CBS Sports making big March Madness coverage change for 2026

Nate Burleson will add NCAA Tournament host to his ever-growing résumé at CBS. 

The network announced Thursday morning that Burleson will host men’s March Madness coverage for CBS Sports and TNT Sports, replacing beloved basketball broadcaster Ernie Johnson for the first two weeks of the tournament.

Burleson will also serve as studio host for Sunday’s game between Ohio State and Michigan State on CBS. 

Nate Burleson is joining March Madness coverage for 2026. Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images

“It’s the first sport I fell in love with, the first sport I learned how to play,” Burleson said during the announcement on “CBS Mornings.” “As everybody knows, my brother coaches in the NBA. So basketball, the sport is near and dear to myself and my family, and I’ve been itching to contribute to basketball coverage under the CBS Sports umbrella, and finally I get to do that.”

Burleson joins a studio host group that includes Johnson, Adam Lefkoe and Adam Zucker. 

The former NFL wideout will share hosting duties with Zucker from the network’s New York studios.

Kefkoe will host in Atlanta. 

Johnson announced he would take a step back from the first few rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

But he will be back to host the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

“Of course, I’m ready. Shout out to Ernie — the legend,” Burleson said. “I’ll just be keeping his seat warm.”

Ernie Johnson looks on before the game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers during Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 31, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NBAE via Getty Images

CBS has not announced official plans for its March Madness coverage this year. 

Burleson has been an analyst for the network’s NFL coverage since 2017 and now serves as a co-host on “CBS Mornings.”

He is expected to continue with his role on the morning news program during March Madness, Sports Business Journal reported. 

Prior to his successful media career, Burleson, taken 71st overall in the 2003 NFL Draft, spent 11 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Vikings, Seahawks and Lions.