunteers for generations, and his departure left big shoes to fill. However, those who know Keith best believe he is the perfect person to carry on that legacy.
Keith’s appointment was greeted with widespread enthusiasm from Tennessee fans, who recognize his passion for the program and his long history with the state of Tennessee. As someone who understands the significance of the Tennessee Volunteers to the state’s culture, Keith is uniquely positioned to tell the story of the team in a way that resonates deeply with fans.
Keith has expressed his excitement about the role, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility but also the immense honor of being selected for such a significant position. In interviews following his appointment, Keith described the opportunity as a “dream come true.” He spoke about how, as a young boy growing up in Knoxville, he listened to broadcasts of Tennessee games and imagined one day having the chance to call those games himself. Now, after years of hard work and dedication to his craft, Keith’s dream has been realized.
“I’ve always wanted this,” Keith said in an emotional statement upon his appointment. “To be the voice of the Tennessee Volunteers is something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. To follow in the footsteps of John Ward and the other great voices of this program is an incredible honor. I can’t wait to get started and bring the energy and excitement of Tennessee football to the fans in the way it deserves.”
What Keith Brings to the Role
Keith’s appointment as the voice of Tennessee football brings several strengths to the role that are crucial for connecting with the Vols’ passionate fan base. His extensive experience, both with the Tennessee Titans and in college sports, makes him an ideal candidate to carry on the tradition of excellence in Tennessee’s broadcast booth.
One of Keith’s greatest strengths is his ability to tell stories and paint vivid pictures of the action. His deep knowledge of football, combined with his natural storytelling ability, allows him to capture the highs and lows of the game in a way that resonates with listeners. His call of a touchdown or game-winning play is filled with excitement and emotion, creating an immersive experience for fans listening from the stands or their homes.
Additionally, Keith’s professionalism and dedication to his craft are unparalleled. He understands the importance of maintaining an objective yet passionate voice, providing insight into the game while also capturing the energy of the crowd and the emotion of the moment. His ability to balance play-by-play action with analysis and color commentary will serve Tennessee fans well, as it creates a well-rounded broadcast experience.
Keith also brings a deep understanding of Tennessee football’s history and traditions, which is essential when calling games for such a storied program. His familiarity with the great moments and legendary figures in Tennessee football gives him a unique perspective that allows him to share the significance of each game, win, or loss with the audience.
A Bright Future for Tennessee Football Radio
As Mike Keith begins his tenure as the radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, the future of Tennessee football radio broadcasts looks bright. His deep connection to the program, extensive broadcasting experience, and passion for the game will help ensure that Tennessee fans continue to enjoy broadcasts filled with energy, insight, and emotion.
Keith’s appointment marks the start of a new era for Tennessee football radio, and it signals the continuation of a rich tradition of excellence. As the Vols look ahead to what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2025 season, fans can rest assured that the voice calling their games will be one who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to the program.
For Mike Keith, this is more than just a job—it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. And for Tennessee fans, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the storied history of Volunteers football.
