Woody Hayes Has Resigned From Florida State Basketball
The longtime announcer stepped down following his previous departure from the university's football stadium role.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Woody Hayes, also known by his legal name Woody Pelt, has resigned as the basketball announcer for Florida State. His departure comes after a 25-year tenure calling games at the Tucker Center.
Why it matters
The resignation marks the end of a long-standing association between Hayes and the university's athletic events. It follows his recent replacement as the football stadium announcer at Doak Campbell Stadium earlier this year.
Hayes served as the basketball announcer for 25 years and held the football announcer position for 16 years. He was selected as the football announcer in 2010 after being chosen from a field of 4 finalists.
The players
Woody Hayes
He is a 57-year-old announcer who served Florida State athletics for over two decades under his legal name, Woody Pelt.
Eric Luallen
He is the individual who succeeded Woody Hayes as the football stadium announcer at Florida State in 2026.
The details
Hayes confirmed his resignation to the Tallahassee Democrat on September 21, 2026, following a post on social media. The 57-year-old previously saw his role as the football stadium announcer at Doak Campbell Stadium end in July 2026, when he was succeeded by Eric Luallen.
Timeline
Nick Menacof retired from his stadium announcer role in 2009.
Woody Hayes began his tenure as stadium announcer in 2010.
Hayes was replaced as the football stadium announcer in July 2026.
Hayes announced his resignation as basketball announcer on September 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The departure concludes a major chapter in Florida State game day operations, following the 2010 Florida State stadium announcer search that originally brought Hayes to the role. This change signals a complete turnover of the veteran voice team at the university's major athletic venues.
Fans attending games at the Tucker Center will hear a new voice announcing basketball contests moving forward. This change finalizes the transition of athletic announcing responsibilities that began earlier this year with the football program.
The takeaway
The departure of a long-term announcer often signals a broader shift in how athletic departments manage their event-day atmosphere and fan engagement. Supporters of the team should anticipate a period of adjustment as new announcers establish their own routines at home games.
Further reading
For more on local sports personnel updates, visit the Basketball section.
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