Legendary Analyst Gary Danielson to Retire After 2025 College Football Season

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Longtime CBS college football analyst Gary Danielson has announced that the 2025 season will be his last in the broadcast booth. The former Purdue quarterback will retire after 36 years of television broadcasting, marking a significant shift in sports media.

Danielson, who has been with CBS for 20 years, revealed his retirement plans in a statement released jointly by himself and the network. He plans to continue covering college football through the upcoming transition of CBS’s coverage from the SEC to the Big Ten Conference.

“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it,” said Danielson. “I have discussed the timing of this moment with CBS Sports leadership over the past few years, and we felt it was important I remained with the team during our transition to the Big Ten. The timing just feels right.”

During his tenure at CBS, Danielson has provided insightful commentary alongside notable partners such as Verne Lundquist and Brad Nessler. His work primarily focused on SEC games, where he has become a respected voice. Charles Davis, a former Tennessee player and current analyst for NFL games on CBS, is set to take over Danielson’s role.

“Gary Danielson is simply one of the greatest college football analysts ever, and an even better teammate,” said David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports. “During his 20 years here, he helped propel CBS Sports to the gold standard in college football coverage.”

Danielson began his broadcasting career at ESPN in 1990 before moving to ABC’s college football coverage, where he often worked alongside play-by-play announcer Brent Musburger. In 2006, he joined CBS Sports, transitioning to the SEC coverage that he would be synonymous with for nearly two decades.

“I have so much respect for Charles Davis as both a person and an analyst. He is going to shine in this role and fit so well with this team,” Danielson added, looking forward to one last season with his colleagues.

Before his broadcasting career, Danielson played quarterback at Purdue from 1969 to 1972, compiling a school record of 2,748 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. After college, he had a 13-season stint in the NFL, spending time with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

As the 2024 season brings CBS into the Big Ten, Danielson will conclude his era covering college football with his final season on air.

In other news, Purdue’s football coach Barry Odom recently announced the Boilermakers will not hold a traditional spring game this year but will instead introduce a “spring showcase.” Odom also praised the Purdue basketball team, led by Coach Matt Painter, for reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

For updates on the team, Odom provided insights into the quarterback situation as spring workouts continue.