Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has been named the top NFL television analyst for the 2026 season as broadcasting networks undergo major booth reshuffles ahead of kickoff. The new campaign opens on Wednesday night when the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots, marking the start of a year filled with expanding streaming deals and high-profile commentator changes.
The television landscape features expanding involvement from streaming platforms alongside traditional broadcast networks. Netflix is stepping up its presence with an estimated 500 million dollar investment for five games this season, while Amazon Prime Video continues to revamp Thursday Night Football alongside mainstays ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS.
A turbulent offseason brought significant disruptions across major networks. CBS Sports stood down analyst Tony Romo indefinitely following his arrest for driving while intoxicated, promoting rising star J.J. Watt to the lead booth. Meanwhile, Tom Brady enters the third year of his 10-year, 375 million dollar FOX contract after spending part of his time away helping reshape the Las Vegas Raiders.
Jason Kelce ranks tenth in the analyst standings as he transitions into the broadcast booth for NFL Network. The former Super Bowl winning center will serve as an analyst on select International Series games alongside play-by-play partner Dave Pasch under a reported three-year, 24 million dollar contract. While fan reaction to his constant television presence has been mixed, Kelce brings high energy and deep playing experience. He scored 23 out of 40 overall, receiving 9 for star power, 6 for knowledge, 3 for popularity, and 5 for chemistry.
Luke Kuechly takes ninth place following a surprise hire by Netflix to join play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle. The former Carolina Panthers linebacker wowed executives during a broadcast tryout to secure the role for Netflix's five-game package, which begins in Australia with the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams and includes Christmas Day coverage. Kuechly earned 25 out of 40 total points, including 5 for star power, 6 for knowledge, 8 for popularity, and 6 for chemistry.
Mid-tier broadcast rankings and CBS disruption
Drew Brees places eighth as he continues his second broadcasting opportunity with FOX alongside partner Adam Amin. The future Hall of Fame quarterback previously had a short stint at NBC before joining FOX last year when analyst Mark Sanchez was stabbed and subsequently arrested. Brees currently serves on the third-string team and received 25 out of 40 points, scoring 8 for star power, 8 for knowledge, 4 for popularity, and 5 for chemistry.
Tony Romo ranks seventh following his indefinite suspension by CBS Sports after an offseason arrest for driving while intoxicated. Romo initially drew strong praise alongside lead play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz in 2017 for predicting plays before snap, but recent seasons brought criticism over long tangents and declining booth chemistry. Romo stated that he intends to return, though his broadcasting future remains uncertain. He scored 25 out of 40 overall, with 8 for star power, 9 for knowledge, 2 for popularity, and 6 for chemistry.
Secondary broadcast crews and rising stars
Greg Olsen holds sixth position as the lead analyst on the number two broadcast team for FOX alongside Joe Davis. Olsen previously served as the network's top analyst before being moved to the secondary crew when Tom Brady joined FOX. His popularity among viewers grew due to sympathy over the demotion, though his path back to the top role at FOX remains blocked. Olsen achieved 26 out of 40 points, earning 4 for star power, 7 for knowledge, 9 for popularity, and 6 for chemistry.
J.J. Watt ranks fifth as he steps into the lead CBS analyst position alongside Jim Nantz to start the season. The former Houston Texans defensive end moved up after an impressive debut season on the network's secondary team with Ian Eagle, where he earned praise for thorough research and thoughtful delivery. Watt scored 26 out of 40 overall, receiving 7 for star power, 7 for knowledge, 7 for popularity, and 5 for chemistry.
Prime time commentators and veteran analysts
Kirk Herbstreit takes fourth place for his work on Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football alongside veteran play-by-play caller Al Michaels, who is 81. Herbstreit, a former Ohio State starting quarterback who never played in the NFL, combines his Prime Video duties with his role on ESPN's College GameDay. He received 27 out of 40 total points, scoring 4 for star power, 9 for knowledge, 6 for popularity, and 8 for chemistry.
Cris Collinsworth ranks third as the long-serving analyst for NBC's Sunday Night Football alongside play-by-play voice Mike Tirico. Although Collinsworth faces occasional fan criticism for his frequent praise of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, his commentary style and enthusiasm remain central to NBC's marquee broadcasts. Collinsworth achieved 29 out of 40 points, scoring 5 for star power, 8 for knowledge, 7 for popularity, and 9 for chemistry.
Top booth performers and season leaders
Tom Brady places second as he enters his third season in the FOX commentary booth paired with lead announcer Kevin Burkhardt. The seven-time Super Bowl champion rebounded from a difficult first year to deliver improved technical analysis in 2025 while continuing his front-office role helping reshape the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady received 34 out of 40 points, scoring 10 for star power, 9 for knowledge, 7 for popularity, and 8 for chemistry.
Troy Aikman takes the top spot as the lead analyst for ESPN on ABC alongside play-by-play partner Joe Buck. The three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys retired from playing in 2000 and has built the longest-tenured commentary partnership in the NFL. Aikman and Buck anchor Monday Night Football and are scheduled to call the Super Bowl this season for the first time since 2020. Aikman achieved the highest overall score of 36 out of 40, earning 9 for star power, 8 for knowledge, 9 for popularity, and 10 for chemistry.
