Woody Hayes is “eternally grateful” for the opportunity to serve as the voice of Doak Campbell Stadium for the past 16 years.
Florida State will usher in a new era in the press box in 2026, as the university replaces Hayes as its public address announcer for home football games. It marks only the third time in the past 42 years that the Seminoles will have a new voice at Doak Campbell Stadium.
“I’m grateful to have been a part of the game-day atmosphere and a part of Seminole nation,” Hayes told the Tallahassee Democrat on Monday, July 6. “I’m proud of my body of work and hope to continue in some announcer capacity in the near future.”
For many FSU fans, Hayes became as much a part of the game-day soundtrack as the Marching Chiefs and the War Chant. His familiar refrain — “And that’s good for another Florida State …” — would echo through the stadium before thousands of fans roared in unison, “FIRST DOWN!”
FSU confirmed to the Democrat on Tuesday, July 7, it made the decision not to retain Hayes for football.
While his tenure as FSU’s football public address announcer is coming to an end, Hayes and FSU said the move will not affect Hayes’ role as the public address voice for Seminoles men’s and women’s basketball. He has served in that role for the past 25 years.
Hayes, 57, succeeded longtime announcer Nick Menacof in 2010 as he was selected from four finalists who auditioned the Seminoles’ spring football game. Hayes received the most votes in a poll of fans held on Seminoles.com.
Menacof spent 25 years as the voice of Doak Campbell Stadium before retiring after the 2009 season. He died in 2017.
Beyond his work with FSU athletics, Hayes has enjoyed a long career in Tallahassee radio, where listeners know him by his on-air name, Woody Hayes. His given name is Woody Pelt.
“16 years ago, I was given the incredible news that I would be the new voice of Doak Campbell Stadium,” Hayes said.
“I was proud to carry on the tradition that Mr. Nic Minakoff set for the 25 previous years. I’m grateful to have been a part of the game day atmosphere and a part of Seminole nation. ‘What’s next?’ you might ask. That’s all in God‘s hands. For he knows the plans that he has for me.
“To those who have supported me over the years, I’m eternally grateful, and I love each and every one of you… and that’s good for a Seminole farewell.”
Here is FSU’s 2026 football schedule
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: As FSU moves on, Woody Hayes reflects on 16 years as voice of Doak
Reporting by Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
