Kyle Crooks Crowned Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports by ESPN
LINCOLN, Neb. — For years, Nebraska Cornhuskers fans have celebrated the grit of their football program, the passion of Memorial Stadium, and the timeless traditions of Husker Nation. Now, another piece of that tradition has received national recognition — not on the field, but behind the microphone.
ESPN has officially named Kyle Crooks the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports, a distinction that not only honors his skill and professionalism but also places Nebraska at the very center of the college sports broadcasting conversation.
When Crooks first stepped into the role as the voice of the Huskers, he faced the unenviable task of following Greg Sharpe, a beloved figure who held the job for over a decade. But Crooks didn’t just step into those shoes — he made the role his own. His crisp delivery, emotional depth, and knack for bringing the audience into every play have made him a household name across Husker Nation.
What makes Crooks stand out? According to ESPN’s panel, it’s his ability to balance accuracy with emotion, to create a vivid picture that is as clear for the fan listening in the car as it is for those in the stadium. He has been praised for capturing the “heartbeat of the game,” threading play-by-play calls with storytelling that elevates even the most routine plays.
His calls are energetic without being overwhelming, detailed without being cluttered. Whether it’s a critical third-down conversion or a season-defining touchdown, Crooks has the uncanny ability to make listeners feel like they are part of the moment. That skill, ESPN noted, is what ultimately earned him the top honor among dozens of highly regarded broadcasters across the nation.
For Nebraska fans, the recognition feels personal. Play-by-play announcers are more than narrators; they are companions through long seasons, voices of heartbreak, and echoes of triumph. When Crooks calls a game, it isn’t just football — it’s a shared experience that brings together generations of Huskers.
Crooks himself has remained humble in the face of the honor. Speaking after ESPN’s announcement, he said: “This award means the world to me, but the truth is, it’s not just about me. It’s about Nebraska, about Husker fans everywhere, and about carrying on a tradition that goes back decades. I’m just proud to be part of it.”
In an era where college football voices are increasingly recognized as cultural icons, Crooks now joins the elite. The recognition doesn’t just affirm his talent — it strengthens Nebraska’s national profile. A program already proud of its history, championships, and loyal fanbase can now add broadcasting excellence to its list of achievements.
For the Huskers, the call of the game has always mattered. From legendary moments in Memorial Stadium to the voice carrying through radios across the Midwest, the soundtrack of Nebraska football has always been essential. With Kyle Crooks at the mic, that soundtrack is stronger than ever.
As Husker Nation celebrates, one thing is clear: when ESPN calls you the best, the spotlight is bright. And right now, that spotlight belongs to the man behind the microphone in Lincoln.
