CBS Sports Adds Nate Burleson to March Madness Coverage

Burleson will host NCAA Tournament for first two weeks, replacing Ernie Johnson

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:23pm

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CBS Sports has announced that Nate Burleson will join the network's March Madness coverage in 2026, hosting the NCAA Tournament for the first two weeks and serving as a studio host for select games. Burleson, a former NFL player and current CBS Mornings co-host, will share hosting duties with Adam Zucker from the network's New York studios, while Adam Lefkoe will host from Atlanta. Ernie Johnson, the longtime March Madness host, will step back from the early rounds but return to host the Final Four.

Why it matters

Nate Burleson's addition to the March Madness coverage team represents a significant change for CBS Sports, as he will be replacing the beloved Ernie Johnson for the first two weeks of the tournament. This move reflects CBS's efforts to bring in fresh talent and perspectives to its NCAA Tournament coverage, which remains one of the network's marquee sports events.

The details

Burleson, who has been an NFL analyst for CBS since 2017 and currently co-hosts CBS Mornings, will share hosting duties with Adam Zucker from the network's New York studios. Adam Lefkoe will host the coverage from Atlanta. Ernie Johnson, the longtime March Madness host, will step back from the early rounds but return to host the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

  • CBS announced the changes on February 20, 2026.

The players

Nate Burleson

A former NFL wide receiver who has been an analyst for CBS Sports since 2017 and currently co-hosts CBS Mornings.

Ernie Johnson

The longtime host of CBS Sports' March Madness coverage, who will step back from the early rounds but return to host the Final Four.

Adam Zucker

A CBS Sports host who will share hosting duties with Burleson from the network's New York studios.

Adam Lefkoe

A CBS Sports host who will host the March Madness coverage from Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“It's the first sport I fell in love with, the first sport I learned how to play. 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.”

— Nate Burleson

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

— Nate Burleson

What’s next

CBS has not announced official plans for its March Madness coverage in 2026, but Burleson is expected to continue his role on CBS Mornings during the tournament.

The takeaway

Nate Burleson's addition to the March Madness coverage team represents a significant change for CBS Sports, as he will be replacing the beloved Ernie Johnson for the first two weeks of the tournament. This move reflects CBS's efforts to bring in fresh talent and perspectives to its NCAA Tournament coverage, which remains one of the network's marquee sports events.