Johnson Wagner leaving Golf Channel for CBS Sports

Johnson Wagner may have done his final golf broadcast for Golf Channel last night at the Golf Channel Games. Golfweek has learned Wagner, a 45-year-old veteran pro, is leaving the cable channel and assuming a new role with CBS Sports as an on-course reporter, a role previously filled by Colt Knost.

Two weeks ago, Knost was elevated from that role to analyst at CBS. His new perch will be in the "Super Tower" alongside host Jim Nantz, lead analyst Trevor Immelman and fellow analyst Frank Nobilo. Knost takes over for Ian Baker-Finch, who retired in August after 18 years with the network.

Wagner started with the NBC Sports family of networks in 2023 and popularized a segment on Golf Channel where he would attempt to recreate the shot of the day at whatever tournament was being covered. He was a frequent contributor on Golf Central and Live From and worked as an on-course reporter and analyst at some smaller events. He also co-host the "Wagyu and Filet" show with Brendon de Jonge.

Wagner's contract with Golf Channel was set to expire at the end of the year, according to multiple sources. He will work only for CBS, which covers the Masters, PGA Championship and the entire FedEx Cup playoffs, in 2026, among the network's slate of tournaments. Wagner, CBS and Golf Channel officials all declined to comment for this story. An official announcement could be made before the end of the week.

A former PGA Tour player who turned pro in 2002, Wagner won three times on the circuit before heading to the TV side.

Wagner is not the only Golf Channel talent to embark on a new role.

Cara Banks has joined NBC Sports after more than a decade with Golf Channel. Banks mostly hosted studio shows but was frequently on-site at events as a reporter and even did some play-by-play at LPGA events. The move coincides with Golf Channel's separation from NBC Universal via a spin-off. She still will be involved with weekend coverage of golf on NBC along with a new role in Premier League soccer and the Olympics.