Story by NU Athletic Communications

Lincoln, Nebraska, July 30, 2025&nbsp;— Pioneer has been helping heroes in the field for generations but usually it’s corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pioneer deepens its commitment to support everyday heroes as the title sponsor of the “Heroes Game” between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes this fall. The 15th&nbsp;annual matchup between the Big Ten Conference rivals will kick off at 11:00 a.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp;

The 2025 Pioneer Heroes Game will continue the rich tradition of recognizing and celebrating local heroes who exemplify the goal of positively impacting their community and inspiring others. One citizen-hero from each state and team will be selected and honored at the Pioneer Heroes Game in Iowa City. The winners will receive VIP treatment as special guests, with on-field recognition and their names inscribed on the Heroes Trophy, which goes to the winning team of the annual contest.&nbsp;

“Agriculture plays an important role across Iowa and Nebraska,” said Todd Frazier, VP, U.S. Marketing, Corteva Agriscience. “That’s why we’re excited to continue sponsoring the annual Heroes Game – honoring those local heroes that live and work in the communities Pioneer serves every day is one small way we can express our appreciation.”

“Nebraska is proud to once again partner with Pioneer and the University of Iowa to continue to build the tradition of the Heroes Game,” said Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen. “Pioneer is an iconic brand in agriculture, which makes for a natural connection with a game pitting two universities in Midwest states deeply rooted in agriculture. We appreciate that Pioneer values being a part of a game that not only showcases great college football on Thanksgiving weekend, but also has a mission of honoring outstanding citizens in the two states.”

Hero nominations will be accepted online through October 10, 2025, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/hero">https://huskers.com/hero</a>. Fans are encouraged to nominate everyday citizens of Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pioneer, a current partner of both the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes, is a multi-year title sponsor of the Heroes Game. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Nebraska is overseen by Huskers Athletic Partners, a Playfly Sports Property, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Iowa is overseen by Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based team.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln, Nebraska, July 30, 2025&nbsp;— Pioneer has been helping heroes in the field for generations but usually it’s corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pioneer deepens its commitment to support everyday heroes as the title sponsor of the “Heroes Game” between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes this fall. The 15th&nbsp;annual matchup between the Big Ten Conference rivals will kick off at 11:00 a.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp;The 2025 Pioneer Heroes Game will continue the rich tradition of recognizing and celebrating local heroes who exemplify the goal of positively impacting their community and inspiring others. One citizen-hero from each state and team will be selected and honored at the Pioneer Heroes Game in Iowa City. The winners will receive VIP treatment as special guests, with on-field recognition and their names inscribed on the Heroes Trophy, which goes to the winning team of the annual contest.&nbsp;“Agriculture plays an important role across Iowa and Nebraska,” said Todd Frazier, VP, U.S. Marketing, Corteva Agriscience. “That’s why we’re excited to continue sponsoring the annual Heroes Game – honoring those local heroes that live and work in the communities Pioneer serves every day is one small way we can express our appreciation.”“Nebraska is proud to once again partner with Pioneer and the University of Iowa to continue to build the tradition of the Heroes Game,” said Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen. “Pioneer is an iconic brand in agriculture, which makes for a natural connection with a game pitting two universities in Midwest states deeply rooted in agriculture. We appreciate that Pioneer values being a part of a game that not only showcases great college football on Thanksgiving weekend, but also has a mission of honoring outstanding citizens in the two states.”Hero nominations will be accepted online through October 10, 2025, at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/hero">https://huskers.com/hero</a>. Fans are encouraged to nominate everyday citizens of Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pioneer, a current partner of both the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes, is a multi-year title sponsor of the Heroes Game. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Nebraska is overseen by Huskers Athletic Partners, a Playfly Sports Property, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder. The ongoing relationship between Pioneer and Iowa is overseen by Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, the University’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based team.

Pioneer to honor Local Heroes as title sponsor in “Heroes Game”

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xobYdGdRvjj3LQs09nsd_lSprj-Kvng5bPGquhtGUvVXy0yPnOjW26LG1KsELInQ72bmCz5CS0kuyObwHmqxGtM8Q_XuLv5BfuH6gK9GCVH-9qwK0VkSKBxnioD3Cx_prHD4UHWLg3DSdTPyGFFXEfqZ9cKUWC_7&amp;c=SHUKVJ8Skk8FcSSa-4RaC-8YJ9uoJvu0a_fXZPC15uQ_jzh4xmhmZw==&amp;ch=5W_NGLRsUVFgeih-QnnAfitiDKYvMP9kIInCRddOPcWYqitUoHKocQ==">Omaha Supernovas</a><a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xobYdGdRvjj3LQs09nsd_lSprj-Kvng5bPGquhtGUvVXy0yPnOjW26LG1KsELInQ72bmCz5CS0kuyObwHmqxGtM8Q_XuLv5BfuH6gK9GCVH-9qwK0VkSKBxnioD3Cx_prHD4UHWLg3ALGABRRBwyScLKB_3p4c6q&amp;c=SHUKVJ8Skk8FcSSa-4RaC-8YJ9uoJvu0a_fXZPC15uQ_jzh4xmhmZw==&amp;ch=5W_NGLRsUVFgeih-QnnAfitiDKYvMP9kIInCRddOPcWYqitUoHKocQ==">,</a>&nbsp;the world's leading professional volleyball franchise, proudly congratulates&nbsp;Allison Whitten&nbsp;on joining the College of Saint Mary volleyball coaching staff.&nbsp;

A South Carolina native, Whitten recently finished her first professional season with the Supernovas in 2025, emerging as the team’s starting libero over the final five matches. Her strong defensive play helped propel Omaha to capture the league’s regular season title.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to join the coaching staff at CSM! The fall college season is the perfect complement to the professional season in the spring, allowing me to experience the best of both coaching and playing,” Whitten said. “It's a chance for me to stay connected with the sport I love and keep developing as a player. That experience helps me bring even more back to the court as a coach. My hope is to add to the previous success of the Flames while continuing to train and prepare myself for the upcoming pro season."&nbsp;

Before turning pro, Whitten enjoyed a standout five-year collegiate career. She was a four-year starter at Morehead State before transferring to Creighton for her final season in 2022. There, she became the Bluejays’ starting libero and aided the program to a share of the Big East title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I am extremely happy to have Allison join our staff,'' CSM Head Coach&nbsp;Rick Pruett&nbsp;said. "She will bring a lot of energy and knowledge to our team. She will be our passing and defensive coach and will help our team to improve those parts of our game.''&nbsp;

Pruett enters his ninth season leading the Flames, having compiled a 146-96record with four NAIA national tournament appearances. He also currently serves as the Supernovas’ Director of Operations.&nbsp;

The College of Saint Mary has been a premier partner of the Supernovas since the team’s inaugural season. CSM’s&nbsp;Lied Fitness Center and Fieldhouse&nbsp;currently serves as the franchise’s official practice facility, providing a state-of-the-art space for training, practices, and special events. One highlight was the 2025 Supernovas Season Ticket Member event, which brought more than 1,200 fans into the fieldhouse to watch an open practice. Following nearly 18 months of construction, the $18 million facility opened in August 2021. The project included a 75,000 square foot addition to the existing Lied Fitness Center, along with a 15,000 square foot renovation of the original space.&nbsp;

About Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world over the past two seasons. Competing at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha, the Supernovas won the first Pro Volleyball Championship in its inaugural season in 2024. That momentum carried over into 2025 where the Supernovas captured the league’s regular-season title while continuing to break its own world records. As the driving force in professional volleyball, the Supernovas have set the standard for in-venue fan experience, community engagement, player treatment, sponsorships, and strategic brand building.&nbsp;

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xobYdGdRvjj3LQs09nsd_lSprj-Kvng5bPGquhtGUvVXy0yPnOjW26LG1KsELInQ72bmCz5CS0kuyObwHmqxGtM8Q_XuLv5BfuH6gK9GCVH-9qwK0VkSKBxnioD3Cx_prHD4UHWLg3DSdTPyGFFXEfqZ9cKUWC_7&amp;c=SHUKVJ8Skk8FcSSa-4RaC-8YJ9uoJvu0a_fXZPC15uQ_jzh4xmhmZw==&amp;ch=5W_NGLRsUVFgeih-QnnAfitiDKYvMP9kIInCRddOPcWYqitUoHKocQ==">Omaha Supernovas</a><a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xobYdGdRvjj3LQs09nsd_lSprj-Kvng5bPGquhtGUvVXy0yPnOjW26LG1KsELInQ72bmCz5CS0kuyObwHmqxGtM8Q_XuLv5BfuH6gK9GCVH-9qwK0VkSKBxnioD3Cx_prHD4UHWLg3ALGABRRBwyScLKB_3p4c6q&amp;c=SHUKVJ8Skk8FcSSa-4RaC-8YJ9uoJvu0a_fXZPC15uQ_jzh4xmhmZw==&amp;ch=5W_NGLRsUVFgeih-QnnAfitiDKYvMP9kIInCRddOPcWYqitUoHKocQ==">,</a>&nbsp;the world's leading professional volleyball franchise, proudly congratulates&nbsp;Allison Whitten&nbsp;on joining the College of Saint Mary volleyball coaching staff.&nbsp;A South Carolina native, Whitten recently finished her first professional season with the Supernovas in 2025, emerging as the team’s starting libero over the final five matches. Her strong defensive play helped propel Omaha to capture the league’s regular season title.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to join the coaching staff at CSM! The fall college season is the perfect complement to the professional season in the spring, allowing me to experience the best of both coaching and playing,” Whitten said. “It's a chance for me to stay connected with the sport I love and keep developing as a player. That experience helps me bring even more back to the court as a coach. My hope is to add to the previous success of the Flames while continuing to train and prepare myself for the upcoming pro season."&nbsp;Before turning pro, Whitten enjoyed a standout five-year collegiate career. She was a four-year starter at Morehead State before transferring to Creighton for her final season in 2022. There, she became the Bluejays’ starting libero and aided the program to a share of the Big East title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am extremely happy to have Allison join our staff,'' CSM Head Coach&nbsp;Rick Pruett&nbsp;said. "She will bring a lot of energy and knowledge to our team. She will be our passing and defensive coach and will help our team to improve those parts of our game.''&nbsp;Pruett enters his ninth season leading the Flames, having compiled a 146-96record with four NAIA national tournament appearances. He also currently serves as the Supernovas’ Director of Operations.&nbsp;The College of Saint Mary has been a premier partner of the Supernovas since the team’s inaugural season. CSM’s&nbsp;Lied Fitness Center and Fieldhouse&nbsp;currently serves as the franchise’s official practice facility, providing a state-of-the-art space for training, practices, and special events. One highlight was the 2025 Supernovas Season Ticket Member event, which brought more than 1,200 fans into the fieldhouse to watch an open practice. Following nearly 18 months of construction, the $18 million facility opened in August 2021. The project included a 75,000 square foot addition to the existing Lied Fitness Center, along with a 15,000 square foot renovation of the original space.&nbsp;About Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, boasting the No. 1 Pro Volleyball average attendance in the world over the past two seasons. Competing at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha, the Supernovas won the first Pro Volleyball Championship in its inaugural season in 2024. That momentum carried over into 2025 where the Supernovas captured the league’s regular-season title while continuing to break its own world records. As the driving force in professional volleyball, the Supernovas have set the standard for in-venue fan experience, community engagement, player treatment, sponsorships, and strategic brand building.&nbsp;

