Fox Sports announced that Connor Onion will succeed Jason Benetti as the network’s No. 2 college football play‑by‑play announcer, a role that pairs him with analyst Robert Griffin III. The pairing marks a new chapter for the network’s college‑football coverage, which has been reshaped ahead of the upcoming season.
Benetti's next chapter
Benetti is set to move to NBC, where he will serve as the network’s lead Major League Baseball broadcaster. Industry observers expect him to also lend his voice to college football and basketball broadcasts, expanding his presence across multiple sports properties.
Fox Sports has not issued an official comment on the transition, but the move leaves a clear vacancy in its second‑tier play‑by‑play lineup. The network’s No. 1 team remains intact, consisting of veteran voices Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt, who continue to anchor the flagship college‑football package.
Robert Griffin III’s journey to Fox Sports has been anything but linear. After a brief but notable NFL career, he pivoted to broadcasting, first joining ESPN before being let go, then catching on with Fox Sports last season. His rapid ascent and subsequent setback have been well documented in the sports‑media circuit.
Griffin's praise
Griffin has publicly credited Jason Benetti for shaping his approach to booth work, emphasizing that Benetti demonstrated how a broadcast team can blend deep knowledge with entertaining delivery. This mentorship, Griffin says, was pivotal in helping him refine his on‑air style.
Onion, who previously called games for both Fox and the Big 10 Network, brings a track record of live‑event experience to his new responsibilities. His familiarity with college‑football audiences and proven ability to deliver crisp play‑by‑play commentary positioned him as the natural choice for the elevated role.
The reshuffling reflects Fox Sports’ strategy to blend seasoned talent with fresh perspectives as it prepares for the upcoming college‑football season. Fans can expect a dynamic mix of analytical depth and energetic play‑by‑play from the new duo of Onion and Griffin, while Benetti’s transition to NBC adds another layer of competition to the network’s sports lineup.