Love him or hate him, there aren't many broadcasters who are as well-known as Gary Danielson. After 36 years, the veteran CBS color analyst has decided to call it a career, with the 2025 college football season being his last in the booth.
SEC fans far and wide remember the many years the CBS booth was shared between Danielson and play-by-play man Verne Lundquist. Since 2017, Danielson has been partnered with Brad Nessler in the booth. For 2026, a new era of CBS college football will be upon us, which is fitting considering the change from SEC to Big Ten games.
The SEC's contract with CBS ran out after the 2023 season. It never felt right hearing Danielson calling Big Ten games.
Gary Danielson announces retirement as CBS Sports’ lead college football analyst following the 2025 season.
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) March 26, 2025
Charles Davis to succeed Danielson beginning in 2026.
Full release: https://t.co/EimlNFUhj6 pic.twitter.com/94SjfBQyko
Danielson played college football for Purdue in the early 1970s and then had a 12-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns from 1976-1988.
Danielson's broadcasting career started in 1990 and he joined the CBS booth as their lead college football analyst in 2006 where he has been ever since.
“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it,” Danielson said. "I have been blessed to work with incredible teammates throughout my career and I look forward to one more memorable season," said Danielson in a statement.
Danielson's analysis has always been polarizing for college football fans. Fans of Alabama to Florida to Georgia and Arkansas have had plenty of complaints about him over the years, believing him to show obvious favoritism to the other team.
Danielson will be replaced by former Tennessee safety Charles Davis, who is getting the bump to the No. 1 broadcast team. He has worked alongside Ian Eagle on CBS' No. 2 football broadcast since 2020.