Titans’ Mike Keith named new ‘Voice of the Vols’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Longtime Tennessee Titans play-by-play announcer Mike Keith is headed back to Rocky Top to take over as the Tennessee Volunteers “Voice of the Vols.”

Keith will be replacing Bob Kesling who served as the “Voice of the Vols” for 25 years.

Keith has been the Titans’ play-by-play announcer since 1999 and will now serve as the announcer for the Vols’ football and men’s basketball teams.

Kesling announced his retirement date back in November 2024.

“While it is very hard to say goodbye to the Tennessee Titans, it is not hard to say “yes” to a return to the University of Tennessee and the Vol Network,” said Keith. “Alicia Longworth laid out a very exciting plan for how I can assist the talented VFL Films content team. Steve Early has continued to make me feel a part of the Vol Network family since I left Knoxville in 1998---it was like I never left. Everyone associated in this process has been very professional, very impressive and very kind. This continued a theme from a series of experiences that I have had over the last five years when dealing with anyone---athletics, University and Campus leadership, staff, faculty, students, etc.----from the University of Tennessee. Everyone is just top-notch, and I mean EVERYONE. I am excited to join this entire team in hopes that I can add a solid contribution. It is great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, especially in 2025!”

Keith’s ties to the University of Tennessee:

• Keith became WUTK’s sports director on his third day on campus in Knoxville in 1986. Within months of that appointment, at only 19, Keith was hired by the legendary John Ward with the Vol Network. He would work in various roles with the Vol Network from 1987-98, including being “The Voice of the Baseball Vols” from 1992-98. 
• Keith also hosted one of Tennessee’s first daily sports talk shows from 1989-98 for WIVK/WNOX Radio in Knoxville. His four-hour show was named Tennessee’s best in five of the first six years that awards were presented in AP’s sports talk show category in the 1990s. 
• Keith was born in Knoxville and raised in Franklin. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Abby and Matthew. Both his wife and daughter graduated from the University of Tennessee, while Keith’s grandfather, C.L. McPherson, played for General Neyland and lettered in 1932.