REBELS REJOICE: Ole Miss Broadcaster David Kellum Clinches Dual ESPN Awards, Crowned the Undisputed Voice of College Sports”Hotty Toddy meets broadcast royalty—David Kellum takes the crown!”Full details via link………
Ole Miss fans across the nation are beaming with pride as longtime Rebel broadcaster David Kellum is officially recognized as one of the most iconic voices in college sports. In an unprecedented sweep, Kellum has clinched two major ESPN honors—”Best College Play-by-Play Broadcaster” and “Lifetime Excellence in Collegiate Sports Broadcasting”—cementing his place as a legend behind the mic.
After over four decades of calling Ole Miss football, baseball, and basketball games, Kellum’s passion, consistency, and unmistakable Southern cadence have become synonymous with Rebel athletics. Now, the national spotlight has caught up with the reverence Ole Miss fans have long held for their golden-voiced narrator.
The Voice of the Rebels
David Kellum began his career in Oxford in the early 1980s, stepping into a role few could imagine would define generations of fans. From Eli Manning’s breakout seasons to Mike Bianco’s championship runs, Kellum has been the connective tissue across eras of Ole Miss sports. With his signature blend of enthusiasm, professionalism, and deep-rooted knowledge, he’s offered more than just play-by-play—he’s delivered the heartbeat of Rebel nation.
For many, his calls are as iconic as the moments themselves. “It’s not just what happens on the field—it’s how David calls it,” said Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter. “He’s part of the fabric of this university.”
ESPN Honors: A First for an SEC Broadcaster
Kellum’s awards were announced during ESPN’s annual Collegiate Sports Media Awards in Charlotte, where he received standing ovations from a crowd filled with industry veterans and rising stars alike. Notably, this is the first time a broadcaster from the SEC has won both awards in the same year, a testament to Kellum’s enduring legacy and nationwide appeal.
“David Kellum doesn’t just broadcast games—he elevates them,” said ESPN President of Programming Burke Magnus. “His storytelling, emotional intelligence, and unwavering dedication make him the standard by which others are measured.”
The Lifetime Excellence Award is particularly prestigious, previously awarded to national icons like Brent Musburger and Keith Jackson. Kellum’s inclusion in this elite circle marks a proud moment not only for him personally, but also for Ole Miss and the broader SEC community.
Reaction from the Rebel Family
Social media lit up following the announcement, with #HottyToddy and #KellumCrowned trending regionally. Students, alumni, and Rebel fans shared memories of listening to Kellum’s broadcasts on long car rides, at tailgates, and even overseas.
Ole Miss head baseball coach Mike Bianco summed it up best: “You know it’s a big moment when David’s voice cracks just a little. He cares that much—and that’s why we love him.”
Looking Ahead
While the awards could serve as a graceful curtain call, Kellum shows no signs of slowing down. In an emotional acceptance speech, he made it clear: “As long as they’ll have me, I’ll keep calling games in Oxford. This place, these fans, this job—it’s the greatest honor of my life.”
Kellum also hinted at a memoir in the works and plans to mentor young broadcasters in the SEC network pipeline. “I want to give back to the next generation,” he said. “The mic may start with one person, but the story belongs to all of us.”
A Moment Etched in Rebel History
As Oxford celebrates one of its own, the magnitude of Kellum’s achievement reverberates far beyond Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. His voice has narrated triumph and heartbreak, built tradition, and captured the spirit of Ole Miss.