Supernovas Libero Allison Whitten named Assistant Coach at College of Saint Mary 

Story by UNK Athletic Communication

UNK went 5-6 (3-6 MIAA) last fall, posting a 3-3 record in games decided by eight points or less. The Lopers had a 4-2 road mark and eight all-league selections.&nbsp;

The Lopers tallied 28 points in the coaches' poll, just a point behind Missouri Western, to rank eighth. Last year in St. Joseph, UNK walked off the Griffons, 24-23. Right ahead of this pair is Northwest Missouri with 41 points. The Blue &amp; Gold downed the Bearcats, 21-14, at Cope Stadium last September.

On the media side, the Lopers tallied 120 points to rank seventh with Emporia (167) coming in sixth. Mo West (107) is behind UNK with Pittsburg State and Central Oklahoma occupying the top two spots in each poll. UCO won the 2024 regular season title with a 8-1 league mark, followed by Pitt (7-2).

Held and his staff have 29 letterwinners returning from a 5-6 squad including 13 starters (four offense, five defense and four special teams). Besides Harris and Johnson, returning veterans include All-MIAA offensive linemen Wyatt Marr (Lincoln Lutheran) and Carter Klein (Pleasanton), wide receiver/punt returner Zane Schawang (Waverly), d-linemen Caleb Freeland (Folsom, Calif.) and Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas), linebacker Parker Wise (Kearney H.S.) and defensive backs Jovan Marsh (Robbins, Ill.) and CJ Kuehl (Indianola, Ia.).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fall camp begins on Monday, Aug. 4, with the opener set for Thursday, Aug. 29, at Wayne State.&nbsp;

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationUNK went 5-6 (3-6 MIAA) last fall, posting a 3-3 record in games decided by eight points or less. The Lopers had a 4-2 road mark and eight all-league selections.&nbsp;The Lopers tallied 28 points in the coaches' poll, just a point behind Missouri Western, to rank eighth. Last year in St. Joseph, UNK walked off the Griffons, 24-23. Right ahead of this pair is Northwest Missouri with 41 points. The Blue &amp; Gold downed the Bearcats, 21-14, at Cope Stadium last September.On the media side, the Lopers tallied 120 points to rank seventh with Emporia (167) coming in sixth. Mo West (107) is behind UNK with Pittsburg State and Central Oklahoma occupying the top two spots in each poll. UCO won the 2024 regular season title with a 8-1 league mark, followed by Pitt (7-2).Held and his staff have 29 letterwinners returning from a 5-6 squad including 13 starters (four offense, five defense and four special teams). Besides Harris and Johnson, returning veterans include All-MIAA offensive linemen Wyatt Marr (Lincoln Lutheran) and Carter Klein (Pleasanton), wide receiver/punt returner Zane Schawang (Waverly), d-linemen Caleb Freeland (Folsom, Calif.) and Josh Davies-Balogun (Richmond, Texas), linebacker Parker Wise (Kearney H.S.) and defensive backs Jovan Marsh (Robbins, Ill.) and CJ Kuehl (Indianola, Ia.).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fall camp begins on Monday, Aug. 4, with the opener set for Thursday, Aug. 29, at Wayne State.&nbsp;MIAA Coaches Poll (1st Place) – Points1. Central Oklahoma [7] - 78 points2. Pittsburg State [3] - 75 points3. Fort Hays State - 62 points4. Central Missouri - 57 points5. Emporia State - 50 points6. Northwest Missouri - 41 points7. Missouri Western - 29 points8. UNK - 28 points9. Washburn - 21 points10. Missouri Southern - 9 points2025 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON MEDIA POLL1. Pittsburg State [13] - 310 points2. Central Oklahoma [18] - 307 points3. Fort Hays State [2] - 271 points4. Central Missouri [1] - 239 points5. Northwest Missouri - 215 points6. Emporia State - 167 points7. UNK - 120 points8. Missouri Western - 107 points9. Washburn - 88 points10. Missouri Southern - 46 points&nbsp;

MIAA Preseason Polls released; Lopers ranked 7th

Four student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team on Thursday after a vote by the league's 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were three of just five unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined on the 20-player team by senior Rebekah Allick.&nbsp;

The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fifth Big Ten title in 2024 with a 19-1 conference record to share the crown with Penn State. Nebraska finished the season at 33-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals. Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and UCLA rounded out the top five.

Jackson, a junior middle blocker, had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in school history. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;

Murray, a junior outside hitter, was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year after earning third-team honors as a freshman. Murray led the Huskers in 2024 with 3.40 kills per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Murray was selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team last season and was the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;

Reilly, a junior setter, is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Allick, a senior middle blocker, recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

2025 BIG TEN VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsFour student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team on Thursday after a vote by the league's 18 head coaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were three of just five unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined on the 20-player team by senior Rebekah Allick.&nbsp;The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fifth Big Ten title in 2024 with a 19-1 conference record to share the crown with Penn State. Nebraska finished the season at 33-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals. Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and UCLA rounded out the top five.Jackson, a junior middle blocker, had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in school history. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;Murray, a junior outside hitter, was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year after earning third-team honors as a freshman. Murray led the Huskers in 2024 with 3.40 kills per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Murray was selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team last season and was the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;Reilly, a junior setter, is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;Allick, a senior middle blocker, recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;2025 BIG TEN VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL1. Nebraska2. Penn State3. Wisconsin4. Minnesota5. UCLA6. USC7. Purdue8. Washington9. Illinois10. Michigan11. Indiana12. Oregon13. Ohio State14. Michigan State15. Northwestern16. Maryland17. Iowa18. Rutgers2025 PRESEASON ALL-BIG TEN TEAMAllison Jacobs, MICH, Gr., OHJulia Hanson, MINN, Sr., OHMckenna Wucherer, MINN, Sr., OHHARPER MURRAY, NEB, Jr., OHANDI JACKSON, NEB, Jr., MBBERGEN REILLY, NEB, Jr., SRebekah Allick, NEB, Sr., MBKENNEDY MARTIN, PSU, Jr., OPPIZZY STARCK, PSU, So., SGillian Grimes, PSU, Sr., LCheridyn Leverette, UCLA, Sr., OHMaggie Li, UCLA, Jr., OHMarianna Singletary, UCLA, RS-Jr., MBPhekran Kong, UCLA, Gr., MBAdonia Faumuina, USC, Jr., OHKierstyn Barton, WASH, Jr., OHJulia Hunt, WASH, So., MBCarter Booth, WIS, Sr., MBMimi Colyer, WIS, Sr., OHCharlie Fuerbringer, WIS, So., SUnanimous selection listed in ALL CAPS

Four Huskers named to Preseason All-Big Ten Team

Evan and Bruce get together to talk about all the latest action in the Pecos League, playoff implications and more. And keeping with the catchphrase, "Anything can happen in the Pecos League" we talk about impromptu laundry service and chess boards, too. All of that, and North Platte RF/PH/jack of all trades Ryan Lutinski joins Evan for this week's interview. Don't miss it!&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655346441244.png" alt="<a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts sponsored by&nbsp; NP Kubota</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="http://www.npkubota.com/">Post Podcasts sponsored by&nbsp; NP Kubota</a></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Wild Card Fever, Chess Championships, Super Sub Ryan Lutinski and more. Another fun week in the Pecos League!" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=jwk7f-1915992-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Times%20New%20Roman&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>Evan and Bruce get together to talk about all the latest action in the Pecos League, playoff implications and more. And keeping with the catchphrase, "Anything can happen in the Pecos League" we talk about impromptu laundry service and chess boards, too. All of that, and North Platte RF/PH/jack of all trades Ryan Lutinski joins Evan for this week's interview. Don't miss it!&nbsp;

Wild Card Fever, Chess Championships, Super Sub Ryan Lutinski and more. Another fun week in the Pecos League!

