Florida State Seminoles
· 2026-07-09
Florida State Seminoles are set to hear a new voice in Doak Campbell Stadium this fall, as the university announced it will replace Woody Hayes as the public‑address announcer for football games starting in 2026. Hayes, who has called every Seminole first down for 16 seasons, will remain the voice of men’s and women’s basketball, preserving his long‑standing link to Seminole athletics.
The decision came after a review of the press‑box lineup, marking only the third time in 42 years that the Seminoles have switched football announcers. University officials told the Tallahassee Democrat that the move is part of a broader effort to refresh the game‑day experience. No specific performance issues were cited, and the school has not yet named Hayes' successor. The timing aligns with the start of the 2026 football schedule, which opens against the New Mexico State Aggies on 2026‑08‑29.
Woody Hayes, born Woody Pelt, earned his nickname on Tallahassee radio before taking over the stadium mic in 2010. He succeeded the late Nick Menacof, whose 25‑year tenure set a high bar. Hayes quickly became known for his signature line, “And that's good for another Florida State… FIRST DOWN!” Fans still echo that chant across the stadium. Though his football role ends, Hayes will continue announcing for Seminoles basketball, a job he has held for 25 years, keeping his voice in the arena.
Longtime supporters have mixed feelings. Many recall Hayes’ calls as part of the Saturday ritual, alongside the Marching Chiefs and the War Chant. Social media threads show gratitude for his service and curiosity about who will fill the mic. The university plans to hold auditions, likely involving fan input similar to the 2010 poll that elevated Hayes. The new announcer will inherit a tradition that resonates deeply with the Seminole faithful.
The change adds another storyline to a schedule that pits the Seminoles against ACC rivals and non‑conference foes. After the Aug. 29 opener versus New Mexico State, FSU faces SMU, a bye, then a high‑stakes trip to Alabama on Sept. 19. A fresh voice could energize the crowd, especially as the team seeks momentum early in the year. Coaches like head coach Brian Kelly will rely on the stadium atmosphere to boost player morale, and the PA announcer plays a subtle yet vital role in that dynamic.
Recruiting visits often include a tour of Doak Campbell’s press box. Prospects hear the announcer’s cadence during practice sessions and may form impressions about the program’s culture. While the impact is indirect, a charismatic new voice could reinforce the Seminoles’ brand of excitement and tradition, something that appeals to high‑school talent across the Southeast.
FSU has not released a timeline for the replacement announcement, but insiders expect a decision before the season‑opening game. The university will likely host a public audition, inviting fans to vote online as it did a decade ago. Until then, Hayes will finish the 2025‑26 basketball season, and the football crowd will await the next chapter of game‑day sound.
The transition underscores how even the smallest pieces of a football program—like a PA announcer—can shape the overall experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.