Aaron Taylor – CBS Analyst Set to Cover Final Four Basketball Tournament This Weekend
Aaron Taylor has become a familiar face for college football fans across America. The former NFL offensive lineman joined CBS Sports’ COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY in 2024, providing expert analysis during pre-game, halftime, and post-game studio coverage on the network. Few analysts can match his unique insights, thanks to his experience as both a college football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion.
Before landing at CBS, Taylor worked as an analyst for ABC Sports, showcasing his deep knowledge of the game. When football season arrives, Taylor and his family relocate to New York City for his role with CBS Sports Network, returning to their permanent residence during the off-season. His Twitter profile describes him as a “Proud dad/husband” and “Team Captain” at CBS Sports.
Beyond broadcasting, Taylor maintains strong connections to the sport through his Aaron Taylor IMPACT Fund and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing his outstanding career at Notre Dame before he went on to win Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers.
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Aaron Taylor: Career Overview
Aaron Taylor has built an impressive career spanning college football stardom, NFL success, and broadcasting excellence. His journey represents a remarkable progression from elite player to respected analyst.
Early Life and College Years
Aaron Taylor established himself as one of college football’s premier offensive linemen during his time at the University of Notre Dame. His dominant play earned him All-American honors while playing for the Fighting Irish.
Taylor’s collegiate accomplishments weren’t limited to individual accolades. He played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s offensive line during a highly successful period for the program.
His performance at Notre Dame eventually earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time great offensive linemen.
Professional NFL Career
The Green Bay Packers selected Taylor in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent four productive seasons (1994-1997) with the franchise, establishing himself as a reliable offensive guard.
The pinnacle of Taylor’s NFL career came when he helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI. This championship victory highlighted his importance to a dominant Green Bay offensive line.
After his time with the Packers, Taylor also played for the San Diego Chargers, continuing to showcase his skills as a versatile offensive lineman at the professional level.
| NFL Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Draft Position | 1st Round (1994) |
| Teams | Green Bay Packers (1994-1997), San Diego Chargers |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 (XXXI with Packers) |
Transition to Broadcasting
Taylor’s broadcasting career began in 2003 with CSTV (which later became CBS Sports Network). His football expertise and communication skills made for a natural transition to media work.
After an initial period with CBS, Taylor briefly worked with ABC’s college football coverage before returning to CBS Sports. He currently serves as an analyst for CBS Sports Network’s “Inside College Football” program.
Taylor lives in New York City with his family during football season due to his broadcasting responsibilities. He has established himself as a respected voice in college football analysis.
Taylor brings a unique perspective to his commentary, combining his experiences as both a college All-American and NFL champion to provide viewers with insightful analysis.
Role at CBS
Aaron Taylor serves as a cornerstone of CBS Sports’ college football coverage, bringing expertise and analysis to multiple programs across the network. His insightful commentary has made him a respected voice in college football broadcasting.
CBS Sports Network Involvement
Taylor holds a prominent position as lead analyst on CBS Sports Network’s studio shows. He appears regularly on Inside College Football, where he breaks down game strategies and player performances with remarkable clarity.
His analysis typically focuses on offensive line play, drawing from his own experience as an All-American guard at Notre Dame. Taylor joined the network in 2009 and quickly established himself as one of their most valuable commentators.
During the 2024 season, Taylor signed a contract extension reportedly worth $1.2 million annually, reflecting his value to the network.
CBS producers praise Taylor’s preparation and ability to communicate complex football concepts in accessible terms.
| Show | Role | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Inside College Football | Lead Analyst | 2009-Present |
| College Football Today | Studio Analyst | 2014-Present |
Coverage of Key Games
Taylor’s game-day responsibilities include pre-game, halftime, and post-game analysis for CBS’s premier college football matchups. His work on College Football Today provides viewers with expert breakdowns before kickoff and during intermissions.
In the 2024 season, Taylor delivered standout analysis during several big games, including Notre Dame at Purdue and USC at Michigan. His breakdown of offensive line adjustments during the Big Ten Championship Game drew praise from coaches and fans alike.
Taylor travels to key matchups throughout the season, offering on-site perspective that enhances the broadcast. His sideline reporting occasionally supplements his studio work.
His chemistry with host Adam Zucker creates a natural flow to segments, allowing complex analysis to feel conversational and accessible to casual viewers.
Expert Commentary
Aaron Taylor brings exceptional insights to CBS Sports with his deep understanding of football strategy and player development. His commentary stands out for its balance of technical analysis and accessibility for fans of all levels.
Analysis and Predictions
Aaron Taylor’s pre-game analysis has become a cornerstone of CBS Sports’ college football coverage. His ability to break down complex offensive line schemes stems from his own experience as a former Notre Dame standout and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers.
Taylor’s predictions for Big Ten matchups consistently demonstrate his intimate knowledge of team dynamics. Before Michigan’s pivotal game against Purdue last season, he accurately forecasted the tactical adjustments that would ultimately decide the outcome.
“Taylor doesn’t just tell you what happened—he explains why it happened, and that’s the difference,” notes one network executive.
His Football IQ shines particularly when analyzing offensive line play, where he identifies subtle technique issues that escape most commentators’ notice.
In-Depth Game Reviews
Taylor’s postgame coverage provides viewers with substantive breakdowns rather than mere highlights. Following the Big Ten Championship Game, his segment dissecting Michigan’s offensive line performance garnered praise for its technical precision.
