Tennessee announced Thursday the Voice of the Vols Bob Kesling will retire after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.

Kesling’s career has stretched over five decades with the Vol Network, which celebrated its 75th anniversary.

“Bob’s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a release. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”

Kesling was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame over the summer.

For more than 25 years, Kesling, a graduate of Tennessee, was the “Voice of the Vols” on both radio and television.

Kesling, who was named the lead announcer on the Vol Radio Network in 1999, has been the play-by-play voice for Tennessee football and basketball across the 60-plus stations that make up the Vol Radio Network. He also hosts “Vol Calls,” a weekly coaches’ call-in radio show, and the “Big Orange Hotline” during the football season. Additionally, he hosts “The Josh Heupel Show” and “The Rick Barnes Show” on the Vol Television Network.

Kesling as a walk-on fullback on the 1972 freshman football team. His broadcasting career started in 1974 when he worked as a film editor for the “Bill Battle Show” on the Vol Television Network while still a student.

He also has a long history with the Lady Vols basketball team, serving as the radio play-by-play voice from 1978 to 1999 and calling Pat Summitt’s first six NCAA National Championships.