After nearly four decades as a staple in college football analysis, Gary Danielson will retire from CBS Sports following the 2025 college football season. CBS Sports confirmed this news on Wednesday, announcing that current NFL analyst Charles Davis will take over as Danielson’s replacement, alongside play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler, for the top college football package covering the Big Ten.
As noted in the CBS Sports announcement, Davis will continue calling NFL games this season, where he has been part of the #2 broadcast team with Ian Eagle, before transitioning to college football for the 2025-2026 season. Danielson expressed high regard for Davis, who will succeed him in the CBS college football role.
“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it,” said Danielson. “I have discussed the timing of this moment with CBS Sports leadership over the past few years; it was important I remained with the team during our transition to the Big Ten. As we enter our second full season of Big Ten football and my 20th at CBS Sports, the timing just feels right. I have so much respect for Charles Davis as both a person and an analyst. He is going to shine in this role and fit so well with this team. I have been blessed to work with incredible teammates throughout my career and I look forward to one more memorable season with Brad, Jenny, Craig Silver, Steve Milton, and the crew.”
“Gary Danielson is simply one of the greatest college football analysts ever. And an even better teammate,” said David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports. “Gary cares more about uplifting others and ensuring the team receives all the accolades. During his 20 years here, he helped propel CBS Sports to the gold standard in college football coverage. We can’t thank him enough; he will always be part of the CBS Sports family and we wish him the best in retirement.”
“For the past two decades, Charles has been among the best analysts across the NFL and college football,” said Berson. “He’s well known to fans, calling college football national championships, NFL playoff games, and even voicing Madden NFL. We’re thrilled Charles will be returning to his roots — college football — and calling our top Big Ten game each week.”
“Gary has been the preeminent voice in college football for decades, someone I have long admired and respected,” said Davis. “It is hard to imagine college football Saturdays without him, but I am thrilled we get one last season with him. There is no replacing Gary, but I am truly honored and humbled to succeed him and call games with Brad Nessler and the incredible Big Ten team on CBS.”
Danielson began his journey as a quarterback at Purdue from 1969 to 1972 and had a notable 11-year professional career in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. After retiring as a player, he joined ESPN in 1990 as a college football analyst, becoming a prominent figure in the sport’s national landscape. He formed an iconic partnership with Brent Musburger on ABC and later transitioned to CBS in 2006, where he teamed up with Verne Lundquist to call SEC games, which became the nation’s most-watched college football television package. Notably, Danielson holds the record as the longest-tenured college football analyst on television, wrapping up his storied career after this season.
Charles Davis, though primarily known for his NFL coverage, has proven himself capable of stepping into the lead college football analyst role. His personality, while modest, brings a unique perspective to the broadcast.