(Video) Husker Football Coach Matt Rhule's Big 10 Media Day Press Conference

Nebraska track and field senior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/player/axelina-johansson">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;won the shot put gold medal at the FISU Summer World University Games in Bochum, Germany on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Johansson, representing Sweden, threw 60-6 1/2 (18.45m) to earn the top spot on the podium. Johansson is a two-time NCAA champion in the shot put and six-time All-American, as well as the Nebraska school record holder in the event. She placed 10th at the Olympics last summer.&nbsp;

Husker junior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/player/mine-de-klerk">Miné De Klerk</a>, representing South Africa, finished in fourth place with a mark of 56-10 1/4 (17.33m). De Klerk is a two-time All-American in the shot put and also competed at the Olympics last year.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska track and field senior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/player/axelina-johansson">Axelina Johansson</a>&nbsp;won the shot put gold medal at the FISU Summer World University Games in Bochum, Germany on Tuesday.&nbsp;Johansson, representing Sweden, threw 60-6 1/2 (18.45m) to earn the top spot on the podium. Johansson is a two-time NCAA champion in the shot put and six-time All-American, as well as the Nebraska school record holder in the event. She placed 10th at the Olympics last summer.&nbsp;Husker junior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/player/mine-de-klerk">Miné De Klerk</a>, representing South Africa, finished in fourth place with a mark of 56-10 1/4 (17.33m). De Klerk is a two-time All-American in the shot put and also competed at the Olympics last year.&nbsp;

Johansson wins Shot Put at World University Games

North Platte, Neb. – The 2024 North Platte Community College volleyball team was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as a recipient of the AVCA Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT.

The award honors volleyball teams that maintain a yearlong grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.&nbsp;

The Knights were just one of sixteen teams from the National Junior College Association Division II level to receive this recognition.

INTENT, which is in its second year of sponsoring the prestigious award, is a game-changing, digital platform links student-athletes (along with military special ops veterans) to a powerful network of candidate-seeking employers. The tech, information and internet company guides student-athletes and service members toward professional and personal success in life after sports and service.

North Platte will open the 2025 season against Casper College at the North Platte Community College Tournament on Aug. 22.

AVCA Team Academic Award – NJCAA DIICentral Community CollegeCowley CollegeEast Central CollegeGlendale Community CollegeIllinois Central CollegeIndian River State CollegeJohnson County Community CollegeKansas City Kansas Community CollegeMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeMonroe UniversityNeosho County Community CollegeNorth Platte Community CollegeNortheastern Oklahoma A&amp;M CollegePensacola State CollegeScottsdale Community CollegeSoutheastern Community College

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. – The 2024 North Platte Community College volleyball team was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as a recipient of the AVCA Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT.The award honors volleyball teams that maintain a yearlong grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or 4.1 on a 5.0 scale.&nbsp;The Knights were just one of sixteen teams from the National Junior College Association Division II level to receive this recognition.INTENT, which is in its second year of sponsoring the prestigious award, is a game-changing, digital platform links student-athletes (along with military special ops veterans) to a powerful network of candidate-seeking employers. The tech, information and internet company guides student-athletes and service members toward professional and personal success in life after sports and service.North Platte will open the 2025 season against Casper College at the North Platte Community College Tournament on Aug. 22.AVCA Team Academic Award – NJCAA DIICentral Community CollegeCowley CollegeEast Central CollegeGlendale Community CollegeIllinois Central CollegeIndian River State CollegeJohnson County Community CollegeKansas City Kansas Community CollegeMilwaukee Area Technical CollegeMonroe UniversityNeosho County Community CollegeNorth Platte Community CollegeNortheastern Oklahoma A&amp;M CollegePensacola State CollegeScottsdale Community CollegeSoutheastern Community College

AVCA honors NPCC volleyball for Academic Excellence

2025 Nebraska Legion Baseball - Juniors State Tournament Gering, NE - Oregon Trail Park

July 19 9:00 - ETC Knights 8, Hickman 3 (Game 1) 12:00 - McCook 7, Blair 6 (Game 2) 3:00 - West Point 6, Waterloo-Valley 5 (Game 3) 6:00 - Alliance 8, Gering 0 (Game 4)

July 20 9:00 - Elimination Game - Blair 12, Hickman 10 (Hickman Eliminated) 12:00 - Elimination Game - Waterloo- Valley 12, Gering 6 (Gering Eliminated) 3:00 - 2nd Round - ETC 10, McCook 2 6:00 - 2nd Round - Alliance 13, West Point 0

July 21 12:00 - Elimination Game: West Point 10, Blair 2 3:00 - Elimination Game: McCook 9, Waterloo-Valley 1 6:00 - Quarterfinals - ETC 3, Alliance 2

July 22 3:00 - Elimination Game: McCook 8, Alliance 5 6:00&nbsp; - Semifinals: West Point 6,&nbsp;ETC 2

July 23 12:00 - Semifinal #2: McCook vs West Point - Noon Follows - Championship Game: ETC vs McCook / West Point Winner

2025 Nebraska Legion Baseball - Juniors State Tournament Gering, NE - Oregon Trail ParkJuly 19 9:00 - ETC Knights 8, Hickman 3 (Game 1) 12:00 - McCook 7, Blair 6 (Game 2) 3:00 - West Point 6, Waterloo-Valley 5 (Game 3) 6:00 - Alliance 8, Gering 0 (Game 4)July 20 9:00 - Elimination Game - Blair 12, Hickman 10 (Hickman Eliminated) 12:00 - Elimination Game - Waterloo- Valley 12, Gering 6 (Gering Eliminated) 3:00 - 2nd Round - ETC 10, McCook 2 6:00 - 2nd Round - Alliance 13, West Point 0July 21 12:00 - Elimination Game: West Point 10, Blair 2 3:00 - Elimination Game: McCook 9, Waterloo-Valley 1 6:00 - Quarterfinals - ETC 3, Alliance 2July 22 3:00 - Elimination Game: McCook 8, Alliance 5 6:00&nbsp; - Semifinals: West Point 6,&nbsp;ETC 2July 23 12:00 - Semifinal #2: McCook vs West Point - Noon Follows - Championship Game: ETC vs McCook / West Point Winner

Finals Wednesday: Alliance eliminated at State Legion Baseball

Story by NU Athletic Communication

Nebraska swimmers Gena Jorgenson and Beatrix Tanko captured silver medals at the World University Games in Germany on Monday.

Jorgenson, a senior-to-be for the Huskers, swam to a Nebraska-record and lifetime best 16:15.44 in the 1,500-meter freestyle, coming up short of the gold by just four one-hundredths of a second. U.S. teammate Kate Hurst took the top spot in 16:15.40, while Japan's Niko Aoki finished third in 16:19.81.&nbsp;

The performance by Nebraska's two-time first-team All-American in the 1,650-yard free at the NCAA Championships was nearly four seconds faster than her previous best and NU record of 16:19.28 set in June at the USA National Championships in Atlanta. Hurst, who was the 2023 World Junior Champion in the 1,500 free, touched the wall 3.82 seconds ahead of Jorgenson at USA Nationals. Hurst, who finished 10th in the 1,650 free at the 2025 NCAA Championships, will be a sophomore at Texas in 2025-26.

Tanko, a junior-to-be from Budapest, Hungary, followed Jorgenson's medal-winning swim by racing to a silver of her own in the 100-meter freestyle in a time of 58.55, just .01 off her lifetime best set yesterday in the semifinals. Tanko finished .39 seconds behind gold medalist Leah Shackley, who was a six-time NCAA All-American as a freshman at North Carolina State in 2025. Australian Josephine Crimmins earned the bronze (58.62).

Tanko will be back in action on Tuesday for the preliminary heats of the 50-meter freestyle.

World University Games Swim Schedule

Thursday, July 17 - Women's 50M Fly Prelim (2:34 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 26.83Thursday, July 17 - Women's 50M Fly Semifinal (12:10 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 26.80 (13th)Friday, July 18 - Women's 100M Free Prelim (2:59 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko&nbsp; - 56.05Friday, July 18 - Women's 100M Free Semifinal (12:11 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 55.50 (11th)Sunday, July 20 - Women's 1,500M Prelim (2 a.m. CT) - Gena Jorgenson - 16:23.82Sunday, July 20- Women's 100M Fly Prelim (2:56 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 59.27Sunday, July 20 - Women's 100M Fly Semifinal (12:52 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 58.54Monday, July 21 - Women's 1,500M Final (12:14 p.m. CT) - Gena Jorgenson - 16:15.44 (2nd)Monday, July 21 - Women's 100 Fly Final (Noon CT)&nbsp; - Beatrix Tanko - 58.55 (2nd)Tuesday, July 22 - Women's 50M Free Prelim (2:20 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko&nbsp;Tuesday, July 22 - Women's 50M Semifinal (2:04 p.m. CT)Wednesday, July 23 - Women's 50M Free Final (12:36 p.m. CT)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska swimmers Gena Jorgenson and Beatrix Tanko captured silver medals at the World University Games in Germany on Monday.Jorgenson, a senior-to-be for the Huskers, swam to a Nebraska-record and lifetime best 16:15.44 in the 1,500-meter freestyle, coming up short of the gold by just four one-hundredths of a second. U.S. teammate Kate Hurst took the top spot in 16:15.40, while Japan's Niko Aoki finished third in 16:19.81.&nbsp;The performance by Nebraska's two-time first-team All-American in the 1,650-yard free at the NCAA Championships was nearly four seconds faster than her previous best and NU record of 16:19.28 set in June at the USA National Championships in Atlanta. Hurst, who was the 2023 World Junior Champion in the 1,500 free, touched the wall 3.82 seconds ahead of Jorgenson at USA Nationals. Hurst, who finished 10th in the 1,650 free at the 2025 NCAA Championships, will be a sophomore at Texas in 2025-26.Tanko, a junior-to-be from Budapest, Hungary, followed Jorgenson's medal-winning swim by racing to a silver of her own in the 100-meter freestyle in a time of 58.55, just .01 off her lifetime best set yesterday in the semifinals. Tanko finished .39 seconds behind gold medalist Leah Shackley, who was a six-time NCAA All-American as a freshman at North Carolina State in 2025. Australian Josephine Crimmins earned the bronze (58.62).Tanko will be back in action on Tuesday for the preliminary heats of the 50-meter freestyle.World University Games Swim ScheduleThursday, July 17 - Women's 50M Fly Prelim (2:34 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 26.83Thursday, July 17 - Women's 50M Fly Semifinal (12:10 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 26.80 (13th)Friday, July 18 - Women's 100M Free Prelim (2:59 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko&nbsp; - 56.05Friday, July 18 - Women's 100M Free Semifinal (12:11 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 55.50 (11th)Sunday, July 20 - Women's 1,500M Prelim (2 a.m. CT) - Gena Jorgenson - 16:23.82Sunday, July 20- Women's 100M Fly Prelim (2:56 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 59.27Sunday, July 20 - Women's 100M Fly Semifinal (12:52 p.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko - 58.54Monday, July 21 - Women's 1,500M Final (12:14 p.m. CT) - Gena Jorgenson - 16:15.44 (2nd)Monday, July 21 - Women's 100 Fly Final (Noon CT)&nbsp; - Beatrix Tanko - 58.55 (2nd)Tuesday, July 22 - Women's 50M Free Prelim (2:20 a.m. CT) - Beatrix Tanko&nbsp;Tuesday, July 22 - Women's 50M Semifinal (2:04 p.m. CT)Wednesday, July 23 - Women's 50M Free Final (12:36 p.m. CT)

