Elkhorn native Jay Moore grew up listening to Nebraska football games on the Huskers Radio Network. Now the former Husker defensive lineman will call games himself after accepting the radio color analyst role for the 2026 season.
The Huskers Radio Network announced the hire on Tuesday. Moore replaces another former Husker in Damon Benning, who joined head coach Matt Rhule’s staff as the program’s director of player development.
“As a kid growing up in the state wanting to play football, got an opportunity to play football at Nebraska, and then still be involved much later in life, like I said with Kyle (Crooks) on Sports Nightly, it’s another dream come true,” Moore told Hurrdat Sports Live. “It was a dream for me to play football there, but now I get to call the games with a true professional in Kyle Crooks and still be involved to some extent. I just don’t know what more a guy could ask for.”
Moore asked to play for the Huskers, and he saw that dream come true in 2002. The Elkhorn alumnus finished his career ranked in the top 10 in career tackles for loss (38.0) while serving as a full-time starter in his final two seasons with Nebraska.
He then went on to play professionally. The San Francisco 49rs drafted Moore in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft. He spent a few seasons in the NFL before joining the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League in 2010.
Moore then went on to do some work in broadcasting. He served as an analyst on Nebraska Public Media’s Big Red Wrap Up and worked with Crooks on Nebraska Sports Nightly.
He said the hiring process for the color analyst position happened fast.
“I really didn’t even have a chance to talk to my wife,” Moore said. “I just said, ‘Hey, I just took this job, so I’m not available a lot of Saturdays. I apologize; it’s something that I couldn’t turn down.’”
It was a fast turnaround for Moore. Since accepting the job, he’s begun researching how to use the control board, with the help of Crooks. He said he’s approaching learning the job the same way he did as a football player.
“I’m going to try to watch as much film, and utilize technology, to help me get the boards,” Moore said. “I think AI is going to be a big help, to be honest, on just getting the boards set up and putting in PDFs and all those things. I’m going to use technology to help, because this isn’t my full-time job.”
Although it isn’t Moore’s full-time job, he’s looking ahead to the upcoming season and Nebraska’s potential. This year, the Huskers will face several ranked opponents, including Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Iowa and 2025 national champion Indiana. Although the schedule is difficult, Moore believes Nebraska has what it takes to improve.
“I’m a glass half full type of guy,” Moore said. “I think every day is a new day, every game is an opportunity to improve, every practice is a chance to get better. If you have that mentality, which I think this team and this staff does, why not go out and achieve things?”
Nebraska will look to do just that this season. Moore said he’s hoping to see the Huskers get back to their winning ways like the university’s other sports teams.
“The resources are there, the facilities are fantastic, the budget is increasing for the transfer portal and paying players in this NIL era,” Moore said. “Now, it’s time to put the results in there, and put the work in.”
Nebraska will continue putting in the work while Moore adjust to his new role. He will call 10 regular season games this year.
“I’m just looking forward to knowing the program just a little more in depth,” Moore said.
