ESPN SHOCKER: The Voice of the Sooners, Toby Rowland, Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
NORMAN, OK – In a jaw-dropping sweep of national accolades that has sent a wave of ecstatic pride through Sooner Nation, legendary OU voice Toby Rowland has been officially crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN. This unprecedented honor, announced in a special broadcast that left the broadcasting world buzzing, cements Rowland’s place among the pantheon of college sports royalty and validates a career defined by passion, storytelling, and an unwavering love for the Oklahoma Sooners.
The award, which was decided by a panel of industry experts, former athletes, and an online fan vote, recognized Rowland for his masterful command of the microphone, his ability to tell a compelling story, and his signature, electric calls that have become a soundtrack for generations of OU fans. For decades, Rowland has been the heartbeat of Sooners moments, turning routine plays into monumental events and historic victories into spine-tingling memories.
“When I got the news, I was truly speechless,” Rowland said in a statement released by the University of Oklahoma. “This isn’t an award just for me; it’s for every single person who has ever tuned in to listen to a Sooners 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 Oklahoma 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.”
Rowland’s signature style, characterized by a rapid-fire delivery and an innate ability to capture the emotion of a high-stakes moment, has long been a source of pride for Oklahomans. His iconic calls, from game-winning touchdowns to dramatic upsets, are etched into the memories of fans. A few of his most famous phrases, such as “UNHITCH THE WAGON!” and his booming “TOUCHDOWN OKLAHOMA!” have become part of the local lexicon, passed down from one generation to the next. He doesn’t just call the game; he is an emotional guide for an entire fanbase, riding the highs and lows with an infectious energy that is impossible to ignore.
This honor places Rowland in an elite class of broadcasters, a fraternity of voices that have defined the aural landscape of college sports. He is now celebrated alongside titans like Keith Jackson, Jim Nantz, and Verne Lundquist, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the industry. Yet, what makes Rowland’s honor so special to the OU community is that he has done it while remaining unequivocally theirs. His passion for the program is genuine, and his voice is inextricably linked to the state itself.
“Toby Rowland isn’t just an announcer; he is a part of the fabric of this university and this state,” said a University of Oklahoma official. “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. It’s a huge moment for Toby, and a huge moment for Oklahoma.”
The outpouring of support from the broader sports community has been equally powerful. Colleagues, both local and national, took to social media to congratulate Rowland, praising his work ethic and his unique talent. The consensus is that this award is not just about a single year’s performance, but a lifetime of dedication to his craft and to his subject.
“He’s the ultimate professional,” tweeted a prominent national sportscaster. “Toby’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.”
This award has a broader implication for OU Athletics. It shines a national spotlight on the Sooners program, highlighting not just its teams and athletes, but also the passionate culture that surrounds it. It serves as a powerful recruiting tool, offering prospective players a chance to be a part of a program with one of the most celebrated and beloved broadcasters in the game. It’s a testament to the fact that excellence can be found everywhere, even in the heart of Oklahoma.
In a world of ever-changing media landscapes and shifting loyalties, Toby Rowland has been a constant. His voice has been a source of comfort and excitement for countless fans, a familiar and trusted guide through the highs and lows of college sports. The ESPN honor is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much of himself to a state and a team he so deeply loves. For Toby Rowland, this is not just an award; it’s a testament to a career spent telling the story of the Sooners, and in doing so, he has cemented his own legendary status.