The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and while most broadcast booths remain unchanged, one big shakeup has fans talking: J.J. Watt stepping in for Tony Romo on CBS's top crew. But with the new campaign just days away, the bigger question is: which announcers are fans dreading to hear?
Awful Announcing's annual poll has identified the five worst announcer pairings heading into the 2026 regular season. The results, based on fan votes, highlight the booths that consistently miss the mark. From outdated styles to lackluster chemistry, these teams have earned their spot on the naughty list.
The Bottom of the Barrel
Taking the crown as the worst duo, according to the poll, is the Fox pairing of Chris Myers and Mark Schlereth. They finished 24th out of 25 teams last year, and their grade only got worse, dropping to 1.68. The pair received a staggering 192 F grades, the highest in the poll. One fan quipped, "This feels like a booth from 1991 doing a Jack Trudeau vs. Steve Grogan Colts/Patriots game." Ouch.
Right behind them is the CBS duo of Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta. While they didn't get as much vitriol, they still finished near the bottom, with fans citing a lack of energy and repetitive analysis.
More Booths in the Doghouse
Adam Amin and Drew Brees on Fox also made the list. Brees, despite his Hall of Fame playing career, hasn't translated to the booth, and fans have been vocal about his awkward pauses and forced catchphrases.
ESPN's Monday Night Football crew of Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick came in fourth. While they have their defenders, the poll shows many fans find their three-man booth cluttered and sometimes chaotic.
Rounding out the top five is Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma on Fox. They've been a steady presence, but steady doesn't always mean exciting, and fans want more.
What Makes a Bad Booth?
So what separates the good from the bad? Fans in the poll cited a lack of preparation, too much homerism, and an inability to explain the game in an engaging way. As one commenter put it, "It's like they're reading a script instead of watching the game." For more on what makes a good broadcast, check out recent moves in the college football booth.
The NFL's broadcast landscape is always evolving, and with the season opener on September 9, these teams will have a chance to prove the critics wrong. But for now, fans are bracing for another year of muted mics and eye rolls.
Who's on your worst list? The debate is heating up, and with the preseason already revealing some weak spots, it's clear that not everything on TV will be a touchdown.
