If you’ve spent any time on a Sunday afternoon with a beer in one hand and a remote in the other, you know the vibe. The CBS chime hits. Jim Nantz starts talking about "a tradition unlike any other," even though that's technically the wrong sport. It’s comforting. But man, the NFL on CBS commentators roster has seen some serious shuffling lately.
Honestly, it’s not just about who’s talking. It's about who got bumped, who’s "coasting," and why you’re suddenly seeing J.J. Watt in a suit instead of a jersey.
The 2025-2026 season has been a weird one for the booth. We’ve seen established duos split up and former superstars trying to find their footing in a job that’s way harder than it looks. You’d think talking about football for three hours would be easy for guys who played it for twenty years. It isn’t.
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The Nantz and Romo Situation: Why the Magic Faded
Let’s talk about the elephant in the booth. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo.
When Romo first showed up in 2017, he was a revelation. He was predicting plays before they happened like some kind of football wizard. It was electric. Fast forward to now, and the internet has... thoughts. Fans have been pretty vocal about Romo getting "lazy" or just making weird noises instead of actual analysis.
"Romo's announcing has gotten lazy. Dude doesn't do his homework. Just talks a bunch." — Every other person on Twitter (X) during a Ravens-Steelers game.
CBS actually tried an "intervention" a couple of years back to get him back on track. Did it work? It’s debatable. He’s still the lead guy, and his chemistry with Nantz is undeniable, but that $180 million contract is starting to look like a lot of money for "Boom! Look at that, Jim!"
They still get the "A-Team" games, though. If there’s a massive AFC showdown or a playoff game, you’re getting Nantz, Romo, and the incredibly reliable Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines. Wolfson is basically the glue holding that broadcast together at this point.
The Big Shakeup: J.J. Watt Moves to the Booth
The biggest news for the current cycle was J.J. Watt. For a while, he was just a studio guy on The NFL Today, cracking jokes with Bill Cowher and Nate Burleson. But in 2025, CBS finally pulled the trigger and moved him into the game booth.
He took over for Charles Davis on the No. 2 team.
Watt is paired with Ian Eagle. If you don't like Ian Eagle, we probably can't be friends. The guy is a pro's pro. He’s got that high-energy, "A-RAZZLE-DAZZLE" style that makes even a 10-0 blowout feel like a Super Bowl.
Putting Watt with Eagle was a smart move. Eagle is a "point guard" broadcaster—he knows how to set up his partner to look good. Early reports are that Watt is actually putting in the work. Unlike some former players who think they can just show up and talk, Watt’s been praised for his preparation. He knows the modern schemes because he was just playing against them a few years ago.
Where did Charles Davis go?
This was a confusing one for people. Charles Davis is great. He’s the voice of Madden, for heaven's sake. He didn't get fired, but he did get moved around.
Basically, Gary Danielson retired from the college side, and Davis saw an opening to be the lead guy for CBS’s college football coverage. But for the 2025 NFL season, he’s been working in a "three-man booth" on the No. 4 team with Andrew Catalon and Jason McCourty.
It’s a bit of a crowded house in that booth, but McCourty brings a defensive back’s perspective that’s actually really refreshing.
The Best Team You’re Probably Missing
If you want the best pure football broadcast, you have to look at the No. 3 team: Kevin Harlan and Trent Green.
Harlan is a national treasure. The man could narrate a cat stuck in a tree and make it sound like the most intense moment in human history. Remember when he called a guy running onto the field while simultaneously calling the game? Legend.
Trent Green is the perfect foil for him. He’s not flashy. He’s not trying to be a comedian. He just explains the quarterback's progression and why the blitz picked up the sack. It’s "meat and potatoes" football, and it’s glorious.
The 2025-2026 NFL on CBS Depth Chart
| Crew Rank | Play-by-Play | Lead Analyst | Sideline Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Jim Nantz | Tony Romo | Tracy Wolfson |
| No. 2 | Ian Eagle | J.J. Watt | Evan Washburn |
| No. 3 | Kevin Harlan | Trent Green | Melanie Collins |
| No. 4 | Andrew Catalon | Charles Davis & Jason McCourty | AJ Ross |
| No. 5 | Spero Dedes | Adam Archuleta | Aditi Kinkhabwala |
| No. 6 | Tom McCarthy | Ross Tucker | Various |
The Rules Guy: Gene Steratore
You can't talk about the CBS crew without mentioning Gene Steratore. Every time there’s a controversial catch or a "was his knee down" moment, Nantz throws it to Gene.
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Gene is interesting because he actually explains the spirit of the rule, not just the text. He’s become a bit of a meme for his "index card" officiating past, but he’s easily the most clear-headed rules analyst on TV right now. He doesn't just agree with the refs on the field to be safe; he’ll call them out if they blow it.
The Studio: The NFL Today
Back in New York, the studio show is still anchored by James Brown (JB). The man is 74 and hasn't lost a step.
The lineup there is pretty stable:
- Bill Cowher: The "Jaw." He brings the coach's perspective and still looks like he wants to blitz someone.
- Nate Burleson: The bridge to pop culture. He’s on CBS Mornings too, so he brings a different energy.
- Matt Ryan: "Matty Ice" joined the crew recently and has been surprisingly sharp. He’s much better in the studio than he was during his brief stint calling games.
What Most People Get Wrong About Announcers
People think the network picks who calls your local game. They don't—at least not directly.
It’s all about the "protected" games and the maps. If the Chiefs are playing the Bengals, Nantz and Romo are going there. If your local team is 2-12 and playing another 2-12 team, you’re probably getting Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta.
That’s not a knock on Spero, by the way. He’s actually really underrated. He has this understated, "just the facts" style that works well when a game is a total mess.
Why Does This Matter for You?
If you're a bettor or a fantasy player, listening to the right crew actually helps. Guys like Trent Green and J.J. Watt pick up on sub-packages and coaching tendencies way faster than the play-by-play guy.
If Romo is sounding "checked out," you might miss a key injury update or a schematic change. But if you’ve got Harlan and Green, you’re getting an education.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you want to keep up with who is calling your specific game each week, stop guessing.
- Check the Maps: Use 506 Sports. They post the regional coverage maps every Wednesday. It's the only way to know if you're getting the Nantz/Romo treatment or the "under-the-radar" crews.
- Watch the "Secondary" Broadcasts: If your team is on the No. 2 or No. 3 CBS game, pay attention to the analysis. J.J. Watt is still developing, and watching his growth as a commentator is actually a fun sub-plot to the season.
- Mute the TV, App the Audio: If you really can't stand Romo but love the CBS camera angles, some fans have started syncing the local radio broadcast with the TV. It’s a bit of a hassle with the delay, but it’s a game-changer if you want your hometown voice.
Broadcasting is subjective. One person's "energetic" is another person's "annoying." But the NFL on CBS commentators are, for better or worse, the soundtrack to our Sundays. Whether you’re there for the Romo-isms or the Harlan heaters, the 2025 lineup is as deep as it's ever been.
Next Steps for Your Sunday: Bookmark the CBS Sports press site. They usually drop the official announcer pairings for the upcoming week every Tuesday afternoon. If you see a three-man booth listed for your game, expect a lot of talking—those booths are notoriously chatty.
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Also, keep an eye on the "Game Break" updates with Adam Schein. He’s the guy who jumps in when a score happens in another game. His energy is an acquired taste, but he’s the fastest way to keep track of your fantasy scores without looking at your phone.