Jorgenson, Tanko take Silvers at World University Games

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;

Nebraska track and field senior Axelina Johansson was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A native of Hok, Sweden, Johansson earned her third career Academic All-America honor and her second selection to the first team, which she also accomplished last year.&nbsp;

Johansson carries a 3.84 GPA majoring in graphic design. She is the first woman in Nebraska track and field history to achieve three Academic All-America honors in a career, and she joins Ashley Selig as the only Husker women to earn two first-team Academic All-America honors at NU.&nbsp;

Johansson is a six-time All-American in the shot put, winning the 2025 NCAA Indoor and 2023 NCAA Outdoor gold medals. She is also a two-time bronze medalist. Johansson has won the Big Ten shot put title four times as a Husker, including at the 2025 Big Ten Indoor Championships.&nbsp;

The school-record holder in the shot put, Johansson was a 2024 Paris Olympian for Sweden, placing 10th.&nbsp;

Johansson brings Nebraska’s Academic All-America total to eight in 2024-25, joining Bergan Reilly (volleyball), Lexi Rodriguez (volleyball), Merritt Beason (volleyball), Gena Jorgenson (swimming and diving), Jordyn Bahl (softball), Asher Cohen (men's gymnastics) and Taylor Christopulos (men's gymnastics).&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communications&nbsp;Nebraska track and field senior Axelina Johansson was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America First Team on Tuesday.&nbsp;A native of Hok, Sweden, Johansson earned her third career Academic All-America honor and her second selection to the first team, which she also accomplished last year.&nbsp;Johansson carries a 3.84 GPA majoring in graphic design. She is the first woman in Nebraska track and field history to achieve three Academic All-America honors in a career, and she joins Ashley Selig as the only Husker women to earn two first-team Academic All-America honors at NU.&nbsp;Johansson is a six-time All-American in the shot put, winning the 2025 NCAA Indoor and 2023 NCAA Outdoor gold medals. She is also a two-time bronze medalist. Johansson has won the Big Ten shot put title four times as a Husker, including at the 2025 Big Ten Indoor Championships.&nbsp;The school-record holder in the shot put, Johansson was a 2024 Paris Olympian for Sweden, placing 10th.&nbsp;Johansson brings Nebraska’s Academic All-America total to eight in 2024-25, joining Bergan Reilly (volleyball), Lexi Rodriguez (volleyball), Merritt Beason (volleyball), Gena Jorgenson (swimming and diving), Jordyn Bahl (softball), Asher Cohen (men's gymnastics) and Taylor Christopulos (men's gymnastics).&nbsp;

Johansson named to Academic All-America First Team

Ten Nebraska women’s gymnasts earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar distinction, the conference announced on Monday.

Katelyn Barth, Olivia Burns, Emalee Frost, Genesis Gibson, Lauren Homecillo, Whitney Jencks, Halle Rourke, Isabel Sikon, Emma Spence and Lucy Stanhope were the honorees.

Burns, Jencks, Rourke, Sikon and Stanhope all earned the award for the first time in their career. Barth, Frost, Gibson and Homecillo were recognized for the second time, while Spence was recognized for the third time.&nbsp;

In order to be a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, athletes must have earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in the previous academic year, must have been enrolled full time at the institution for the entire previous academic year (two semesters or three quarters) and earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 or better during the previous academic year, excluding any summer grades.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsTen Nebraska women’s gymnasts earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar distinction, the conference announced on Monday.Katelyn Barth, Olivia Burns, Emalee Frost, Genesis Gibson, Lauren Homecillo, Whitney Jencks, Halle Rourke, Isabel Sikon, Emma Spence and Lucy Stanhope were the honorees.Burns, Jencks, Rourke, Sikon and Stanhope all earned the award for the first time in their career. Barth, Frost, Gibson and Homecillo were recognized for the second time, while Spence was recognized for the third time.&nbsp;In order to be a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, athletes must have earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in the previous academic year, must have been enrolled full time at the institution for the entire previous academic year (two semesters or three quarters) and earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 or better during the previous academic year, excluding any summer grades.

Ten Huskers named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars 

The Nebraska rifle team will face several top teams during the 2025-26 season, as the Huskers announced their season schedule on Monday.

Led by second-year head coach Richard Clark, Nebraska’s slate includes meetings with 2025 NCAA runner-up Kentucky on Oct. 25-26. On Jan. 17-18, NU will once again face the Wildcats alongside Alaska-Fairbanks, which placed third at the 2025 NCAA Championships.

With renovations completed at the Nebraska Rifle Range, the Big Red will host five home matches throughout the 2025-26 season.

“Our schedule being released means we are just that much closer to the start of another rifle season,” Clark said. “With a strong returning group and an incredibly talented freshman class joining them, I think we are set up to see some really great things from our team all season long. Having the ability to host matches back in the Pershing Rifle Range in front of the Husker crowds and hitting the road to face some of the nation’s toughest opponents, our schedule is going to be one that requires our team to answer the call and demonstrate the discipline and attention to detail they show us daily. While the road ahead is going to be challenging, I am excited to see what our athletes will accomplish this season.”

Nebraska begins its season with two home matches against Ohio State (Sept. 27) and UAB (Oct. 11). NU will then travel to West Point, N.Y. for a weekend with matches against Army and Kentucky on Oct. 25 and matches against Kentucky, UAB, and Mt. Aloysius on Oct. 26. The Huskers will then travel to Fort Worth, Texas to take on TCU on Nov. 1 and Schreiner on Nov. 2. On Nov. 15, the Big Red will face UTEP in El Paso, Texas, before coming home for the final match of the fall season to face off against Air Force and Ole Miss on Nov. 22.

NU will open the spring portion of the season with a weekend in Fairbanks, Alaska, competing against Kentucky and Alaska-Fairbanks on both Jan. 17 and 18. The Huskers will then travel back to Lincoln for a pair of home matches against Jacksonville State on Jan. 30-31.

The Big Red will begin championship season with the 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championships on Feb. 7-8 in Oxford, Miss., featuring NU, Ohio State, Ole Miss, UTEP, TCU, Air Force and Alaska-Fairbanks.

Nebraska’s NCAA Qualifier match will be at Ohio State on Feb. 21, and the 2026 NCAA Championships will also be held at OSU on March 12-13.

The Huskers return five shooters for the upcoming season in seniors Camilla Johannessen and Emma Rhode and sophomores Grace Corbett, Maddy Moyer, and Alivia Perkins. Nebraska will add three new freshmen to the squad - Hannah Gallagher, Carley Seabrooke, and Katlyn Sullivan.

The full 2025-26 schedule can be found <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/rifle/schedule">here</a>.

Sat., Sept. 27 - Ohio State - Lincoln, Neb.

Sat., Oct. 25 - at Army/Kentucky - West Point, N.Y.

Sun., Oct. 26 - Kentucky/UAB/Mt. Aloysius

Sat., Nov. 1 - at TCU - Fort Worth, Texas

Sun., Nov. 2 - Schreiner - Fort Worth, Texas

Sat., Nov. 22 - Air Force/Ole Miss - Lincoln, Neb.

Sat./Sun., Jan. 17-18 - at Alaska-Fairbanks/Kentucky - Fairbanks, Alaska

Sat./Sun., Jan. 30-31 - Jacksonville State - Lincoln, Neb.

Sat./Sun., Feb. 7-8 - PRC Championships - Oxford, Miss.

