Tim Tebow has joined ESPN as a college football analyst for its new SEC Network.

The 26-year-old former NFL vet and Heisman Trophy winner is slated to make his network debut when he contributes to their coverage of the Florida State vs. Auburn BCS National Championship Game on Jan. 6. ESPN added Tebow will be prominently featured on the network during all of next year's college season.

While graciously raving about the his latest opportunity, Tebow held out hope of someday returning to the NFL.

"I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity," Tebow said in a statement released by ESPN. "When I was six years old I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC."

In three NFL seasons, Tebow passed for 2,422 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 989 yards and 12 more scores. The former Florida star's best season came with Denver in 2011, when he amassed 2,389 overall yards and 18 scores.