Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska soccer head coach John Walker signed seven new athletes for the 2026 season, the program announced Wednesday. The class consists of three forwards, three midfielders and one defender. 

Emma Donnelly, a Canada native, trained at NDC Ontario under head coach Melissa Bigg. Donnelly was a member of the U17 Canada FIFA Women’s World Cup team and the U17 Canada Women’s CONCACAF team in 2025. Her U17 FIFA World Cup team fell to Brazil in the quarterfinals in 2025. Her club team grabbed a first-place finish in League One Ontario in 2024 and a third place finish in the league in 2025. Donnelly intends to major in exercise science at Nebraska.

Donnelly on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the amazing coaching staff and program of the women’s soccer team, the beautiful campus, the exercise science program and the homey university environment.”

Maggie Drozda played high school soccer at St. Joseph’s Academy under head coach Maureen McVey and club ball for SLSG ECNL Navy under head coach Ralph Richards. Her high school squad was 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer district champions and 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer Class 3 state champions. Drozda herself was the 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer Class 3 All-Region Offensive Player of the Year and was on the All-Metro First Team the same year. She was a member of the All-Metro Second Team in 2024 and was a three-time GISL All-Conference, two-time Class 3 All-State, two-time Missouri Girls Soccer All-District and two-time Class 3 Region 1 All-Region honoree. Drozda’s club team made the playoffs every year from 2020-2025 and went to the Sweet 16 in 2025 and the Elite 8 in 2022. She is undecided on her major at NU.

Drozda on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because I immediately felt at home on campus. I fell in love with the environment and everything about the soccer program. I think the people here are amazing and creating something so special that I cannot wait to be part of!”

Kate Eggett, a homegrown Husker, was a three-time letterwinner at Lincoln East High School with head coach Emily Mathews. In her time with the Spartans, they were three-time distinct champs and made the state quarterfinals twice and the semifinals once. In 2025, Eggett was a member of the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star All-Nebraska team and Super-State second team. She was also a member of the Class A All-State first team and the All-Heartland area conference first team. In 2024, she earned honorable mention on the All-Nebraska and Class A All-State teams. Her club team at Gretna Elite Academy was a 2025 Champions League qualifier at the ECNL National Playoffs, while she earned first-team ECNL Midwest All-Conference honors in 2024-25 and was on the second team in 2023-24. Eggett plans to major in nutrition and health sciences.

Eggett on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because I grew up in Lincoln, watching and cheering on the Huskers. Playing college soccer has always been a passion of mine, and Nebraska's competitive soccer program and strong academics makes it the right place for me.”

Midfielder Addy Jones played club soccer for St. Louis Scott Gallagher under head coach Ralph Richards. Her team was the two-time ECNL Midwest Conference champions and an ECNL Elite 8 Qualifier. Jones was a team captain and an All-Conference second team selection.

Jones on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because the campus is so beautiful and full of amazing energy. Everyone is friendly, and it feels like such a positive place to be. The facilities are outstanding too, everything is built to help students do their best. It just feels like a place where great things happen.”

Isabel Kiser played high school soccer at Lincoln Southwest for head coach Thomas Nettleton and club ball at Gretna Elite Academy for head coach Jon Brezenski. Lincoln Southwest was state champion in 2024 and 2025 and state runner-up in 2023. Kiser was on the Lincoln Journal Star Super-State second team and the LJS All-State team in 2025. In 2024, she was a second-team Class A All-State team member. Kiser earned an All-State honorable mention as a freshman in 2023.

Kiser on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because from the start, it just felt like home. Coach John Walker and the whole program made such a strong impression on me about their culture. The way they care about their players really stood out. The facilities are incredible, and the fans are so supportive. Everything about Nebraska just feels right, and I'm so excited to be a part of it.”

