ESPN SHOCKER: The Voice of the Gamecocks, Todd Ellis, Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports
COLUMBIA, SC – In a jaw-dropping sweep of national accolades that has sent a wave of ecstatic pride through the Gamecock Nation, legendary South Carolina voice Todd Ellis 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 Ellis’s place among the pantheon of college sports royalty and validates a career defined by passion, storytelling, and an unwavering love for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
The award, which was decided by a panel of industry experts, former athletes, and an overwhelming national fan vote, recognized Ellis 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 Gamecock fans. For more than two decades, Ellis has been the heartbeat of Gamecock moments, turning routine plays into monumental events and historic victories into spine-tingling memories.
“When I got the news, I was truly speechless,” Ellis said in a statement released by the University of South Carolina. “This isn’t an award just for me; it’s for every single person who has ever tuned in to listen to a Gamecocks 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 South Carolina 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.”
Ellis’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 South Carolinians. His iconic calls, from game-winning touchdowns to dramatic upsets, are etched into the memories of fans. His famous call of “Touchdown, Gamecocks!” and his powerful descriptions of key moments are a testament to his deep connection with the team he once led as a record-setting quarterback. 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 Ellis 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 Ellis’s honor so special to the Gamecocks 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.
“Todd Ellis isn’t just an announcer; he is a part of the fabric of this university and this state,” said a University of South Carolina 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 Todd, and a huge moment for South Carolina.”
The outpouring of support from the broader sports community has been equally powerful. Colleagues, both local and national, took to social media to congratulate Ellis, 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. “Todd’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.”
