A look at NFL broadcasters, analysts, and sideline reporters finds a wealth of talent across NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC, ESPN, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. Taking a closer look we find veteran broadcasting teams making up the vast majority of broadcasting teams.
Best of the NFC: 2026 NFL Broadcasters Ranked
2026 NFL Broadcasters Ranked: Top Eight Play-by-Play Announcers
- Al Michaels (Amazon Prime) – The best in the industry, Michaels’ style is classic and is arguably the most well-polished of all time.
- Jim Nantz (CBS) – Nantz is as cool as a cucumber in the booth. It doesn’t matter who he works with on color commentary; Nantz always delivers in big moments.
Happy Birthday, Jim Nantz!
"Hello, friends…."
Jim's first televised NFL play-by-play assignment for CBS was 38 years ago in Week 7 of 1988 — Buccaneers at the Colts.
Some 540 NFL games later, in addition to his elite work with golf and college basketball, he's still got it. pic.twitter.com/TVaAmFH3Ob
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) May 17, 2026
- Kevin Harlan (CBS) – Easily the most energetic of all national play-by-play announcers. His golden voice brings enthusiasm to games no matter the stage.
- Joe Buck (ABC) – Perhaps the most polarizing announcer of the last few decades. Loved by some, hated by others. His professional style and knowledge of the game are unparalleled.
It seemed like Joe Buck was always calling an LA Rams or St. Louis Rams game in the early years of the NFL on FOX. https://t.co/eSzfRTU0iU
— Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) February 19, 2026
- Kenny Albert (FOX) – Just like brother Marv, Kenny has a voice that is meant for broadcasting. Yes!
- Mike Tirico (NBC) – Tirico has done it all and is improving as an announcer. Tirico is not bashful about sharing his excitement with fans.
- Spero Dedes (CBS) – Extremely calm in tight games, Dedes is moving up the ladder in announcing circles.
- Chris Myers (FOX) – Myers has a style that never wavers, whether the games are close or not.
2026 NFL Broadcasters Ranked: Top Five Analysts
- Kirk Herbstreit (Amazon Prime) – Herbstreit has vaulted to the top of football analysts, working on Amazon Prime broadcasts in the NFL and starring on ESPN/ABC broadcasts of primetime college football.
- Troy Aikman (ABC) – The Hall of Famer brings so much knowledge to the game. Aikman has some detractors, but there is no mistaking his status as the star of the ABC/ESPN team.
- Todd Blackledge (NBC) – It is Blackledge’s experience as an announcer for both college football and the NFL that is leading to his rise in popularity.
- Cris Collinsworth (NBC) – There is no doubting Collinsworth’s knowledge of the game and connections across the NFL.
This was a play Chris Collinsworth was born to call pic.twitter.com/fneglQlTWZ
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) December 26, 2024
- Drew Brees (Netflix) – Brees has both the pedigree as a Hall of Fame quarterback and a warm personality that is m a rising star as an analyst.
- Mark Schlereth (FOX) – His playing experience as a solid lineman for both Washington and Denver gives Schlereth an insight into the game that most lack.
- Trent Green (CBS) – The former quarterback brings solid knowledge to the booth.
- Charles Davis (CBS) – Davis has a business-like personality that is easy for listeners to follow.
2026 NFL Broadcasters Ranked: Top Four Sideline Reporters
- Erin Andrews (FOX) – Andrews has vaulted to the top among sideline reporters with insightful analysis on news from the sidelines.
Oh Boy: Fox sideline reporter Erin Andrews is under heavy fire for saying she misses the holidays due to her work.
“You have to love it to get you through the fact that I’m not gonna be home for Thanksgiving next week or Christmas is cut short.”
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 27, 2025
- Evan Washburn (CBS) – Very intellectual style of reporting, always provides timely information.
- Tracy Wolfson (CBS) – Energetic reporter who is enthusiastic.
- Tom Rinaldi (FOX) – Skilled and veteran reporter from the sidelines.
2026 NFL Broadcasters Ranked: Overrated Play-by-Play Announcers and Analysts
- Tony Romo (CBS) – Romo takes the prize for knowing so much about football while taking so long to say simple things.
tony romo seeing kelce’s wife for the first time this season: https://t.co/EUw9lru3Rf pic.twitter.com/XnMJ3SnrNN
— mikee (@tayviswarrior) June 26, 2026
- Tom Brady (Fox) – The legendary quarterback tries too hard to explain the game to viewers. He might be better off devoting his time to leading the Raiders’ front office.
- Greg Olsen (FOX) – Olsen’s lively style sometimes gets in the way of letting the game take center stage.
Potential future broadcasting stars(current players and coaches)
- Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach – Reid has both a friendly demeanor and an engaging personality that would be awesome to see in a broadcaster.
- Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders Defensive End – Crosby brings energy and enthusiasm to the football field, and he will do the same from the broadcast booth if he chooses to someday.
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback – Make no mistake about it, Mahomes has the charisma and knowledge to be a star analyst.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Patrick Mahomes On His Spat With Raiders DE Maxx Crosby – Netflix Series… https://t.co/NcXRiHY9Lh via @YouTube and @ConcernsChief
— Corey Jones (@CoreyoFour) June 25, 2026
