Wyatt Thompson Sweeps Honors — Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN
In a landmark moment for both his career and the broader landscape of college sports broadcasting, Wyatt Thompson — the long-time “Voice of the Wildcats” and Senior Director of Sportscasting for Kansas State University Athletics — has been named Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN for 2025. This accolade crowns a season of exceptional storytelling, precision commentary, and unwavering commitment to the craft of sports broadcasting.
A Storied Career Behind the Mic
Thompson’s connection to Kansas State and collegiate athletics isn’t new — he’s been the primary radio play-by-play voice for K-State Wildcats football and men’s basketball for more than two decades. As Senior Director of Sportscasting, he also hosts weekly coach shows and serves as a key ambassador for the Wildcats’ athletic programs. �
Kansas State University Athletics
Over the years, Thompson’s consistent excellence has earned him multiple state-level awards, including numerous Kansas Sportscaster of the Year honors and induction into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. �
Amazon Web Services, Inc. +1
What This ESPN Honor Represents
Being named by ESPN as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports is a rare and significant achievement. ESPN’s recognition spans the full breadth of collegiate athletics, with its broadcasts reaching millions of viewers and listeners across football, basketball, and more. While ESPN regularly highlights top talent on its networks and digital platforms, this particular honor singles out Thompson among a deep field of national voices — a testament not only to his technical skills but to his ability to elevate every game he calls.
This award also reflects the evolving role of play-by-play announcers in shaping how fans experience games. A great announcer doesn’t just relay action — they provide context, drama, and a narrative thread that keeps audiences engaged whether the score is close or lopsided.
Why Fans and Peers Applaud Thompson
Listeners have long praised Thompson’s clarity, pacing, and rich knowledge of the game. In recent independent rankings of college football radio booths, the Kansas State broadcast team — anchored by Thompson’s play-by-play — earned strong audience grades, with fans highlighting his professionalism and voice work. �
Awful Announcing
Beyond technical excellence, many fans appreciate Thompson’s deep connection to the Wildcats community. His voice has become synonymous with some of the program’s most memorable moments, and his willingness to engage with fans and alumni off the air underscores his impact in Manhattan and beyond. �
K-State Extension
Looking Ahead
With this ESPN honor now in hand, Thompson’s reputation has been elevated from a regional favorite to a recognized national voice in collegiate sports. It opens doors for future high-profile assignments and further solidifies his legacy in a profession where longevity and impact are both hard-earned.
For Kansas State fans, it’s another point of pride — proof that one of their own is being celebrated on the biggest stages of sports media.
