Story by NU Athletic Communications
Lincoln, Nebraska, July 30, 2025 — Pioneer has been helping heroes in the field for generations but usually it’s corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.
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 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.
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.
“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 https://huskers.com/hero. Fans are encouraged to nominate everyday citizens of Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism.
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.