Paige Miller, a forward from Elkhorn, Neb., was a three-year letterwinner at Omaha Marian High School. She owns the Marian single-season record with 29 goals in a year. Her team was the Class A runner-up at state in 2025 and made the semifinals in 2024 and the quarterfinals in 2023. Individually, she was on the Omaha World-Herald All-State first team in 2024 and 2025 and the Class A first team in 2023. Miller was the 2025 OWH All-Metro Conference honorary captain, while being a three-time All-Metro Conference first-team honoree. Her club team at Gretna Elite Academy was a Champions League Qualifier in 2023 and 2024 and a ECNL North American Cup Qualifier in 2022. Individually, she was on the 2025 ECNL Midwest All-Conference first team in 2025 and the second team in 2024. 

Miller on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the amazing team culture, the facilities, and the athletic support. Also, being close to home and playing in my home state was really important to me.”

Emma Reda competed on the U17 Canadian World Cup Team in 2025 and was on the U17 Canadian Women’s National Team CONCACAF roster. She played club ball for the National Development Centre of Ontario under head coach Melissa Bigg. Miller was the 2025 League 1 Premier Division Midfielder of the Year and was on the division’s All-Star first team in the same year. Her club team was the League 1 Premier Division champion and took third place at the Canadian Interprovincials in 2024.

Reda on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the balance between high-level, competitive soccer, and excellent academics. I felt that Nebraska offered every resource necessary for athletes to succeed on the field and in the classroom. The coaching staff's focus on both individual development and team success creates an environment I believe will allow me to thrive. During my official visit, I could instantly tell that the culture within the team was incredibly positive and welcoming, which assures me that it will be a seamless transition from club to college soccer. The facilities are also outstanding and there are endless resources to assist athletes in any way they may need. I truly believe Nebraska is the place to be, and the place that will help me grow as an athlete and an individual. I am very grateful for the opportunity to play soccer at Nebraska and cannot wait to begin.”

