If the expanded College Football Playoff hasn’t lived up to your expectations, allow the Texas-Arizona State quarterfinal to do the talking.
And Joe Tessitore, too.
He and his partner Jesse Palmer came in as the No. 8 broadcast booth in Awful Announcing’s college football announcer rankings for 2024. And for ESPN’s bowl coverage, which has not only been a mixed bag but made for a negative viewing experience at times, Tessitore and Palmer were anything but.
Joe Tess is money calling these games
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 1, 2025
And if you were listening, it was clear he wasn’t just money — he was absolutely on fire.
What set Tessitore apart wasn’t just his ability to call the game — it was how he did it. And to do that on a day marred by tragedy? Even more impressive, he balanced grace with passion, giving the moment the weight it deserved while keeping the energy high.
And like Arizona State’s 16-point comeback, Tessitore’s delivery gained momentum as the game went on. Perhaps he got off to a slow start, but once he hit his stride, there was no slowing him down.
He wasn’t only the heartbeat of the broadcast but the MVP of a game that saw Texas clinch a date with the Cotton Bowl.
Arizona State star RB Cam Skattebo with a 42-yard TD… PASS!
The Sun Devils follow that up with a successful 2-point conversion, and it’s now an 8-point game.
Joe Tessitore and Jesse Palmer have the Texas-ASU Peach Bowl call for ESPN. 🏈🎙️🔥#CFP pic.twitter.com/eTTNWirTEh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
Arizona State picks off Quinn Ewers! #CFP pic.twitter.com/siblaqISzD
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 1, 2025
“LOOKING FOR SKATTEBO AND HE GETS HIM! FLAG IS DOWN! STIFF ARM! HELMET OFF! AND MULTIPLE FLAGS DOWN!… AN EXPLOSIVE PLAY TO SKATTEBO!… Can you believe what is happening here in the Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl?… This thing just got wild!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️#CFP pic.twitter.com/bCPfnRhQIR
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
CAM SKATTEBO TIES IT UP AND JOE TESSITORE IS LOSING HIS MIND! 🏈🎙️🔥#CFP https://t.co/b3C1UoyydM pic.twitter.com/02TIdROQyZ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
“… for a guy in Bert Auburn who’s hit more field goals than anybody in Texas history with 65 in his career.” – Jesse Palmer
“Auburn has been in many big spots in his career.” – Joe Tessitore
…
“AND IT IS STAYING TO THE RIGHT! AND WE ARE STAYING TIED UP!” – Tessitore 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/MImAZ0H0hT
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore:
“He’s 9-of-9 this year under 40. A 38-yard attempt to make it to the National Semifinals, and to cap a classic! Does he have it?!”
“UPRIGHT DENIES HIM! SPARKY’S GOT LIFE! OFF THE LEFT UPRIGHT! AND WE ARE GOING TO OVERTIME IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF!” https://t.co/jD0fHKzpXi pic.twitter.com/nFqLapNKFB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
“THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS! LOOK AT THE POWER RUNNING HERE! THAT’S A 335-POUND DEFENSIVE TACKLE WHO STONEWALLS HIM, AND HE STILL FIGHTS THROUGH!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/C4K86eqf0Z
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
“Texas must convert 4th-and-13… TO STAY ALIVE! CAN THEY HOOK ‘EM?! TOUCHDOWN, MATTHEW GOLDEN!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/a38XeAakMx
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
“TEXAS IS IN PRIME POSITION NOW!”
“THIS IS JUST AWESOME STUFF! ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/3KWFOFzX2Y
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
“HOOK ‘EM HORNS! THEY’RE HEADED HOME TO TEXAS TO PLAY IN THE COTTON BOWL!… WHAT AN ALL-TIME CLASSIC! WHAT A WAY TO WELCOME IN THE NEW YEAR! AND WHAT A GREAT CELEBRATION OF TWO OUTSTANDING TEAMS AND PLAYERS WHO GAVE *EVERYTHING* THEY HAD! WELL DONE!” – Joe Tessitore 🏈🎙️ #CFP pic.twitter.com/3J4kHV7mYM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
Whether it was Skattebo’s explosive 42-yard touchdown pass or the nail-biting moments as Texas fought to stay alive, his voice punctuated every critical play with the voice and meaning it deserved.
And if that wasn’t impressive enough, look how social media heralded his performance.
Joe Tessitore is calling the SHIT out of this game.
— Kyle, a Madson (@KyleAMadson) January 1, 2025
They’ve got to send Joe Tessitore’s headset to the Hall of Fame after this one.
— Scoops (@ejmaroun) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore being on the call for this game makes it better
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore is on one today. Right in his wheelhouse.
— Adam Silverstein (@SilversteinAdam) January 1, 2025
Joe tessitore kicks ass
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore needs to call all the playoff games
— sarah (@fangirlfornfl) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore is calling this game like his life depends on it! pic.twitter.com/7vIRXIYkPc
— Chris Lea – Sportscaster (@ChrisLeaTV) January 1, 2025
Joe Tessitore woke up this morning determined to make a historic call and he’s going to give it 100% on every single play until one of them sticks
— sarge (@sarge__msu) January 1, 2025
Is it an overstatement to say that Joe Tessitore is the best commentator in the business?
Absolutely electric. Put him on every game ever.
— Phoenix Stevens (@PStevensKSR) January 1, 2025
If there’s any doubt left about Tessitore’s ability to reach the moment, those reactions say it all.
Tessitore is the voice you want for playoff football.