His review style combines statistical analysis with visual demonstrations. Taylor often uses the telestrator to highlight blocking assignments and protection schemes that determined critical plays.
As a College Football Hall of Famer, Taylor brings credibility to his reviews that few analysts can match. His commentary on Purdue’s offensive line development has been particularly insightful, tracking their progress throughout multiple seasons.
Taylor’s game reviews typically include performance metrics that casual viewers might miss:
| Category | Focus Area | Taylor’s Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Line Play | Blocking Efficiency | Protection Adjustments |
| Execution | Assignment Discipline | Technique Breakdown |
| Strategy | Schematic Advantages | Personnel Utilization |
Television Presence
Aaron Taylor has established himself as a prominent figure in college football broadcasting at CBS Sports. His on-air work spans pre-game, halftime, and post-game coverage, where he brings his expertise as a former college football star and NFL veteran to viewers.
On-Air Personality
Taylor joined CBS Sports’ “College Football Today” as part of the network’s studio coverage team. His analysis stands out for its tactical depth and player-focused insights.
The former Notre Dame All-American brings authenticity to broadcasts with his trademark straight-talking style. Viewers often note his ability to break down complex plays into understandable segments.
Taylor’s presence on the pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage has enhanced CBS’s college football presentation. He appears both on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
His distinctive look, including his occasionally mentioned receding hairline, has become part of his recognizable on-screen persona. Taylor’s self-deprecating humor about his appearance helps create rapport with the audience.
Broadcast Team Dynamics
Taylor works alongside host Adam Zucker and fellow analysts Brian Jones and Rick Neuheisel on “College Football Today.” This quartet has developed noticeable chemistry during broadcasts.
The dynamic between Taylor and Jones particularly stands out, with their contrasting playing backgrounds leading to engaging debates. Their back-and-forth banter during halftime segments often provides viewers with entertaining yet informative analysis.
Taylor’s role on “Inside College Football” at CBS Sports Network further showcases his ability to work within different broadcast teams. His seamless transitions between game and studio analyst positions demonstrate his versatility.
Taylor’s Broadcast Partners at CBS:
| Name | Role | Years Working Together |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Zucker | Host | 2024-Present |
| Brian Jones | Analyst | 2024-Present |
| Rick Neuheisel | Analyst | 2024-Present |
Taylor’s collaboration with producers behind the scenes has resulted in signature segments featuring detailed breakdowns of offensive line play.
Collaborations and Production
Aaron Taylor’s work at CBS Sports involves extensive collaboration with production teams and executives to deliver high-quality college football coverage. His integration into the broadcast team requires coordination across multiple platforms and production elements.
Working with Production Teams
Aaron Taylor joined CBS Sports’ COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY studio coverage in 2024, working closely with the network’s production leadership. Taylor collaborates directly with Harold Bryant, Executive Producer and EVP of Production for CBS Sports, to create compelling pre-game, halftime, and post-game segments.
The production partnership extends across both the CBS Television Network and Paramount+ streaming platform, requiring coordinated efforts between traditional broadcast and digital teams.
Taylor’s experience as a former NFL offensive lineman and College Football Hall of Famer provides unique insights that production teams incorporate into broadcast elements. His analysis is featured prominently in graphics packages and segment planning.
Since 2015, Taylor has contributed to CBS Sports’ “Inside College Football” weekly studio show, building long-term working relationships with the production staff and fellow analysts.
Notable Games and Events
Aaron Taylor has covered several significant college football matchups during his time with CBS Sports. His analysis brings unique insight as a College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former player.
One of his most memorable broadcasting assignments came during the USC at Michigan game, where Taylor provided expert analysis on offensive line play that only a former lineman could offer.
Taylor’s connection to the Irish is well-documented, having captained Notre Dame during his playing days. His coverage of Notre Dame at Purdue games carries special weight given his history with the Fighting Irish program.
The Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis has become a regular highlight on Taylor’s broadcasting schedule. His breakdown of line play and blocking schemes adds substantial depth to CBS’s coverage.
| Taylor’s Notable Broadcasting Events | Year | Network |
|---|---|---|
| USC at Michigan | 2024 | CBS |
| Notre Dame at Purdue | 2023 | CBS |
| Big Ten Championship Game | 2023 | CBS |
As part of the CBS College Football Today studio team in 2024, Taylor brings his perspective as both a Notre Dame standout and Super Bowl champion with the Packers.
His pre-game analysis often emphasizes fundamentals and technique, drawing from his experience as an offensive lineman for both the Green Bay Packers and San Diego ChargersI’m happy to help! Could you please provide the text you’d like me to edit?
Awards and Recognition
Aaron Taylor isn’t just a familiar face on CBS’s college football coverage—he’s also one of the most decorated offensive linemen in Notre Dame history.
As a player at Notre Dame, Taylor earned consensus first-team All-American honors in both 1992 and 1993. His senior season was particularly impressive. He achieved the rare distinction of being named a unanimous All-American.
The pinnacle of Taylor’s collegiate career came in 1993 when he won the prestigious Lombardi Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top lineman. That same year, he also received the Jim Parker Award from the Touchdown Club of Columbus.
Taylor’s football journey didn’t end with college accolades. He was selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft and later became a Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl XXXI).
His excellence was further recognized when he was nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time great offensive linemen.
Today, Taylor brings his deep knowledge of line play to his role as a respected College Football Analyst for CBS Sports. He offers viewers authentic insights drawn from his decorated playing career.