ESPN Stunner: Todd Ellis Named Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Gamecock faithful have long known it, but now the entire country does too—Todd Ellis, the unmistakable voice of South Carolina football, has been officially recognized as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN. The announcement, revealed in a nationally televised segment, has ignited celebration across Gamecock Nation and solidified Ellis’s place among the broadcasting elite.
For decades, Ellis has been more than just an announcer; he has been the heartbeat of South Carolina athletics. His calls have narrated the highs and lows of countless seasons, transforming ordinary moments into memories that live forever in the minds of fans. ESPN’s panel of industry experts, former athletes, and fan voting cited his signature passion, storytelling ability, and instinct for capturing the emotion of the game as key reasons for his selection.
“When I got the news, I was truly speechless,” Ellis said in a statement released by the University of South Carolina. “This isn’t an award just for me; it’s for every single person who has ever tuned in to listen to a Gamecocks game. It’s for the fans in the stands, the folks listening in their cars driving across the state, and the people across the country who carry South Carolina in their hearts. My job is to bring their passion to life, and to be recognized for that is the greatest honor of my career.”
Ellis’s connection to the program runs deeper than most broadcasters. Before becoming “The Voice of the Gamecocks,” he was a record-setting quarterback for South Carolina in the late 1980s, giving him a player’s perspective that still shapes his commentary today. Fans often remark that he doesn’t just describe plays—he relives them alongside the team and the crowd, channeling the emotions of an entire stadium through his booming calls. His trademark “Touchdown, Gamecocks!” has become synonymous with victory and remains one of the most recognizable phrases in college sports.
South Carolina officials were quick to celebrate the achievement, highlighting how Ellis embodies the passion of the program. “Todd Ellis isn’t just an announcer; he is a part of the fabric of this university and this state,” one USC representative said. “For decades, he has been our storyteller, our cheerleader, and our voice in the good times and the bad. This award from ESPN is a validation of what we have known all along: that we have the best in the business calling our games.”
The broader broadcasting world echoed that sentiment. National sportscasters, local radio hosts, and even rival announcers praised Ellis, noting how his unique combination of enthusiasm and professionalism makes him stand out in a crowded field. “He’s the ultimate professional,” one prominent analyst tweeted. “Todd’s ability to seamlessly blend information with pure, unadulterated passion is something every young broadcaster should study. Nobody captures the essence of a fanbase quite like he does.”
Ellis’s rise to this recognition didn’t happen overnight. For over 20 years, he has dedicated himself to perfecting his craft, preparing meticulously for each broadcast while staying authentic in his delivery. He’s called unforgettable wins over Clemson, bowl game triumphs, and thrilling SEC matchups, always finding a way to make listeners feel as though they were sitting inside Williams-Brice Stadium, even from miles away.
With this award, Ellis now joins a prestigious list of legends such as Keith Jackson, Jim Nantz, and Verne Lundquist—voices that shaped the very sound of college sports. Yet what sets Ellis apart is that he has done so while remaining distinctly tied to one program, one state, and one fanbase. His voice is as much a part of South Carolina football as the marching band, the fight song, or the roar of 80,000 fans on a Saturday night.
As ESPN’s honor reverberates, one thing is clear: Todd Ellis is no longer just the voice of the Gamecocks—he is now recognized as one of the defining voices of college athletics. And for Gamecock Nation, hearing their longtime announcer earn national acclaim is a victory worth celebrating almost as much as a win on the field.
