If you’ve ever driven across the Sandhills on a Saturday afternoon, you know that the Nebraska football broadcast radio is basically the heartbeat of the state. It’s more than just a play-by-play. It’s a literal lifeline. In a world where every game is tucked behind a different streaming paywall or a confusing cable tier, there is something deeply comforting about tuning a dial to a local signal and hearing the crackle of Big Ten action.
Honestly, Husker fans are a different breed when it comes to the radio. We don’t just listen; we live it. Whether you’re stuck in traffic on O Street or sitting in a combine in Cherry County, that voice coming through the speakers is your direct connection to Memorial Stadium. But things have changed recently. The landscape shifted in 2025, and if you haven't checked your presets lately, you might be catching static instead of touchdowns.
Finding the signal: The Huskers Radio Network in 2026
The backbone of everything is the Huskers Radio Network. It’s massive. We’re talking over 50 affiliates spread across Nebraska and into neighboring states like Kansas and South Dakota. Basically, if you are within 300 miles of Lincoln, you should be able to find a signal.
But here’s the thing: stations change. For years, Omaha fans looked to one spot on the dial, but as of mid-2025, things took a turn. KOBM Boomer Radio became the official Omaha affiliate, taking over the mantle from the long-standing ESPN 590. It was a huge move by Walnut Media. If you're in the Omaha metro area, you’re looking for 97.3 FM or 1490 AM to get your fix.
In Lincoln, things stay a bit more traditional. KLIN (1400 AM / 99.3 FM) remains the "Home of the Huskers." They do the full 11-hour gameday marathon. It’s intense. Most people don’t realize the broadcast starts four hours before kickoff and runs long after the post-game locker room interviews.
A heavy heart in the booth
We have to talk about the voice. For 17 seasons, Greg Sharpe was the man. He wasn't just a broadcaster; he was the soundtrack to our Saturdays. His "Voice of the Huskers" was synonymous with grit and passion. Sadly, Greg passed away in February 2025 after a incredibly brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
It’s been a weird transition. Hearing a new voice after nearly two decades of Sharpe’s iconic calls—like that 2013 Hail Mary against Northwestern—is a bit of a gut punch for long-time listeners. Currently, the booth features a mix of veteran talent, with Kyle Crooks and Damon Benning carrying a lot of the weight. Benning, a former Husker himself, brings that "in the trenches" perspective that fans crave. He doesn't sugarcoat things, which, let's be real, is exactly what we need when the offense is stalling.
Beyond the AM dial: Streaming and Satellite
What if you aren't in Nebraska? Maybe you moved to Phoenix or you're stuck in a cubicle in Chicago. You've still got options, and most of them won't cost you a dime.
The Official Huskers App is probably the easiest way to listen if you have a decent data connection. It’s a free download on iOS and Android. They stream the radio feed live, and it’s usually high-quality. You can also go to Huskers.com/listen.
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Expert Tip: If you're trying to sync the radio audio with the TV broadcast (because let’s face it, the national TV announcers sometimes don’t know a Cornhusker from a Longhorn), the app has a "sync" feature. TV broadcasts are usually delayed by several seconds, and the radio is often ahead.
Then there’s SiriusXM. If you’re a subscriber, Nebraska games are usually found on Channel 145 or 195, depending on whether they are the home or away team. The SiriusXM app is great because it gives you the choice between the Nebraska home feed and the opponent's broadcast. Hint: Always pick the home feed.
Why terrestrial radio still wins
You might ask why anyone bothers with a physical radio in 2026.
Reliability.
Cell towers get congested. Apps crash. But a strong AM signal like KRVN 880 in Lexington? That thing cuts through almost anything. KRVN is a powerhouse; its 50,000-watt signal can be heard across multiple states at night. For farmers and truckers, that 880 AM frequency is the gold standard for Nebraska football broadcast radio.
The Gameday Schedule (It’s a long day)
Listening to the radio isn't just about the four quarters of play. The Huskers Radio Network builds a whole narrative around the game.
- Huskers Gameday: Starts 4 hours before kickoff. This is where you get the deep-dive stats and the "Weather and Field Conditions" reports.
- The Play-by-Play: The main event. Roughly 3.5 hours of stress and cheering.
- Sports Nightly Post-Game: This is where the real fun starts. Fans call in. Emotions are high. Matt Rhule gives his immediate thoughts. It’s the rawest part of the broadcast.
Real-world listening: What you need to know
If you are heading to Memorial Stadium, don't rely on your phone for the radio. The cell towers in Lincoln get absolutely slammed by 90,000 people trying to post to Instagram. Your stream will lag or buffer constantly.
Instead, bring a small pocket radio. Inside the stadium, you can tune into 87.7 FM. This is a low-power, in-stadium-only signal that has zero delay. It’s perfect for hearing the commentary while watching the live action.
Also, keep an eye on the Spanish language broadcasts. Nebraska has been expanding its reach, and you can often find Spanish play-by-play on the Huskers App. It’s a fast-paced, high-energy way to experience the game even if you only know a few words of the language.
Essential Affiliate Check-List
If you're traveling, keep these major frequencies in mind:
- Lincoln: 1400 AM / 99.3 FM (KLIN)
- Omaha: 97.3 FM / 1490 AM (KOBM)
- Lexington/Central NE: 880 AM (KRVN)
- Grand Island: 1430 AM (KRGI)
- North Platte: 1240 AM (KODY)
- Scottsbluff: 960 AM (KNEB)
Nebraska football broadcast radio is about more than just scores. It’s the shared experience of an entire state. Even as technology moves toward 6G and AI-generated everything, the sound of a human voice describing a 40-yard run through a speaker will always be the way Nebraskans prefer to spend their Saturdays.
Next Steps for the Best Experience:
Download the Official Huskers App tonight and test the audio stream so you aren't fumbling with it five minutes before kickoff. If you're planning a road trip through the state on gameday, print out a physical list of the radio affiliates. Cell service is spotty in the canyons, and having those AM frequencies written down is the only way to ensure you don't miss a single third-down conversion.