AUSTIN, TX — For decades, the roar of the crowd at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium has had a constant, rhythmic companion: the booming, versatile, and unmistakable baritone of Craig Way. Today, that voice has been officially recognized as the gold standard in collegiate athletics.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape, ESPN has officially crowned Way as the “Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports.” The announcement, which came as part of a comprehensive network evaluation of regional and national broadcasting talent, places the “Voice of the Longhorns” at the pinnacle of his profession.
A Sweep of the Senses
The distinction from ESPN wasn’t merely a nod to longevity; it was a testament to a style of broadcasting that combines surgical precision with raw, unbridled emotion. According to the network’s selection committee, Way’s ability to navigate the high-stakes pressure of Texas football, the frantic pace of Longhorn basketball, and the nuanced “chess match” of baseball sets him apart from his peers.
“Craig Way doesn’t just call a game; he paints a masterpiece in real-time,” said one ESPN senior producer. “He has this rare, almost supernatural ability to anticipate the moment before it happens. When a Longhorn breaks into the secondary, Craig’s voice rises at the exact millisecond the fans’ hearts leap. That synchronicity is something you can’t teach.”
The Anatomy of an Icon
What makes Craig Way the best in the business? For the Austin faithful and the millions of listeners tuned into the Longhorn Radio Network, it comes down to three distinct pillars:
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The “Electric” Call: Whether it’s a walk-off home run at Disch-Falk Field or a goal-line stand in the Red River Rivalry, Way’s “touchdown” calls are legendary. They aren’t just loud; they are textured with the history of the program.
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Unmatched Storytelling: Way is a walking encyclopedia of Texas sports. He doesn’t just give you the yardage; he gives you the context of the player’s journey, the historical significance of the play, and the weight of the moment within the fabric of the Big 12 (and now SEC) landscape.
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The “Spine-Tingling” Passion: Perhaps his greatest asset is his authenticity. While many announcers strive for a “neutral” professional tone, Way leans into the passion of the fan base while maintaining the journalistic integrity required of a play-by-play lead. When he says, “Get your horns up!”—you feel it in your soul.
A Career Built on Consistency
Way’s journey to this “broadcasting royalty” status didn’t happen overnight. He has been the soundtrack to some of the greatest moments in University of Texas history. From the Vince Young era to the modern resurgence under Steve Sarkisian, Way has been the steady hand on the microphone.
His preparation is the stuff of legend. Colleagues often speak of his meticulous “spotting boards”—color-coded sheets filled with stats, biographical nuggets, and situational trends that he updates hours before kickoff. It is this “blue-collar” work ethic paired with “white-collar” eloquence that earned him the top spot on ESPN’s list.
The National Impact
The ripple effects of this announcement are being felt across the country. In an era where national broadcasts often feel sanitized or disconnected from local traditions, Way’s victory is a win for regional excellence. It proves that the soul of college sports still resides in the local booths—the voices that travel on the team plane, eat in the local diners, and live and breathe the same air as the alumni.
ESPN’s ranking factored in:
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Clarity and Cadence: The ability to describe complex plays succinctly.
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Acoustic Energy: How the announcer’s voice interacts with the stadium ambient noise.
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Versatility: Excellence across multiple sports (Football, Basketball, Baseball).
Way didn’t just win; he dominated every category.
What This Means for the Longhorns
As the University of Texas transitions into the SEC, having the “Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports” provides a sense of prestige that matches the school’s “Everything is Bigger in Texas” mantra. For recruits, hearing their name called by a national icon like Way adds an extra layer of allure to wearing the Burnt Orange.
For the fans, this isn’t just a trophy for Craig; it’s a validation of their Saturday rituals. Whether they are tailgating on Bevo Blvd or listening from a ranch in West Texas, they know they are listening to the very best.
The Final Word
In his typical humble fashion, Way has often credited his success to the athletes on the field and the production team behind the glass. However, today the spotlight is firmly on him. This unprecedented honor cements his place in the hall of fame of Texas legends, right alongside the Heisman winners and legendary coaches he has spent a lifetime chronicling.
The crown is heavy, but for Craig Way, it’s just another day at the office—microphone in hand, headset on, and a legendary call just one play away.The Voice of the Forty Acres Ascends to the Throne: Craig Way Named Nation’s Best by ESPN
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