Ernie Johnson’s March Madness replacement named as former NFL star and CBS analyst

March Madness is one of the most beloved events on the college sports calendar.

The annual postseason NCAA Tournament for men’s college basketball features 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format.

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Teams qualify by winning their conference or receiving an at-large bid. Games are played at neutral sites across the United States over the course of March and early April.

One of the most beloved figures during The Big Dance is TNT studio host Ernie Johnson, who has become a beloved figure in the basketball world, both in college and the NBA.

March Madness is known for it’s thrilling games, but a big change is coming to the broadcast this year.

CBS Sports reveals Johnson’s replacement

After the passing of long-time March Madness host Greg Gumbel last year, CBS was in need of another person to take on a permanent role.

The network grabbed Johnson, Adam Lefkoe and Adam Zucker to host its three studio teams, and it was Johnson who made a lasting impression.

Johnson is being forced to step back this year, however, due to a scheduling conflict with his Inside the NBA role, now on ESPN.

CBS have announced that former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson will take Johnson’s role for the first two weeks of the tournament, with the former returning to the booth for the Final Four.

“Listen, it’s the first sport I fell in love with,” Burleson said when the move was announced on CBS Mornings.

“The first sport I learned how to play. As everybody knows, my brother coaches in the NBA, so the sport is near and dear to myself and my family.

“I’ve been itching to contribute to the basketball coverage under the CBS Sports umbrella, and finally I get to do that.

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“I’m working with some amazing folks over there who do amazing things. And there’s no better platform and time of the year than March Madness.”

Vanderbilt named as sleeper champion pick by college basketball expert

The first round of March Madness tips off on March 19, meaning preparation for brackets are starting to begin.

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, insiders are starting to get a good picture of their favorites to take home the national championship.

The Vanderbilt Commodores are currently 21-4 and tick several boxes as potential champions.

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March Madness could be similar to last season, with a handful of teams separating as clear favorites to win a national championship.

Could a sleeper crash the party?

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