Netflix has officially announced that its highly anticipated sports documentary, Husker Heart: The Tom Osborne Legacy, will premiere on August 15, 2025. This heartfelt tribute chronicles the remarkable career of Tom Osborne, the legendary head coach who transformed the Nebraska Cornhuskers into a college football powerhouse.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brett Morgen and produced by Playtone—the studio behind Band of Brothers—Husker Heart offers an intimate look at Osborne’s 25-year tenure from 1973 to 1997. During this period, Osborne led Nebraska to three national championships (1994, 1995, 1997), 13 conference titles, and 25 consecutive bowl appearances. His teams never won fewer than nine games in a season, a feat unmatched in college football history .
The documentary features exclusive footage of iconic moments, including the 1994 Orange Bowl victory over Miami, which secured Osborne’s first national title, and the 1995 Fiesta Bowl, where Nebraska’s 62-24 rout of Florida is considered one of the most dominant performances in college football history. Viewers will also witness the 1997 Orange Bowl win against Tennessee, sealing a shared national title with Michigan .
Beyond the gridiron, Husker Heart delves into Osborne’s profound impact off the field. The film explores his commitment to player development, academic excellence, and community service, including the founding of the TeamMates mentoring program in 1991, which now serves over 10,000 youths annually .
Interviews with former players like Tommie Frazier, Eric Crouch, and Grant Wistrom provide personal insights into Osborne’s leadership style, characterized by quiet intensity and unwavering faith. Assistant coaches, including Charlie McBride and current Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, discuss Osborne’s innovative strength program that produced 389 NFL draft picks, including 29 first-rounders .
As Nebraska fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, Husker Heart serves as a poignant reminder of Osborne’s enduring legacy. The documentary captures the fervor of Memorial Stadium’s “Sea of Red,” the tradition of the Tunnel Walk, and the unbreakable bond between the team and its supporters. With its blend of heart-pounding highlights and personal stories, Husker Heart: The Tom Osborne Legacy is poised to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Husker Heart will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix starting August 15, 2025.
