In a stunning and well-deserved recognition that’s sending waves through the world of collegiate athletics, ESPN has officially named Jones Angell the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. Known for his iconic voice, masterful storytelling, and deep emotional connection with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Angell’s win is being celebrated by fans and broadcasters alike as a moment that cements his legacy among the elite figures in sports broadcasting.
For over a decade, Jones Angell has been the voice behind some of the most unforgettable moments in UNC athletics. From buzzer-beating victories in March Madness to gritty ACC battles on the gridiron, Angell’s calls have become inseparable from the memories they narrate. With every word, he breathes life into the game—capturing the tension, triumph, heartbreak, and euphoria that define college sports.
What separates Angell from the rest isn’t just his command of the microphone, but his rare ability to strike the perfect emotional tone in real time. His play-by-play is as much about painting vivid pictures as it is about describing the action. Whether it’s a third-down conversion in Kenan Stadium or a last-second three-pointer at the Dean Dome, Angell’s delivery is never just heard—it’s felt.
This award, voted on by a panel of industry experts, former athletes, and national media figures, recognizes more than just Angell’s technical excellence. It celebrates his deep-rooted connection to the Tar Heel community. A native of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and a lifelong Carolina fan, Angell has built a relationship with listeners that transcends the airwaves. He’s not just narrating games; he’s sharing the journey with the fans, every step of the way.
In his acceptance remarks, Angell remained characteristically humble, crediting the athletes, coaches, mentors, and broadcast partners who have helped shape his career. “This honor means the world to me,” he said. “To be recognized in this way—especially when you’re simply doing what you love for the school you love—is both overwhelming and incredibly meaningful. It’s a privilege to tell the stories of the Tar Heels, and I share this award with every fan who’s ever tuned in, cheered, or cried right along with us.”
His peers in the industry were quick to praise the selection. Legendary broadcasters and analysts took to social media to laud Angell’s consistency, passion, and professionalism. “Jones Angell is the gold standard,” one ESPN analyst remarked. “He doesn’t just call games. He creates moments.”
As college sports continue to evolve, voices like Angell’s remain essential—bridging generations and uniting communities through the power of narrative. This honor doesn’t just celebrate a single year of excellence; it confirms what Tar Heel Nation has known all along: Jones Angell is one of the very best to ever do it.
From Chapel Hill to the national stage, the voice of the Tar Heels now echoes in the pantheon of broadcasting greatness.