Sat., Feb. 21 - NCAA Qualifier - Columbus, Ohio

Fri./Sat., March 12-13 - NCAA Championships - Columbus, Ohio

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska rifle team will face several top teams during the 2025-26 season, as the Huskers announced their season schedule on Monday.Led by second-year head coach Richard Clark, Nebraska’s slate includes meetings with 2025 NCAA runner-up Kentucky on Oct. 25-26. On Jan. 17-18, NU will once again face the Wildcats alongside Alaska-Fairbanks, which placed third at the 2025 NCAA Championships.With renovations completed at the Nebraska Rifle Range, the Big Red will host five home matches throughout the 2025-26 season.“Our schedule being released means we are just that much closer to the start of another rifle season,” Clark said. “With a strong returning group and an incredibly talented freshman class joining them, I think we are set up to see some really great things from our team all season long. Having the ability to host matches back in the Pershing Rifle Range in front of the Husker crowds and hitting the road to face some of the nation’s toughest opponents, our schedule is going to be one that requires our team to answer the call and demonstrate the discipline and attention to detail they show us daily. While the road ahead is going to be challenging, I am excited to see what our athletes will accomplish this season.”Nebraska begins its season with two home matches against Ohio State (Sept. 27) and UAB (Oct. 11). NU will then travel to West Point, N.Y. for a weekend with matches against Army and Kentucky on Oct. 25 and matches against Kentucky, UAB, and Mt. Aloysius on Oct. 26. The Huskers will then travel to Fort Worth, Texas to take on TCU on Nov. 1 and Schreiner on Nov. 2. On Nov. 15, the Big Red will face UTEP in El Paso, Texas, before coming home for the final match of the fall season to face off against Air Force and Ole Miss on Nov. 22.NU will open the spring portion of the season with a weekend in Fairbanks, Alaska, competing against Kentucky and Alaska-Fairbanks on both Jan. 17 and 18. The Huskers will then travel back to Lincoln for a pair of home matches against Jacksonville State on Jan. 30-31.The Big Red will begin championship season with the 2026 Patriot Rifle Conference Championships on Feb. 7-8 in Oxford, Miss., featuring NU, Ohio State, Ole Miss, UTEP, TCU, Air Force and Alaska-Fairbanks.Nebraska’s NCAA Qualifier match will be at Ohio State on Feb. 21, and the 2026 NCAA Championships will also be held at OSU on March 12-13.The Huskers return five shooters for the upcoming season in seniors Camilla Johannessen and Emma Rhode and sophomores Grace Corbett, Maddy Moyer, and Alivia Perkins. Nebraska will add three new freshmen to the squad - Hannah Gallagher, Carley Seabrooke, and Katlyn Sullivan.The full 2025-26 schedule can be found <a href="https://huskers.com/sports/rifle/schedule">here</a>.2025-26 Nebraska Rifle ScheduleSat., Sept. 27 - Ohio State - Lincoln, Neb.Sat., Oct. 11 - UAB - Lincoln, Neb.Sat., Oct. 25 - at Army/Kentucky - West Point, N.Y.Sun., Oct. 26 - Kentucky/UAB/Mt. AloysiusSat., Nov. 1 - at TCU - Fort Worth, TexasSun., Nov. 2 - Schreiner - Fort Worth, TexasSat., Nov. 15 - at UTEP - El Paso, TexasSat., Nov. 22 - Air Force/Ole Miss - Lincoln, Neb.Sat./Sun., Jan. 17-18 - at Alaska-Fairbanks/Kentucky - Fairbanks, AlaskaSat./Sun., Jan. 30-31 - Jacksonville State - Lincoln, Neb.Sat./Sun., Feb. 7-8 - PRC Championships - Oxford, Miss.Sat., Feb. 21 - NCAA Qualifier - Columbus, OhioFri./Sat., March 12-13 - NCAA Championships - Columbus, Ohio

Nebraska Rifle releases 2025-26 Schedule

Nebraska junior Luke Broderick was selected in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies with the No. 407 pick overall in the draft on Monday afternoon.

Broderick becomes the eighth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted after Mason McConnaughey was selected by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round.

The junior is the fourth Husker to be selected by the Rockies in the draft. Broderick earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition and was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and NCBWA’s Preseason and Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch Lists in his first season with the Huskers in 2025.

The right-hander went 4-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 27 relief appearances and totaled 13 saves, which ranks tied for third-most in a season and sixth all-time in program history. Broderick totaled 43 strikeouts in 36 innings and held opposing hitters to a .225 batting average.

Prior to joining the Huskers, Broderick was selected to the USA NJCAA All-Star Team and helped Team USA to a championship appearance at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem last summer. The Omaha, Neb., native appeared in one game for the Stars and Stripes, allowing three hits with six strikeouts in 3.1 scoreless innings.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska junior Luke Broderick was selected in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies with the No. 407 pick overall in the draft on Monday afternoon.Broderick becomes the eighth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted after Mason McConnaughey was selected by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round.The junior is the fourth Husker to be selected by the Rockies in the draft. Broderick earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition and was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team and NCBWA’s Preseason and Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch Lists in his first season with the Huskers in 2025.The right-hander went 4-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 27 relief appearances and totaled 13 saves, which ranks tied for third-most in a season and sixth all-time in program history. Broderick totaled 43 strikeouts in 36 innings and held opposing hitters to a .225 batting average.Prior to joining the Huskers, Broderick was selected to the USA NJCAA All-Star Team and helped Team USA to a championship appearance at the historic Honkbalweek Haarlem last summer. The Omaha, Neb., native appeared in one game for the Stars and Stripes, allowing three hits with six strikeouts in 3.1 scoreless innings.

Broderick selected in 14th Round of MLB Draft by Colorado Rockies

OGALLALA, Neb. — Middle school students in Ogallala will have the opportunity to participate in two fall sports simultaneously during the upcoming 2025 season, according to an announcement from Ogallala Public Schools Activities Director Dano Stokey.

In a message to parents and students, Stokey said the district is offering dual participation for seventh and eighth graders in football, volleyball and cross country. The decision, made in coordination with the middle school coaching staff, aims to give students a broader athletic experience before entering high school, where dual participation is not permitted under Nebraska School Activities Association rules.

“This opportunity allows students to explore different sports and determine where their interests and strengths lie before reaching high school,” Stokey said.

He acknowledged that scheduling and logistics may present challenges, but emphasized that coaches are committed to working with students and families to make dual participation manageable.

“This is something our coaches are on board with, and they are willing to communicate and coordinate to ensure the students can participate in both activities,” he said.

Parents and students interested in taking part in two fall sports are encouraged to contact the appropriate coaches to begin planning:

Stokey also invited parents to reach out to him directly with any questions.

The dual participation option is available only for fall sports and applies solely to middle school athletes. It will not extend to winter or spring seasons.

OGALLALA, Neb. — Middle school students in Ogallala will have the opportunity to participate in two fall sports simultaneously during the upcoming 2025 season, according to an announcement from Ogallala Public Schools Activities Director Dano Stokey.In a message to parents and students, Stokey said the district is offering dual participation for seventh and eighth graders in football, volleyball and cross country. The decision, made in coordination with the middle school coaching staff, aims to give students a broader athletic experience before entering high school, where dual participation is not permitted under Nebraska School Activities Association rules.“This opportunity allows students to explore different sports and determine where their interests and strengths lie before reaching high school,” Stokey said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOgallalaSchools%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0FZ8qBkVRcqbWvSs9oAv8ctTaati3ctt6d7pTCKFNLEto48Hk7fYVAtUS59NqWQv9l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="291" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>He acknowledged that scheduling and logistics may present challenges, but emphasized that coaches are committed to working with students and families to make dual participation manageable.“This is something our coaches are on board with, and they are willing to communicate and coordinate to ensure the students can participate in both activities,” he said.Parents and students interested in taking part in two fall sports are encouraged to contact the appropriate coaches to begin planning:<ul>
 <li>Coy Gager, 8th Grade Football: <a>coygager@opsd.org</a>
</li><li>Carter Brown, 7th Grade Football: <a>carterbrown@opsd.org</a>
</li><li>Shane Fruit, Cross Country: <a>shanefruit@opsd.org</a>
</li><li>Alysha Slama, 8th Grade Volleyball: <a>alyshaslama@opsd.org</a>
</li><li>Rozy Tuttle, 7th Grade Volleyball: <a>rozytuttle@opsd.org</a>
</li>
 </ul>Stokey also invited parents to reach out to him directly with any questions.The dual participation option is available only for fall sports and applies solely to middle school athletes. It will not extend to winter or spring seasons.

Ogallala Middle School to Allow Dual Participation in Fall Sports

Nebraska junior Mason McConnaughey was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers on Monday morning. McConnaughey, who became the eighth fourth-round selection in NU history, was the No. 115 pick overall in the draft.

McConnaughey becomes the sixth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted in the first 10 rounds, joining Spencer Schwellenbach (2nd, 2021), Cade Povich (3rd, 2021), Emmett Olson (4th, 2023), Jace Kaminska (10th, 2023) and Brett Sears (7th, 2024).

The junior is the fifth Husker to be selected by the Rangers in the draft. McConnaughey went 1-1 in three starts in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury vs. Sam Houston at the Frisco Classic.

McConnaughey began the 2025 campaign as a two-time preseason All-American and the first Husker named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List since 2016. The right-hander earned second-team All-Big Ten accolades after going 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 17 appearances, including 11 starts in 2024.

