Vitale and Barkley Sweep Texas-NC State 107-89 in Semifinals!
Why Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley are calling Texas-NC State First Four March Madness game originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . As the NCAA tournament kicks off on Tuesday night, fans will be surprised to see an unexpected pair calling a First Four game.
When Texas and NC State play for a chance to enter the field of 64, Brian Anderson, Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale will be the announcing team for truTV. Barkley is usually a studio analyst this time of year, while Vitale is usually home since ESPN doesn't call the men's tournament, but they will come together for just the second time. The trio of Anderson, Barkley and Vitale will call only one of the four games on Tuesday and Wednesday, as Jordan Kent and Jim Spanarkel will broadcast the other three contests.
Additionally, Jenny Dell will be the sideline reporter for all four First Four games. Here's why Barkley and Vitale are calling a First Four game together. MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Printable bracket Why Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley are calling Texas-NC State First Four March Madness game After ESPN added "Inside the NBA" for the 2025-26 NBA season, the network had Barkley call a game with Dick Vitale in college basketball.
That game, which was Kentucky vs. Indiana at Rupp Arena, was the first time the pair worked together on a game. In return, Vitale will now join Barkley on truTV's coverage of the NC State vs.
Texas First Four game, as Barkley is a consistent contributor during the NCAA tournament. "This is happening because he worked a game on ESPN. Now I’m doing back the favor and giving them a game on their network," Vitale said, via the Associated Press .