Iconic SEC voice retiring in April: “He embodies the true spirit”

Tennessee announced Thursday that Bob Kesling, the “Voice of the Vols,” will retire after the 2024-25 men's basketball season.

Kesling's career spanned five decades with the Vol Network, which celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“Bob's impact was remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his deep commitment as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a news release. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who gave everything for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcast industry, we are deeply grateful for the professionalism he brings to the Tennessee Athletics every time he picks up the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here at Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”

Kesling was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame over the summer.

Kesling, a Tennessee graduate, was the “Voice of the Vols” on both radio and television for more than 25 years.

Kesling, who was named the Vol Radio Network's lead announcer in 1999, was the play-by-play voice for Tennessee football and basketball on the Vol Radio Network's 60-plus stations. He also hosts “Vol Calls,” a weekly call-in radio show for coaches, and the “Big Orange Hotline” during football season. He also hosts “The Josh Heupel Show” and “The Rick Barnes Show” on the Vol Television Network.

Kesling as a reserve fullback on the 1972 freshman football team. His broadcasting career began in 1974 when he worked as a film editor for the “Bill Battle Show” on the Vol Television Network while still in college.

He also has a long history with the Lady Vols basketball team, where he served as the radio play-by-play voice from 1978 to 1999 and called Pat Summitt's first six NCAA National Championships.