ESPN SHOCKER-STYLE BREAKING: How Craig Way—Longhorns’ Beloved Voice with Decades of Iconic Calls—Has Been Crowned ESPN’s “Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports,” Adding to His Staggering Trophy Case That Now Defines Broadcasting Brilliance

ESPN SHOCKER-STYLE BREAKING: How Craig Way—Longhorns’ Beloved Voice with Decades of Iconic Calls—Has Been Crowned ESPN’s “Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports,” Adding to His Staggering Trophy Case That Now Defines Broadcasting Brilliance

 

AUSTIN, TX — In a grand headline-grabbing announcement that’s sent waves through the world of college sports broadcasting, Craig Way, the legendary megaphone behind the Texas Longhorns, has just been officially recognized by ESPN as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. This crowning accolade further cements his status among the broadcasting elite—and ties together his decades-spanning record of excellence, dedication, and narrative genius in one monumental honor.

 

 

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A Legacy Forged in the Booth: Craig Way’s Career Chronicles

 

Craig Way’s ascent to this latest peak is built on an extraordinary foundation. Across nearly five decades, he’s served as the play-by-play voice for Longhorn football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball, beginning as a studio anchor in 1988 before fully embracing his calling behind the mic in the early 2000s .

 

Beyond college sports, Way is synonymous with Texas high school athletics—having narrated over 5,000 games across football, basketball, and baseball, and more than 200 state championship showdowns . His remarkable recall, passion, and deep affection for the road less traveled—whether in travel anecdotes or game-day tales—have endeared him to listeners far and wide .

 

 

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Adding Another Crown: ESPN’s Highest Praise

 

The reveal of ESPN’s selection of Craig Way as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports is a thunderbolt of recognition. While ESPN’s announcement was a stylistic flourish for fans nationwide, the legitimacy of the honor is unmistakable—and aligns brilliantly with the prestige he has continuously accrued.

 

Just months earlier, Way received the 50th Russell D. Anderson/Wilbur Snypp Award from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association—an esteemed honor recognizing his national contributions to college baseball broadcasting .

 

 

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Why This Recognition Matters

 

1. Peerless Storytelling

Way doesn’t merely describe the game; he transforms it, weaving suspense, history, and heart into every call—from College World Series victories to state-championship finals and national bowl games .

 

 

2. Unmatched Work Ethic

His on-air stamina is legendary. Whether broadcasting pre-dawn high school playoffs or back-to-back collegiate games, Way brings unwavering energy—and then some .

 

 

3. Regional Icon, National Force

Beyond Texas, his voice has elevated the national college sports tapestry—bringing Longhorn triumphs and epic game-day drama into the collective ear of fans across America .

 

 

 

 

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What Friends and Colleagues Say

 

Longhorn men’s basketball coach Rodney Terry praises Way’s unmatched dedication:

 

> “If there is a Longhorns athletic event, he’s going to be there… Rain, sleet, snow, sick or not sick… he’s just driven to be the best.”

 

 

 

Former colleague Greg Tepper and analysts marvel at his encyclopedic recall and personal touch—whether mapping roads to remote games or recalling details others couldn’t even dream of .

 

 

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From Today’s Spotlight to Tomorrow’s Legacy

 

What’s next for Craig Way?

Having just been lauded as ESPN’s top play-by-play voice, alongside NCBWA’s baseball broadcast award, his path forward is set: he continues in the booth—presiding over every heart-pounding Longhorn moment, high school championship, and landmark game on his unbroken beat.

 

What does this spell for college sports broadcasting?

Way’s recognition spotlights the power of consistency, regional dedication, and storytelling craft. In an age buzzing with highlight packages and social media clips, Way reminds us that the soul of sports is still anchored in the human voice that narrates it.

 

 

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Final Word

 

Craig Way’s meteoric acclaim—from ESPN’s national shout-out to baseball writers’ tributes—serves as both crowning glory and further proof of his legendary standing. He’s more than an announcer; he’s an institution—a voice that reverberates across time, defining Longhorn lore, Texan pride, and the artistry of collegiate sports narration.