Netflix has officially announced the release date for Husker Heart: The Tom Osborne Legacy, a moving and insightful sports documentary that pays tribute to one of college football’s most revered icons. Slated for release on August 15, 2025, the documentary promises to be a heartfelt exploration of Tom Osborne’s unparalleled legacy as the head coach of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. For fans of college football and sports storytelling alike, this film offers a compelling look at leadership, character, and the enduring impact of one man on a program, a state, and the sport as a whole.
Tom Osborne is a towering figure in the history of college football. Serving as Nebraska’s head coach from 1973 to 1997, he led the Cornhuskers to three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997) and 13 conference titles. His teams were known for their physical dominance, strategic precision, and an unwavering commitment to discipline and integrity. With a career winning percentage of .836 and a 255–49–3 record, Osborne’s success on the field is nearly unmatched. However, Husker Heart aims to go beyond the wins and titles, diving deep into the heart and humanity behind the man in the headset.
The documentary is set to feature exclusive interviews with former players, coaching colleagues, and sports journalists, as well as archival footage that spans the decades of Osborne’s tenure. Viewers can expect emotional insights from Cornhusker legends like Turner Gill, Tommie Frazier, and Scott Frost, as they recount how Osborne’s mentorship extended beyond football and into life lessons that shaped their futures. The film also touches on Osborne’s post-coaching years, including his time as a U.S. Congressman and Nebraska Athletic Director, highlighting his continued dedication to service and leadership.
Produced by Emmy-winning sports filmmaker Ezra Coleman in collaboration with Netflix Sports Originals, Husker Heart brings a cinematic polish and emotional resonance that will appeal to both die-hard fans and newcomers to Osborne’s story. The documentary is not just about football—it’s a narrative of perseverance, humility, and values-driven leadership. Through the lens of one man’s journey, the film reflects on how sports can transform lives and communities.
One of the most anticipated segments of the film includes a behind-the-scenes look at the 1995 Cornhuskers team, widely regarded as one of the greatest in college football history. Their perfect season and dominant performances serve as a microcosm of Osborne’s coaching philosophy: preparation, execution, and unwavering commitment to team over self.
In an era when sports figures often make headlines for controversy, Husker Heart offers a refreshing portrayal of character, consistency, and quiet excellence. As the countdown to the August release begins, the film is already generating buzz among sports media and fans alike.
Husker Heart: The Tom Osborne Legacy is not only a tribute to a coaching legend—it’s a story of how one man’s values can elevate a program and inspire a generation. Netflix subscribers can stream the documentary worldwide starting August 15, 2025.