The Topeka, Kan., native totaled 91 strikeouts and held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average in 73 innings in 2024. As a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2024, McConnaughey struck out nine or more batters in five starts, including three games with at least 10 strikeouts and a season-high 11 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska junior Mason McConnaughey was selected in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers on Monday morning. McConnaughey, who became the eighth fourth-round selection in NU history, was the No. 115 pick overall in the draft.McConnaughey becomes the sixth Husker pitcher under head coach Will Bolt to be drafted in the first 10 rounds, joining Spencer Schwellenbach (2nd, 2021), Cade Povich (3rd, 2021), Emmett Olson (4th, 2023), Jace Kaminska (10th, 2023) and Brett Sears (7th, 2024).The junior is the fifth Husker to be selected by the Rangers in the draft. McConnaughey went 1-1 in three starts in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury vs. Sam Houston at the Frisco Classic.McConnaughey began the 2025 campaign as a two-time preseason All-American and the first Husker named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List since 2016. The right-hander earned second-team All-Big Ten accolades after going 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 17 appearances, including 11 starts in 2024.The Topeka, Kan., native totaled 91 strikeouts and held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average in 73 innings in 2024. As a second-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2024, McConnaughey struck out nine or more batters in five starts, including three games with at least 10 strikeouts and a season-high 11 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.

McConnaughey taken in Fourth Round of MLB Draft by Texas Rangers

2025 Nebraska American Legion Baseball - Juniors B7 District Tournament Sidney, NE

July 11 #1 Alliance Post 7 - BYE (Game One) #5 Gering Post 36 8, #4 Imperial Post 304&nbsp;11 #3 Chadron Post 12 4, #6 Ogallala Post 135 1 #7 Hi-Line Post 0,&nbsp;#2 Sidney Post 17 15

July 12 Game One Loser - BYE - (Game Five) #1 Alliance 2, Imperial 0 Chadron 15, Sidney 4 Ogallala 10, Hi-Line 15

July 13 Quarterfinals: Alliance 9, Chadron 0 Elimination Game: Sidney vs Gering (Game Ten) Elimination Game: Imperial 17, Hi-Line 2

July 14 Semifinals: Alliance 9, Sidney 3 Elimination Game: Imperial 0,&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron 15

July 15 Championship: Alliance 15, Chadron 2

2025 Nebraska American Legion Baseball - Juniors B7 District Tournament Sidney, NEJuly 11 #1 Alliance Post 7 - BYE (Game One) #5 Gering Post 36 8, #4 Imperial Post 304&nbsp;11 #3 Chadron Post 12 4, #6 Ogallala Post 135 1 #7 Hi-Line Post 0,&nbsp;#2 Sidney Post 17 15July 12 Game One Loser - BYE - (Game Five) #1 Alliance 2, Imperial 0 Chadron 15, Sidney 4 Ogallala 10, Hi-Line 15July 13 Quarterfinals: Alliance 9, Chadron 0 Elimination Game: Sidney vs Gering (Game Ten) Elimination Game: Imperial 17, Hi-Line 2July 14 Semifinals: Alliance 9, Sidney 3 Elimination Game: Imperial 0,&nbsp;&nbsp;Chadron 15July 15 Championship: Alliance 15, Chadron 2

Alliance tops Chadron for title Tuesday: Nebraska American Legion Baseball - B7 Tournament 

2025 Nebraska Legion Baseball - C7 Juniors District Tournament Historic Modisett Ball Park, Rushville, NE

July 11 #1 DCB Post 201 18, #6 Kimball Post 292 0 #2 Valentine Post 90 13,&nbsp;#5 Bridgeport Post 29 0 #3 Sheridan County 14, #4 Orchard Tri-County 2

July 12 Elimination: Kimball 0,&nbsp;Bridgeport 13 Quarterfinals: DCB&nbsp;13, Orchard Tri-County 0 Quarterfinals: Valentine 15, Sheridan County 0

July 13 Semifinals: Valentine 1,&nbsp;DCB 9 Elimination Game: Sheridan County 16,&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridgeport 8

July 14 Elimination Game: Valentine 13, Sheridan County 5

July 15 Championship Game 1: DCB vs Valentine - 4:00 Championship Game 2 - If Necessary

2025 Nebraska Legion Baseball - C7 Juniors District Tournament Historic Modisett Ball Park, Rushville, NEJuly 11 #1 DCB Post 201 18, #6 Kimball Post 292 0 #2 Valentine Post 90 13,&nbsp;#5 Bridgeport Post 29 0 #3 Sheridan County 14, #4 Orchard Tri-County 2July 12 Elimination: Kimball 0,&nbsp;Bridgeport 13 Quarterfinals: DCB&nbsp;13, Orchard Tri-County 0 Quarterfinals: Valentine 15, Sheridan County 0July 13 Semifinals: Valentine 1,&nbsp;DCB 9 Elimination Game: Sheridan County 16,&nbsp;&nbsp;Bridgeport 8July 14 Elimination Game: Valentine 13, Sheridan County 5July 15 Championship Game 1: DCB vs Valentine - 4:00 Championship Game 2 - If Necessary

DCB-Valentine advance to finals Tuesday: C7 Juniors Legion Baseball Districts

Six Nebraska football standouts, a state college All-American and two long-time contributors to the Husker football program will be inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame this fall.

For the first time the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will also present a Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Legend Award as part of its annual banquet.

Husker football standouts voted into the Hall of Fame by the chapter’s membership include offensive lineman&nbsp;Tom Welter&nbsp;(1980s era), I-back&nbsp;Derek Brown&nbsp;(1990s era), late I-back&nbsp;Dahrran Diedrick&nbsp;(2000-07 era), place-kicker/punter&nbsp;Brett Maher&nbsp;(2008-2015 era) and wide receiver&nbsp;Kenny Bell&nbsp;(2008-15 era). Linebacker&nbsp;Bob Nelson&nbsp;was selected by the Hall of Fame board as a veteran inductee, while UNO linebacker&nbsp;Tom Sutko&nbsp;is this year’s state college representative.

The first Hall of Fame Legend honoree will be 1972 Heisman Trophy winner&nbsp;Johnny Rodgers.&nbsp;Additionally, Nebraska Deputy AD/Student Services&nbsp;Dennis Leblanc&nbsp;will receive the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award and long-time team orthopedic surgeon&nbsp;Dr. Robert Dugas&nbsp;is the 2025 recipient of the Clarence Swanson Memorial Award.

The 2025 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted at a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 12. The group will be recognized the following day at Memorial Stadium when Nebraska faces Houston Christian.

Nelson was a three-year letterman as a linebacker for Nebraska in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Nelson finished his three-year career at Nebraska with&nbsp;189 total tackles, including 73 solos and 116 assists. He had 75 tackles as a senior in 1974 and earned second-team All-Big Eight honors, and also tallied 79 tackles in his junior season. Nelson went on to an 11-year professional career in the NFL from 1975 to 1985 with the Bills, Raiders and 49ers.&nbsp; Nelson was a starting linebacker for the Raiders in their Super Bowl XV and XVIII wins.

A native of Yankton, S.D., Welter was a standout offensive tackle for the Huskers in the mid 1980s. Welter earned third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Eight honors in 1986, helping Nebraska rank second nationally in both rushing and scoring offense en route to a 10-2 season. Welter also distinguished himself in the classroom earning first-team Academic All-America honors during his senior season.

A California native, Derek Brown ranks as one of the top running backs in school history. Brown finished his three-year Husker career with 2,699 yards and 23 touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.&nbsp; With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 1991 and 1992, Brown became just the fifth Husker to accomplish the feat. In 1992, Brown was selected as the Associated Press Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year and earned honorable-mention All-America honors. He went on to play four seasons in the NFL.

Diedrick was a fixture in the Nebraska rushing attack for four seasons, including each of his final two seasons as a starter. He led the Big 12 in rushing as a junior in 2001, churning out 1,299 yards to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors and help Nebraska to the BCS National Championship Game. He played in 48 career games with 24 starts as a Husker, rushing for 2,745 yards and 26 touchdowns. Diedrick played briefly in the NFL, before a nine-year CFL career in his home country. Diedrick passed away in 2023.

Maher was the starting punter and place-kicker during his Husker career. He was a two-time Big Ten Kicker of the Year and in 2011, Maher was both the Big Ten Kicker and Punter of the Year. As a senior in 2012, Maher made 20 field goals to rank second in school history while setting a Nebraska record with 119 points scored by a kicker. Maher also finished his career averaging better than 41.5 yards per punt. Maher played five seasons in the NFL and made better than 80 percent of his field goals, including 34 field goals of 50 yards or more. He currently serves as a special teams assistant for the Huskers.

A Colorado native, Bell was one of the most prolific receivers in Nebraska history. Bell finished his Nebraska career with 181 career receptions for 2,689 yards, setting school records in both categories at the time, and the figures both still rank second in school history. Bell earned All-Big Ten honors three times during his career, including first-team honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a sophomore. Bell’s 49 career starts are among the most in school history.&nbsp; Bell spent four seasons in the NFL following his college career.

Sutko was a standout for the UNO Mavericks from 1978 to 1980. The Omaha native finished his career with 320 tackles to rank in the top 10 in school history. He was a first-team All-America selection in 1980 and a three-time first-team All-North Central Conference selection. A graduate of Omaha Creighton Prep, Sutko’s play helped the Mavericks to 23 victories over his final three seasons.

