Tony Barnhart has been writing about college football for half a century, and as he enters his 50th year of coverage, the longtime scribe has announced this will be his final year covering the game. Posting a message to his personal Facebook page, Barnhart announced that he will be retiring following the conclusion of the upcoming college football season.
Widely referred to as ‘Mr. College Football,’ Barnhart began covering college football in 1976 for the Union (SC) Daily Times immediately after receiving his diploma from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism.
“The 2025 season will be my 50th covering college football for newspapers, radio, television, and the internet,” wrote Barnhart. “After many talks with my bride, Maria, friends, family and colleagues I have decided it will be my last.”
Currently, Barnhart works for TMG College Sports as a columnist. However, over the course of his distinguished career, he has also worked for the Union Daily Times, Greensboro News & Record, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as ESPN and CBS Sports. Moreover, Barnhart hosted The Tony Barnhart Show on CBS College Network and has received numerous awards, including the 2009 Bert McGrane Award from the FWAA Hall of Fame and the 2008 Edwin Pop Vanguard Media Award.
“I will spend this season on a ‘Thank you’ tour of SEC sites that have given me a treasure trove of incredible memories,” Barnhart wrote. “I will write an essay at each stop with the intent of turning them into a book. I will work through the CFP National Championship game in Miami on Monday, Jan. 19. Then I will retire.”
Furthermore, he noted that he never envisioned writing those words regarding retirement. Nevertheless, he clarified that health is not the reason he is stepping away and that he still feels he has a couple of books left in him to write.
“There will be details to share when we start putting the tour together,” said Barnhart. “Maria and I want to thank you for your support during this incredible journey. It would not have been possible without you. Carry on.”
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