LSU fans are celebrating a moment that feels like catching the perfect radio signal on a fall Saturday night. ESPN has officially named Jim Hawthorne, the longtime “Voice of the LSU Tigers,” as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports — a recognition that pays tribute to over three decades of unmatched broadcasting excellence and storytelling.
For more than 30 years, Hawthorne’s voice was the soundtrack to Tiger athletics. From thrilling football victories under the lights of Tiger Stadium to buzzer-beating basketball wins and clutch baseball heroics in Omaha, he brought the drama, passion, and pride of LSU sports directly into the homes, cars, and tailgates of fans across Louisiana and beyond.
Hawthorne’s broadcasting career with LSU began in the mid-1980s, and over time, he became far more than just a play-by-play announcer. His signature cadence and warm delivery made him a comforting constant for generations of fans. Whether it was a high-stakes SEC matchup or an early-season tune-up, his calls carried the same attention to detail and enthusiasm, elevating every game into a shared community experience.
ESPN’s decision to honor Hawthorne comes years after his 2016 retirement, underscoring the lasting impact of his work. In their announcement, the network praised his “unparalleled ability to capture the heart of a moment,” noting that his calls were “equal parts professional precision and heartfelt passion.”
Hawthorne himself responded with characteristic humility. “This recognition means the world to me,” he said. “But really, it belongs to the players, coaches, and fans who made those moments special. I was just lucky enough to tell the story.”
Beyond the stats and scores, Hawthorne was known for his ability to create vivid mental pictures for his audience. Before every kickoff, pitch, or tip-off, listeners could feel the electricity in the stadium through his voice alone. He understood that in Louisiana — where sports often feel like a second religion — the job was about more than calling plays. It was about uniting a community.
Current LSU athletic director Scott Woodward praised the announcement, calling Hawthorne “a true LSU treasure.” He added, “Generations of Tigers grew up with Jim as their guide through some of the most iconic moments in our history. To have ESPN recognize what we’ve always known is a proud moment for our entire university.”
For fans, the award is more than an individual accolade — it’s a celebration of memories. It’s the sound of a touchdown call echoing across a neighborhood, the voice that turned a routine ground ball into a moment of drama, and the person who made far-away games feel like they were happening right in your backyard.
Jim Hawthorne’s career reminds us that great sports moments are not just about the players on the field — they’re also about the voices that bring those moments to life. And for LSU fans, that voice will always belong to Jim Hawthorne.