We are honored to welcome Tony Barnhart, nationally respected sports journalist and broadcaster, as our featured speaker at the December 18 Rotary meeting. Known across the country as “Mr. College Football,” Tony brings five decades of insight, storytelling, and passion for the game to our podium—just as he wraps up his 50th and final season covering college football.

Tony Barnhart’s name is synonymous with college football. A 1976 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, Tony began his career at the Greensboro News & Record before joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1984. There, he became a leading voice in college sports journalism, serving as college sports editor and covering the ACC and SEC for 25 years.

His broadcast career included work with ESPN’s College GameDay, CBS Sports, and the SEC Network. He also hosted The Tony Barnhart Show on CBS College Network, a program that spotlighted the personalities and traditions of college football. Tony’s influence on the sport continues through his writing and speaking engagements.

Currently, Tony is a senior writer for TMG College Sports and is completing a farewell tour of Southeastern Conference schools. He is also working on his seventh book, Mr. College Football: 50 Years of SEC Memories, scheduled for release by the University of Georgia Press in December 2026.

Tony’s contributions to sports journalism have earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Georgia Sports Writer of the Year (1999)
• Induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (2021)
• The Bert McGrane Award from the Football Writers Association of America (2009)
• The Contribution to Amateur Football Award from the National Football Foundation (2016)

He has authored six books, including collaborations with legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley and broadcaster Larry Munson.

Tony and his wife Maria, who will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in 2025, reside in Atlanta. Their daughter Sara is Assistant General Counsel at Cox Enterprises, and they are proud grandparents to Sloane and Beau.

Join us for what promises to be a spirited and insightful conversation with one of the most respected voices in college football. You won’t want to miss this special event as Tony reflects on a legendary career and the evolving landscape of the sport he loves.

Date: Thursday, December 18
Time: 12:15
Location: Roswell Area Park
Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075