Leblanc has been a fixture in Husker Athletics over the past four decades. Since he joined the academic staff in 1987, nearly 4,000 Husker student-athletes have earned their degrees and has been among the national leaders in Academic All-Americans and graduation rates. Dugas has been affiliated with Nebraska Football for the majority of the past 35 years as an orthopedic surgeon, serving hundreds of Husker athletes during his time in Lincoln. An All-America player and Academic All-American at LSU, Dugas is a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

The Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will include a Legend honoree in its induction ceremony for the first time this fall. Rodgers was Nebraska’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1972. The Omaha native was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was selected for the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsSix Nebraska football standouts, a state college All-American and two long-time contributors to the Husker football program will be inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame this fall.For the first time the Nebraska Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will also present a Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Legend Award as part of its annual banquet.Husker football standouts voted into the Hall of Fame by the chapter’s membership include offensive lineman&nbsp;Tom Welter&nbsp;(1980s era), I-back&nbsp;Derek Brown&nbsp;(1990s era), late I-back&nbsp;Dahrran Diedrick&nbsp;(2000-07 era), place-kicker/punter&nbsp;Brett Maher&nbsp;(2008-2015 era) and wide receiver&nbsp;Kenny Bell&nbsp;(2008-15 era). Linebacker&nbsp;Bob Nelson&nbsp;was selected by the Hall of Fame board as a veteran inductee, while UNO linebacker&nbsp;Tom Sutko&nbsp;is this year’s state college representative.The first Hall of Fame Legend honoree will be 1972 Heisman Trophy winner&nbsp;Johnny Rodgers.&nbsp;Additionally, Nebraska Deputy AD/Student Services&nbsp;Dennis Leblanc&nbsp;will receive the Lyell Bremser Special Merit Award and long-time team orthopedic surgeon&nbsp;Dr. Robert Dugas&nbsp;is the 2025 recipient of the Clarence Swanson Memorial Award.The 2025 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class will be officially inducted at a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 12. The group will be recognized the following day at Memorial Stadium when Nebraska faces Houston Christian.Nelson was a three-year letterman as a linebacker for Nebraska in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Nelson finished his three-year career at Nebraska with&nbsp;189 total tackles, including 73 solos and 116 assists. He had 75 tackles as a senior in 1974 and earned second-team All-Big Eight honors, and also tallied 79 tackles in his junior season. Nelson went on to an 11-year professional career in the NFL from 1975 to 1985 with the Bills, Raiders and 49ers.&nbsp; Nelson was a starting linebacker for the Raiders in their Super Bowl XV and XVIII wins.A native of Yankton, S.D., Welter was a standout offensive tackle for the Huskers in the mid 1980s. Welter earned third-team All-America and first-team All-Big Eight honors in 1986, helping Nebraska rank second nationally in both rushing and scoring offense en route to a 10-2 season. Welter also distinguished himself in the classroom earning first-team Academic All-America honors during his senior season.A California native, Derek Brown ranks as one of the top running backs in school history. Brown finished his three-year Husker career with 2,699 yards and 23 touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry.&nbsp; With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 1991 and 1992, Brown became just the fifth Husker to accomplish the feat. In 1992, Brown was selected as the Associated Press Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year and earned honorable-mention All-America honors. He went on to play four seasons in the NFL.Diedrick was a fixture in the Nebraska rushing attack for four seasons, including each of his final two seasons as a starter. He led the Big 12 in rushing as a junior in 2001, churning out 1,299 yards to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors and help Nebraska to the BCS National Championship Game. He played in 48 career games with 24 starts as a Husker, rushing for 2,745 yards and 26 touchdowns. Diedrick played briefly in the NFL, before a nine-year CFL career in his home country. Diedrick passed away in 2023.Maher was the starting punter and place-kicker during his Husker career. He was a two-time Big Ten Kicker of the Year and in 2011, Maher was both the Big Ten Kicker and Punter of the Year. As a senior in 2012, Maher made 20 field goals to rank second in school history while setting a Nebraska record with 119 points scored by a kicker. Maher also finished his career averaging better than 41.5 yards per punt. Maher played five seasons in the NFL and made better than 80 percent of his field goals, including 34 field goals of 50 yards or more. He currently serves as a special teams assistant for the Huskers.A Colorado native, Bell was one of the most prolific receivers in Nebraska history. Bell finished his Nebraska career with 181 career receptions for 2,689 yards, setting school records in both categories at the time, and the figures both still rank second in school history. Bell earned All-Big Ten honors three times during his career, including first-team honors as a senior and second-team accolades as a sophomore. Bell’s 49 career starts are among the most in school history.&nbsp; Bell spent four seasons in the NFL following his college career.Sutko was a standout for the UNO Mavericks from 1978 to 1980. The Omaha native finished his career with 320 tackles to rank in the top 10 in school history. He was a first-team All-America selection in 1980 and a three-time first-team All-North Central Conference selection. A graduate of Omaha Creighton Prep, Sutko’s play helped the Mavericks to 23 victories over his final three seasons.Leblanc has been a fixture in Husker Athletics over the past four decades. Since he joined the academic staff in 1987, nearly 4,000 Husker student-athletes have earned their degrees and has been among the national leaders in Academic All-Americans and graduation rates. Dugas has been affiliated with Nebraska Football for the majority of the past 35 years as an orthopedic surgeon, serving hundreds of Husker athletes during his time in Lincoln. An All-America player and Academic All-American at LSU, Dugas is a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame.The Nebraska Football Hall of Fame will include a Legend honoree in its induction ceremony for the first time this fall. Rodgers was Nebraska’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1972. The Omaha native was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was selected for the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.

Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Announces 2025 class

Nebraska men’s gymnasts Asher Cohen and Taylor Christopulos were honored Wednesday, as both were tabbed for the 2025 Academic All-America® at-large teams selected by College Sports Communicators.

Cohen, who carries a 3.97 GPA in biological sciences, was a second-team selection, while Christopulos, who is in graduate school and has a 3.66 GPA in strategic innovation &amp; entrepreneurship, was a third-team honoree. The at-large team is composed of student-athletes from 10 men’s sports, including fencing, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

Cohen earned his second Academic All-America award after claiming a third-team honor in 2024. He has been instrumental in helping Nebraska to three straight top-five finishes at the NCAA Championships. He is a also a two-time All-American in the gym after placing seventh on the still rings at the 2025 NCAA Championships. He was the runner-up at the 2025 Big Ten Championships in the event. In the classroom, he is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

Christopulos completed his Husker collegiate career as a 10-time All-American. He earned All-America honors in the all-around and pommel horse at the 2025 NCAA Championships to fuel Nebraska’s fourth-place team finish. He won the 2025 Nissen-Emery Award, which is presented to the top senior college gymnast. He was also a two-time Big Ten Gymnast of the Year (2023, 2025). A three-time team captain, he was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Cohen and Christopulos bring Nebraska’s Academic All-America total to seven in 2024-25, joining Bergan Reilly (VB), Lexi Rodriguez (VB), Merritt Beason (VB), Gena Jorgenson (Swim) and Jordyn Bahl (SB). The final Academic All-America teams for 2024-25 will be announced July 15-16 with the announcement of the men’s and women’s track and field/cross country teams. The overall CSC Academic All-Americans of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, July 30.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska men’s gymnasts Asher Cohen and Taylor Christopulos were honored Wednesday, as both were tabbed for the 2025 Academic All-America® at-large teams selected by College Sports Communicators.Cohen, who carries a 3.97 GPA in biological sciences, was a second-team selection, while Christopulos, who is in graduate school and has a 3.66 GPA in strategic innovation &amp; entrepreneurship, was a third-team honoree. The at-large team is composed of student-athletes from 10 men’s sports, including fencing, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.Cohen earned his second Academic All-America award after claiming a third-team honor in 2024. He has been instrumental in helping Nebraska to three straight top-five finishes at the NCAA Championships. He is a also a two-time All-American in the gym after placing seventh on the still rings at the 2025 NCAA Championships. He was the runner-up at the 2025 Big Ten Championships in the event. In the classroom, he is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.Christopulos completed his Husker collegiate career as a 10-time All-American. He earned All-America honors in the all-around and pommel horse at the 2025 NCAA Championships to fuel Nebraska’s fourth-place team finish. He won the 2025 Nissen-Emery Award, which is presented to the top senior college gymnast. He was also a two-time Big Ten Gymnast of the Year (2023, 2025). A three-time team captain, he was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.Cohen and Christopulos bring Nebraska’s Academic All-America total to seven in 2024-25, joining Bergan Reilly (VB), Lexi Rodriguez (VB), Merritt Beason (VB), Gena Jorgenson (Swim) and Jordyn Bahl (SB). The final Academic All-America teams for 2024-25 will be announced July 15-16 with the announcement of the men’s and women’s track and field/cross country teams. The overall CSC Academic All-Americans of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, July 30.

Two Husker Gymnasts earn Academic All-America Honors

Four Huskers to play in NBA 2K26 Summer League

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held announced updates to his 2025 coaching staff today.

Earning promotions are Tim Schaffner (to head assistant coach), Tyler Harris (to offensive coordinator) and Nate Wills (from graduate assistant to full-time status) and joining the Lopers are Colten Gaines (graduate assistant) and Courtney Ledyard (part-time assistant).Schaffner is the Lopers defensive coordinator and secondary coach. His defense has ranked among the MIAA's best each of the past two years with end Quillan Felton earning 2024 All-American honors. The former Butler (Kan.) C.C. d-coordinator and head coach replaces Colby Ellis in the HAC position. Ellis left the Lopers in the spring for a position at his alma mater, Oklahoma State.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Coach Shaffener is a great coach, and this new title will help me as a head coach in many ways continue to grow our program to new heights," said Held.Harris came to UNK last season after a successful tenure coaching receivers at his alma mater, Emporia State. He also leads the Loper receivers and saw his group have 122 catches for 1,496 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. In 2025, he'll have room full of newcomers and led by veterans Tyler Perry (Trenton, Fla.), Zane Schawang (Waverly) and Tavis Maloy (Douglasville, Ga.). "Tyler is an up-and-coming rising star in the profession, and I felt he could to this role and help grow our offense to be much improved in 2025 and beyond," said Held.&nbsp;

Willis has spent the past two years as one of UNK's graduate assistants and leading the corner backs. He'll continue to coach a position group that had five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 117 tackles last fall to help the Lopers rank third in the MIAA in scoring defense. In 2023, the former Kentucky Wildcat saw Armani Webster earn All-MIAA honors with Kendall Brewer being one of the MIAA's best in 2024. "Coach Willis is another rising star in the profession, and I felt we needed him to be full-time and help grow and mentor the defensive back room," said Held.

