In a move set to echo through Memorial Stadium and far beyond the airwaves of the Cornhusker State, Nebraska Athletics has officially named Kyle Crooks as the new play-by-play voice of Husker football. But this isn’t just a simple hire—it’s a seismic shift in the sound of Saturdays in Lincoln.
Announced Monday in partnership with Playfly Sports, Crooks will not only be the signature voice narrating the triumphs, heartbreaks, and electrifying touchdowns of Nebraska football, but he will also take on the title of Director of Broadcasting for the Huskers Radio Network. On top of that, he’ll lend his charisma and insight to Sports Nightly, Nebraska’s flagship evening show for die-hard fans and casual listeners alike.
From The Swamp to the Cornfields: A Broadcast Star is Born
For the past eight years, Crooks called Gainesville, Florida, home—where he made his mark as the Broadcast Coordinator for the University of Florida’s Gators. His voice became synonymous with intensity, passion, and precision across a wide range of sports including football, men’s basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer.
But now, Crooks is trading in the orange and blue for the scarlet and cream—and he’s doing it with palpable enthusiasm.
“This is more than just a job—it’s a lifelong dream realized,” Crooks declared. “To call the unforgettable moments ahead for the Cornhuskers, to feel the roar of Memorial Stadium in my headset, and to connect with one of the most passionate fanbases in all of college football—what could possibly be more thrilling? I’m ready to embrace Husker Nation with everything I’ve got.”
Crooks didn’t hold back on the gratitude either, giving a heartfelt nod to the broadcasting titan whose legacy he’s stepping into:
“Greg Sharpe is more than a name—he’s an institution. A true legend. It’s an absolute honor to carry forward the extraordinary standard he set. I promise to deliver nothing less than excellence, both on-air and off.”
Meet the New Dream Team of Husker Radio
Crooks won’t be riding solo in the broadcast booth. He’ll be flanked by the ever-astute Damon Benning, who brings a player’s insight and analyst’s eye to every game, while Jessica Coody will deliver the latest from the sidelines with her trademark poise and precision.
Together, this trio promises a riveting, high-energy listening experience that captures every inch of emotion, strategy, and suspense that Husker football dishes out.
A New Era, A Bold Voice
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen couldn’t hide his excitement about the new addition to the broadcast family:
“Kyle Crooks is a rising luminary in sports media. His voice is commanding, his passion is unmistakable, and his work ethic is unmatched. He brings an energy that’s contagious and a commitment to storytelling that elevates the entire broadcast. Husker Nation is in for something truly special.”
And let’s not forget—the stakes are high. With Matt Rhule’s coaching revolution in full swing and Husker football preparing to storm back into national prominence, the narrative demands a voice that can carry the weight of history while delivering the pulse of the present. Crooks might just be the perfect fit.
What This Means for Husker Fans
For Nebraska supporters, this appointment marks a thrilling new chapter in how the game is experienced. The voice on the radio isn’t just background noise—it’s the heartbeat of fall Saturdays. It’s the tension before the snap, the ecstasy of a breakaway run, the agony of a missed opportunity, and the poetry of a fourth-quarter comeback.
Kyle Crooks steps into this tradition not to replace, but to reinvigorate—to infuse the booth with a fresh yet respectful energy that honors the past while boldly charting the future.
So buckle up, Big Red fans. The next time you tune into Husker football, expect a voice brimming with fire, storytelling flair, and an unwavering reverence for the game. Kyle Crooks is here—and he’s ready to turn up the volume on a new era of Cornhusker greatness.
Let the broadcast renaissance begin. ️
