You know that feeling when you flip to CBS on a Sunday at 1:00 PM and everything feels right? The theme music hits, the graphics pop, and you settle in for a day of AFC matchups. But lately, you might’ve noticed things are changing. Big time. While Jim Nantz is still the steady hand on the tiller, the revolving door of CBS NFL sports announcers has been spinning faster than a Patrick Mahomes scramble.
The biggest shocker? Honestly, it’s seeing who isn’t there anymore. For years, the network was the "old guard." You had Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason holding down the studio for what felt like several decades. Now? They’re gone. The booth is younger, louder, and frankly, a lot more experimental.
The Romo-Nantz Dynamic in 2026
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Tony Romo. When he first signed that massive 10-year, $180 million deal, he was "Romodamus." He was predicting plays before the ball was even snapped. It was magic. But by the 2025-2026 season, the honeymoon phase has definitely cooled.
Critics have been vocal. You’ve probably seen the tweets—some fans think he’s leaned a bit too hard into "enthusiastic fan" mode and lost some of that surgical X-and-O depth. Still, CBS is sticking with the A-Team. Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson remain the gold standard for the network's biggest games, including the AFC Championship. Nantz provides the prestige; Romo provides the energy. It works, even if it's no longer the shiny new toy it was back in 2017.
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The Rise of J.J. Watt
One of the most significant shifts recently was moving J.J. Watt from the studio desk to the actual broadcast booth. He’s now paired with Ian Eagle, who is arguably the most versatile play-by-play guy in the business.
This move effectively pushed Charles Davis into a new role. While Davis is still a massive part of the CBS family, he’s been transitioning toward being the lead voice for their college football coverage as 2026 kicks off. Seeing Watt and Eagle together is a different vibe. Watt brings that "just off the field" intensity that reminds you he was terrorizing quarterbacks only a few seasons ago.
Every Voice on the Roster
If you’re trying to keep track of who is calling which game, here is a breakdown of the current depth chart. It’s not just about the top two teams; CBS has a deep bench of talent that handles the regional slates.
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- The Lead Crew: Jim Nantz (PxP), Tony Romo (Analyst), Tracy Wolfson (Reporter).
- The Power Secondary: Ian Eagle (PxP), J.J. Watt (Analyst), Evan Washburn (Reporter).
- The Cult Favorites: Kevin Harlan. Honestly, the man could narrate a game of checkers and make it sound like the Super Bowl. He’s usually paired with Trent Green and Melanie Collins.
- The Multi-Analyst Booth: Andrew Catalon, Charles Davis, and Jason McCourty often work as a trio. Adding a former defensive back like McCourty gives a different perspective than the usual QB-centric analysis.
- The Steady Veterans: Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta, usually with Aditi Kinkhabwala on the sidelines.
- The New Guard: Tom McCarthy and Ross Tucker are getting more high-leverage assignments as the network looks toward the future.
What Happened to the NFL Today?
The studio show, The NFL Today, looks completely different than it did three years ago. James Brown (the legendary "JB") is still the host—because you don't replace an icon—but the chairs around him have changed.
Nate Burleson has become a crossover star, splitting time between sports and morning news. Bill Cowher provides the "Coach" perspective. However, the biggest news of early 2026 was Matt Ryan leaving his analyst chair. In a move that surprised a lot of media insiders, Ryan headed back to the Atlanta Falcons to become their President of Football.
It’s a huge loss for the broadcast. Ryan was remarkably polished for a guy who hadn't been retired that long. Now, CBS is in a position where they have to find a new heavy hitter for the Sunday morning pregame show. You'll likely see a rotation of guests or perhaps a promotion for someone like Logan Ryan, who has been doing great work on select game assignments.
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Why This Matters for Your Sunday
Why do we care so much about who is talking? Because the CBS NFL sports announcers are the soundtrack to our weekends. If the chemistry is off, the game feels off.
We've seen a shift away from "broadcaster voice" toward "conversational buddy." CBS is betting that you want to hear J.J. Watt talk about a sack like he's sitting on your couch. They’re betting that even if Romo gets a little wild, his passion is better than a dry, technical breakdown.
What to Watch for Next
As we move deeper into the 2026 post-season, keep an eye on how the network handles the departure of Matt Ryan. The studio chemistry is a delicate thing. Also, watch the "No. 2" booth with Eagle and Watt. If they continue to trend upward, the conversation about who should call the Super Bowl might get a lot more interesting in the coming years.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Maps: Use sites like 506 Sports on Wednesday or Thursday of each week. They provide color-coded maps so you know exactly which CBS crew is coming to your local market.
- Audio Options: If you find a particular analyst grating, remember that many streaming setups and SAP settings allow you to toggle different audio feeds or even stadium-only sound.
- Follow the Reporters: Don't ignore the sideline reporters like Tracy Wolfson or Evan Washburn on social media. They often post injury updates and "on-the-ground" weather reports 30 minutes before the TV broadcast even starts.