Nate Burleson to Host NCAA Tournament Coverage for CBS

Nate Burleson is set to take on the role of NCAA Tournament host at CBS, adding to his impressive resume.

On Thursday morning, the network confirmed that Burleson will fill the shoes of well-known basketball anchor Ernie Johnson during the first two weeks of March Madness coverage on CBS Sports and TNT Sports.

Additionally, he will serve as the studio host for the game on Sunday between Ohio State and Michigan State, airing on CBS.

“This is the first sport I fell in love with, the first sport I learned how to play,” Burleson shared during an announcement on “CBS Mornings.” He emphasized how basketball is not just a sport for him but a significant part of his family, especially since his brother coaches in the NBA. “I’ve been itching to contribute to basketball coverage under the CBS Sports umbrella, and now I’m finally able to do it,” he said.

Burleson will join a team of studio hosts, which includes Johnson, Adam Lefkow, and Adam Zucker.

The former NFL wide receiver will share hosting responsibilities with Zucker from CBS’s New York studio.

The coverage this year will include a segment from Atlanta.

While Johnson steps back from the initial rounds of the tournament, he will return for the Final Four held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“Of course I’m ready. Shout out to the legendary Ernie,” Burleson commented, adding that he’ll just be “keeping his seat warm.”

CBS has yet to outline its specific plans for the March Madness coverage this year.

Since 2017, Burleson has contributed as an analyst for the network’s NFL coverage and currently co-hosts “CBS Morning.” He aims to maintain this role even during the NCAA tournament, as noted by Sports Business Journal.

Before his media career, Burleson was the 71st overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft and played for 11 seasons in the league, representing teams like the Vikings, Seahawks, and Lions.