Next, Gaines comes to UNK from FCS-member Tennessee-Chattanooga where he worked in video operations and recruiting the past two seasons. At Knoxville Catholic High School, he was a quarterback for the Fighting Irish and led the team to the 2022 state Division II-AA semifinals. He'll work with the Loper tight ends; Riley Myers (running back) returns as UNK's other GA. Finally, Ledyard will be an assistant defensive line coach working under Jake Mandelko. The Cleveland, Ohio, native was a defensive lineman and both Highland (Kan.) C.C. and Division II Southwestern Oklahoma State where he played for current Loper linebackers coach Ruzell McCoy. He totaled 58 tackles (12.5 TFL's) over 21 games for the Bulldogs.

UNK will have two other part-time assistant coaches in Reagan Jones (quarterbacks) and Corey Hoelck (offensive line). Jones moved from player to coach this past winter with Hoelck, a former Loper All-American and professional player, once again a member of the staff. They work under Held (QB's &amp; TE's) and Nate Baker (offensive line).The Lopers report to fall camp on Aug. 1 with the 2025 season opener set for Aug. 28 (Thurs.) at Wayne State. It'll be the first regular season meeting with the Wildcats since 2011; the two held a spring scrimmage in 2022.&nbsp;

Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska Kearney head football coach Ryan Held announced updates to his 2025 coaching staff today.Earning promotions are Tim Schaffner (to head assistant coach), Tyler Harris (to offensive coordinator) and Nate Wills (from graduate assistant to full-time status) and joining the Lopers are Colten Gaines (graduate assistant) and Courtney Ledyard (part-time assistant).Schaffner is the Lopers defensive coordinator and secondary coach. His defense has ranked among the MIAA's best each of the past two years with end Quillan Felton earning 2024 All-American honors. The former Butler (Kan.) C.C. d-coordinator and head coach replaces Colby Ellis in the HAC position. Ellis left the Lopers in the spring for a position at his alma mater, Oklahoma State.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751458187303.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>"Coach Shaffener is a great coach, and this new title will help me as a head coach in many ways continue to grow our program to new heights," said Held.Harris came to UNK last season after a successful tenure coaching receivers at his alma mater, Emporia State. He also leads the Loper receivers and saw his group have 122 catches for 1,496 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. In 2025, he'll have room full of newcomers and led by veterans Tyler Perry (Trenton, Fla.), Zane Schawang (Waverly) and Tavis Maloy (Douglasville, Ga.). "Tyler is an up-and-coming rising star in the profession, and I felt he could to this role and help grow our offense to be much improved in 2025 and beyond," said Held.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751458210821.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Willis has spent the past two years as one of UNK's graduate assistants and leading the corner backs. He'll continue to coach a position group that had five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 117 tackles last fall to help the Lopers rank third in the MIAA in scoring defense. In 2023, the former Kentucky Wildcat saw Armani Webster earn All-MIAA honors with Kendall Brewer being one of the MIAA's best in 2024. "Coach Willis is another rising star in the profession, and I felt we needed him to be full-time and help grow and mentor the defensive back room," said Held.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751458263568.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Next, Gaines comes to UNK from FCS-member Tennessee-Chattanooga where he worked in video operations and recruiting the past two seasons. At Knoxville Catholic High School, he was a quarterback for the Fighting Irish and led the team to the 2022 state Division II-AA semifinals. He'll work with the Loper tight ends; Riley Myers (running back) returns as UNK's other GA. Finally, Ledyard will be an assistant defensive line coach working under Jake Mandelko. The Cleveland, Ohio, native was a defensive lineman and both Highland (Kan.) C.C. and Division II Southwestern Oklahoma State where he played for current Loper linebackers coach Ruzell McCoy. He totaled 58 tackles (12.5 TFL's) over 21 games for the Bulldogs.UNK will have two other part-time assistant coaches in Reagan Jones (quarterbacks) and Corey Hoelck (offensive line). Jones moved from player to coach this past winter with Hoelck, a former Loper All-American and professional player, once again a member of the staff. They work under Held (QB's &amp; TE's) and Nate Baker (offensive line).The Lopers report to fall camp on Aug. 1 with the 2025 season opener set for Aug. 28 (Thurs.) at Wayne State. It'll be the first regular season meeting with the Wildcats since 2011; the two held a spring scrimmage in 2022.&nbsp;

UNK Football: Staff Promotions & Additions Announced

Nebraska men's golf has added NCAA Division II transfer Bryson Oots to its 2025-26 roster, Head Coach Judd Cornell announced on Monday, July 1.

Oots, a two-time PING All-Midwest Region selection at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., produced a team-best 72.17 stroke average over 34 rounds for the Cardinals last season. He also captured four individual tournament titles in 2024-25 on his way to a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional.

Over his three seasons at William Jewell, Oots posted a 73.22 stroke average over 86 rounds while winning six individual tournament titles. He fired career-best rounds of 66 on two occasions.

"Bryson has had an outstanding career at William Jewell and has earned the right to play at the Division I level," Cornell said. "He will be a great fit for our competitiveness and will give us a great shot in the arm. I'm extremely happy for him and excited that he's going to be a Husker."

A two-time first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer, Oots was the GLVC Player of the Year in 2024-25. He was also an Academic All-GLVC selection last season. Oots was the Missouri Class 5 state champion as a senior at Staley High School in 2021-22. A two-time all-state selection, Oots was also the Kenneth Smith Award winner, which is presented annually to the best boys high school golfer in the Kansas City area.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska men's golf has added NCAA Division II transfer Bryson Oots to its 2025-26 roster, Head Coach Judd Cornell announced on Monday, July 1.Oots, a two-time PING All-Midwest Region selection at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., produced a team-best 72.17 stroke average over 34 rounds for the Cardinals last season. He also captured four individual tournament titles in 2024-25 on his way to a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751458091411.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Over his three seasons at William Jewell, Oots posted a 73.22 stroke average over 86 rounds while winning six individual tournament titles. He fired career-best rounds of 66 on two occasions."Bryson has had an outstanding career at William Jewell and has earned the right to play at the Division I level," Cornell said. "He will be a great fit for our competitiveness and will give us a great shot in the arm. I'm extremely happy for him and excited that he's going to be a Husker."A two-time first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer, Oots was the GLVC Player of the Year in 2024-25. He was also an Academic All-GLVC selection last season. Oots was the Missouri Class 5 state champion as a senior at Staley High School in 2021-22. A two-time all-state selection, Oots was also the Kenneth Smith Award winner, which is presented annually to the best boys high school golfer in the Kansas City area.

Huskers add Bryson Oots for 2025-26

In conjunction with the AVCA and FOX, the Nebraska volleyball program announced the start times and TV information for three more regular-season matches on Monday.&nbsp;

The Huskers will open the regular season in the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena against Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. (CT) on FOX. Nebraska will also face Stanford in the AVCA First Serve on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Limited tickets for all four days of the event are still available for purchase through Ticketmaster.

In addition to the release of the AVCA First Serve schedule, FOX also announced that Nebraska's match at defending national champion Penn State on Oct. 3 will air on FOX at 7 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

The Big Red now has five nationally televised matches on the schedule. NU plays Kentucky at the Broadway Block Party in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. (CT) on ABC. The Huskers will battle Minnesota on the road on Saturday, Nov. 8 on NBC.&nbsp;

The composite Big Ten volleyball television schedule will be announced in conjunction with Big Ten Volleyball Media Days July 28-29.&nbsp;

Friday, Aug. 22 (Lincoln, Neb. - Pinnacle Bank Arena)

Saturday, Aug. 23 (Lincoln, Neb. - Pinnacle Bank Arena)

4 p.m. — Creighton vs. Penn State (FS1)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationIn conjunction with the AVCA and FOX, the Nebraska volleyball program announced the start times and TV information for three more regular-season matches on Monday.&nbsp;The Huskers will open the regular season in the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena against Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. (CT) on FOX. Nebraska will also face Stanford in the AVCA First Serve on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Limited tickets for all four days of the event are still available for purchase through Ticketmaster.In addition to the release of the AVCA First Serve schedule, FOX also announced that Nebraska's match at defending national champion Penn State on Oct. 3 will air on FOX at 7 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;The Big Red now has five nationally televised matches on the schedule. NU plays Kentucky at the Broadway Block Party in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. (CT) on ABC. The Huskers will battle Minnesota on the road on Saturday, Nov. 8 on NBC.&nbsp;The composite Big Ten volleyball television schedule will be announced in conjunction with Big Ten Volleyball Media Days July 28-29.&nbsp;AVCA First Serve ScheduleFriday, Aug. 22 (Lincoln, Neb. - Pinnacle Bank Arena)6 p.m. — Pittsburgh vs. Nebraska (FOX)8 p.m. — Florida vs. Stanford (FOX)Saturday, Aug. 23 (Lincoln, Neb. - Pinnacle Bank Arena)2 p.m. — Kansas vs. Vanderbilt (FS1)4 p.m. — Creighton vs. Penn State (FS1)Sunday, Aug. 24 (Lincoln, Neb. - Pinnacle Bank Arena)Noon — Florida vs. Pittsburgh (ESPN)2:30 p.m. — Stanford vs. Nebraska (ESPN)Monday, Aug. 25 (Sioux Falls, S.D. - Sanford Pentagon)5:30 p.m. — Kansas vs. Penn State (Big Ten Network)7:30 p.m. — Minnesota vs. Texas A&amp;M (Big Ten Network)All times listed are Central