Loran Smith: A Storied Career Culminates in Hall of Fame Recognition
For over four decades, Loran Smith has been a familiar voice to Georgia football fans, best known for his sideline updates on game days. His contributions to sports journalism are being recognized with an induction into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame this Saturday evening. The ceremony will take place at the Sandy Spring Performing Arts Center, starting at 5 p.m.
Smith’s colorful exchanges with Georgia football play-by-play announcer Larry Munson, beginning in the 1974 season, are etched in the memories of many. Munson would famously call out, “Whaddaya got, Loran?” sparking lively updates from the field.
Beyond his iconic role in sports broadcasting, Smith pioneered several influential programs. He launched the Georgia Radio Network’s pregame Tailgate Show in 1984, and was the Bulldogs’ first sideline reporter. His innovation extended to post-game content, establishing the first live football coaches’ locker room radio show.
Today, Smith continues to engage listeners with his weekly show “Sports Conversations,” broadcast on about 50 stations throughout Georgia, and his daily “Two Minute Drill,” which airs on over 30 stations. His shows have hosted legendary sports figures such as Arnold Palmer, Herschel Walker, and Nick Saban.
A veteran journalist, Smith has been a long-time columnist for the Athens Banner-Herald, and has authored or co-authored 17 books covering topics from Georgia football to fly fishing and tailgating cuisine. His contributions to golf literature include writing the initial five Masters Annuals for the Augusta National Golf Club.
Smith’s roots trace back to Wrightsville, and he is an esteemed alumnus of the Grady College of Journalism, graduating in 1962. His athletic prowess was evident during his tenure as captain of the Georgia track and field team in 1960, where he was also named the program’s MVP in his senior year.
The 2026 Georgia Radio Hall of Fame class also includes notable figures such as:
- Dallas McCade from Atlanta’s New Country 101.FIVE
- Greg Street of V-103 in Atlanta, known for the influential “6 O’Clock Jump Off” show
- Joel Williamson, a prominent morning show host in Northeast Georgia
- Marcy Williams, a trusted voice on 95.5 WSB since the 1980s
