CBS adds J.J. Watt, reshuffles crews as it readies for 2025 NFL season coverage.
CBS Sports Reveals NFL Broadcast Announcer Lineups For 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
CBS Sports has unveiled its complete NFL broadcast lineup for the 2025 season, introducing new booth combinations while preserving the structure of its top-tier teams.
Headlining the changes is former NFL defensive standout J.J. Watt, who transitions from "The NFL Today" studio to join Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn on CBS’ No. 2 broadcast team.
Watt replaces Charles Davis, who forms a new trio alongside Andrew Catalon and Jason McCourty, filling the gap left by Tiki Barber’s departure to WFAN.
The announcement arrives as CBS prepares to cover more regular-season games than any other network this fall.
J.J. Watt Joins Ian Eagle in CBS’s Revamped No. 2 Booth
Watt’s full-time move into the booth marks a notable pivot in his post-playing career. After he filled a part-time studio role last season, CBS is committing him to game analysis duties by slotting him into a high-visibility position alongside Eagle and sideline reporter Washburn.
Replacing veteran analyst Davis, Watt is expected to bring energy and firsthand player insight to live broadcasts.
His familiarity with modern defensive schemes, locker-room dynamics and current players gives the booth a contemporary edge.
For CBS, it’s a strategic choice to build depth in its announcing ranks while tapping into a younger NFL audience.
Tiki Barber Exits, Charles Davis Anchors New Team
With Barber leaving to focus on New York Giants radio coverage, CBS tapped Davis to take over in a newly formed trio with play-by-play voice Catalon and analyst McCourty, with AJ Ross reporting from the sideline.
The rest of the broadcast teams hold steady. Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson remain CBS’ lead crew. Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins return intact, as do Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala, Tom McCarthy and Ross Tucker.
CBS Sports Unveils Game Announcer Lineup for 2025 @NFLonCBS Season pic.twitter.com/HHFZ50ftI3
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) July 30, 2025
Additional depth is provided by Greg Steratore, Beth Mowins, Chris Lewis, Logan Ryan, Amanda Balionis and Tiffany Blackmon.
With host James Brown returning to anchor "The NFL Today," flanked by Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan, the network enters its 66th NFL season with stability, star power and a few well-placed upgrades.
CBS kicks off its NFL slate on Sept. 7, with the season opener at Lambeau Field between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
