From the late great Mike Leach to the electric Gardner Minshew, Matt Chazanow masterfully told the story of Washington State athletics for nine years. Now, Chazanow is set to be the new voice of NC State football and basketball.
For the first season in 34 years, Gary Hahn will not be in the broadcast booth calling NC State football and basketball. Following a legend like Hahn, who capped his time at NC State by calling NC State men’s basketball’s historic run to the men’s basketball Final Four, comes with the opportunity to carry on the rich tradition of broadcasting at NC State.
“I feel incredibly humble and grateful,” Chazanow said. “I want to make sure I do good by Gary Hahn and everybody that came before him. … I come at this with a great deal of respect and no lack of excitement and enthusiasm.”
At Washington State, Chazanow showcased his ability to enhance games with excitement and knowledge. His color commentator and former Washington State quarterback Alex Brink offered high praise for Chazanow.
“He’s electric,” Brink said. “He’s been in the industry for a long time and he just flat out doesn’t miss a big call. If you go back and listen to any of the big games and moments in Washington State football for the last six or seven years, you’ll hear Matt’s voice and he really stands out.”
Nailing the highlights is only one piece of the puzzle however. A quality announcer doesn’t just shine calling a game-winning touchdown against a rival — the best announcers bring their best work weekly during every play. Knowing this importance, Chazanow strives to offer his best on every call, regardless of opponent.
“You never know when there’s going to be a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown,” Chazanow said. “You never want to be surprised and you always want to be prepared and that’s out of every single game. … You only get 12 opportunities in the regular season and you treat everyone with the same regard and respect.”
When Chazanow calls his first NC State football game, it’ll mark his career coming full circle. 18 years ago, Chazanow called his first game right on NC State’s campus at Reynolds Coliseum — a 78-48 win for NC State women’s basketball over High Point.
“I started with the High Point Panthers women’s basketball team, that was my first play-by-play job.” Chazanow said. “Actually my first game was at Reynolds Coliseum in 2006. Isn’t that crazy?”
Chazanow and NC State appear to be a match made in heaven. From the west coast, Chazanow admired the Wolfpack and its passionate fanbase. Now, he’ll be the next storyteller for NC State Athletics.
“Passion takes lots of forms,” Chazanow said. “People are wild and Wolfpack fans — I’m well aware of the power of the Pack and the passion of the fan base. That was really attractive.”
Chazanow comes to Raleigh at an exciting time. With men’s basketball fresh off an ACC championship victory and a Final Four trip, there’s plenty of momentum for NC State basketball. Meanwhile, NC State football is gearing up for a run at its own ACC title with a loaded roster.
“I just think [NC State] is a really special place.” Chazanow said. “It’s at the top of this business. … It’s on a historic run right now, but also historically in the full context of the athletic department, it has decades of success and history that’s integral to the fabric of college sports.”
While an unfamiliar voice for many Wolfpack fans, Chazanow is already embracing NC State sports. From his excitement and preparation, Raleigh can be sure it’ll get Chazanow at his best game in and game out.
“He’s gonna be really passionate about the Pack and the whole athletic department,” Brink said. “He’ll really immerse himself in that community.”
Chazanow will make his debut as the new voice of NC State football on Aug. 29 when the Pack kicks off the 2024 season against Western Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium.
