KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee VFL Jayson Swain has been named the Vol Network’s new football gameday booth analyst alongside the “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith, it was announced by Tennessee Athletics and Learfield Thursday.
Keith made an in-person appearance on WNML 99.1 FM The Sports Animal’s “Josh and Swain” show to surprise the former UT wide receiver with the news.
“I think back to the moment that I decided to be a Tennessee Volunteer,” Swain said. “It was the second week of December 2002. They tell you it’s a 40-year decision and not a four-year decision, and they did not lie. That decision changed my life forever for the good. There’s nothing I love more than my family and the University of Tennessee.”
“I am extremely honored to be the color analyst for the place I love, and I look forward to sharing that passion on the air with Vol Nation on gamedays in the booth next to Mike. We had a lot of fun last year, and I can’t wait for the season ahead.”
Swain will join Keith, sideline reporter Brent Hubbs and game day host Larry Stone during the 2026 season. The 78th season of Vol Network football coverage goes live at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 5 leading up to the season opener against Furman at 3:30 p.m. in Neyland Stadium. The action can be heard on any of the 70-plus stations that carry the broadcasts or on the Tennessee Athletics app.
“The Vol Network has always been at its best when it connects generations of Tennessee fans through the voices of those who understand what it means to wear the orange,” said Brandon Parks, the Vice President and General Manager of the Vol Network. “Jayson embodies that tradition. His experience as a player, broadcaster, and VFL makes him an outstanding choice to help tell the story of Tennessee Football for years to come.”
“Jayson has earned this opportunity through years of hard work, preparation and a genuine passion for Tennessee Athletics,” said Alicia Longworth, Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Marketing Officer. “As a VFL, accomplished broadcaster, and trusted voice for our fans, he brings an authentic perspective and tremendous football knowledge to every broadcast. We’re excited to have him alongside Mike Keith as the next chapter of the Vol Network begins.”
A 2006 team captain, Swain starred for Tennessee from 2003-06 and was a member of the Vols’ 2004 SEC Eastern Division title team. The Huntsville, Alabama, native caught 126 passes for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns. He signed with the Chicago Bears following his UT career and still ranks eighth all-time in school career receptions.
Swain co-hosts the “Josh and Swain” show weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on WNML 99.1 FM The Sports Animal in Knoxville. He has hosted his own podcast, The Swain Event, since 2009. He joined the Vol Network in 2021 as a sideline reporter, and last season, moved into the broadcast booth as a pregame, halftime and postgame analyst.