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska soccer head coach John Walker signed seven new athletes for the 2026 season, the program announced Wednesday. The class consists of three forwards, three midfielders and one defender. Emma DonnellyBill Crothers Secondary SchoolToronto, Ontario, Canada DefenderEmma Donnelly, a Canada native, trained at NDC Ontario under head coach Melissa Bigg. Donnelly was a member of the U17 Canada FIFA Women’s World Cup team and the U17 Canada Women’s CONCACAF team in 2025. Her U17 FIFA World Cup team fell to Brazil in the quarterfinals in 2025. Her club team grabbed a first-place finish in League One Ontario in 2024 and a third place finish in the league in 2025. Donnelly intends to major in exercise science at Nebraska.Donnelly on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the amazing coaching staff and program of the women’s soccer team, the beautiful campus, the exercise science program and the homey university environment.”Maggie DrozdaSt. Joseph’s AcademySt. Louis, Mo.ForwardMaggie Drozda played high school soccer at St. Joseph’s Academy under head coach Maureen McVey and club ball for SLSG ECNL Navy under head coach Ralph Richards. Her high school squad was 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer district champions and 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer Class 3 state champions. Drozda herself was the 2025 Missouri Girls Soccer Class 3 All-Region Offensive Player of the Year and was on the All-Metro First Team the same year. She was a member of the All-Metro Second Team in 2024 and was a three-time GISL All-Conference, two-time Class 3 All-State, two-time Missouri Girls Soccer All-District and two-time Class 3 Region 1 All-Region honoree. Drozda’s club team made the playoffs every year from 2020-2025 and went to the Sweet 16 in 2025 and the Elite 8 in 2022. She is undecided on her major at NU.Drozda on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because I immediately felt at home on campus. I fell in love with the environment and everything about the soccer program. I think the people here are amazing and creating something so special that I cannot wait to be part of!”Kate EggettLincoln East High SchoolLincoln, Neb.ForwardKate Eggett, a homegrown Husker, was a three-time letterwinner at Lincoln East High School with head coach Emily Mathews. In her time with the Spartans, they were three-time distinct champs and made the state quarterfinals twice and the semifinals once. In 2025, Eggett was a member of the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star All-Nebraska team and Super-State second team. She was also a member of the Class A All-State first team and the All-Heartland area conference first team. In 2024, she earned honorable mention on the All-Nebraska and Class A All-State teams. Her club team at Gretna Elite Academy was a 2025 Champions League qualifier at the ECNL National Playoffs, while she earned first-team ECNL Midwest All-Conference honors in 2024-25 and was on the second team in 2023-24. Eggett plans to major in nutrition and health sciences.Eggett on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because I grew up in Lincoln, watching and cheering on the Huskers. Playing college soccer has always been a passion of mine, and Nebraska's competitive soccer program and strong academics makes it the right place for me.”Addy JonesFrancis Howell North High SchoolSt. Charles, Mo.MidfielderMidfielder Addy Jones played club soccer for St. Louis Scott Gallagher under head coach Ralph Richards. Her team was the two-time ECNL Midwest Conference champions and an ECNL Elite 8 Qualifier. Jones was a team captain and an All-Conference second team selection.Jones on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because the campus is so beautiful and full of amazing energy. Everyone is friendly, and it feels like such a positive place to be. The facilities are outstanding too, everything is built to help students do their best. It just feels like a place where great things happen.”Isabel KiserLincoln Southwest High SchoolLincoln, Neb.MidfielderIsabel Kiser played high school soccer at Lincoln Southwest for head coach Thomas Nettleton and club ball at Gretna Elite Academy for head coach Jon Brezenski. Lincoln Southwest was state champion in 2024 and 2025 and state runner-up in 2023. Kiser was on the Lincoln Journal Star Super-State second team and the LJS All-State team in 2025. In 2024, she was a second-team Class A All-State team member. Kiser earned an All-State honorable mention as a freshman in 2023.Kiser on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because from the start, it just felt like home. Coach John Walker and the whole program made such a strong impression on me about their culture. The way they care about their players really stood out. The facilities are incredible, and the fans are so supportive. Everything about Nebraska just feels right, and I'm so excited to be a part of it.”Paige MillerMarian High SchoolElkhorn, Neb.ForwardPaige Miller, a forward from Elkhorn, Neb., was a three-year letterwinner at Omaha Marian High School. She owns the Marian single-season record with 29 goals in a year. Her team was the Class A runner-up at state in 2025 and made the semifinals in 2024 and the quarterfinals in 2023. Individually, she was on the Omaha World-Herald All-State first team in 2024 and 2025 and the Class A first team in 2023. Miller was the 2025 OWH All-Metro Conference honorary captain, while being a three-time All-Metro Conference first-team honoree. Her club team at Gretna Elite Academy was a Champions League Qualifier in 2023 and 2024 and a ECNL North American Cup Qualifier in 2022. Individually, she was on the 2025 ECNL Midwest All-Conference first team in 2025 and the second team in 2024. Miller on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the amazing team culture, the facilities, and the athletic support. Also, being close to home and playing in my home state was really important to me.”Emma RedaHoly Cross Catholic AcademyToronto, Ontario, CanadaMidfielderEmma Reda competed on the U17 Canadian World Cup Team in 2025 and was on the U17 Canadian Women’s National Team CONCACAF roster. She played club ball for the National Development Centre of Ontario under head coach Melissa Bigg. Miller was the 2025 League 1 Premier Division Midfielder of the Year and was on the division’s All-Star first team in the same year. Her club team was the League 1 Premier Division champion and took third place at the Canadian Interprovincials in 2024.Reda on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the balance between high-level, competitive soccer, and excellent academics. I felt that Nebraska offered every resource necessary for athletes to succeed on the field and in the classroom. The coaching staff's focus on both individual development and team success creates an environment I believe will allow me to thrive. During my official visit, I could instantly tell that the culture within the team was incredibly positive and welcoming, which assures me that it will be a seamless transition from club to college soccer. The facilities are also outstanding and there are endless resources to assist athletes in any way they may need. I truly believe Nebraska is the place to be, and the place that will help me grow as an athlete and an individual. I am very grateful for the opportunity to play soccer at Nebraska and cannot wait to begin.”

NEB Women's Soccer: Walker adds seven for 2026

Story by NU Athletic Communication

Nebraska signed a trio of top-100 high school seniors from the Midwest on the opening day of the national signing period on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Ashlyn Koupal (South Dakota), Ava Miles (Missouri) and Maddi Stewart (Oklahoma) plan to join Nebraska Head Coach Amy Williams and the Huskers as true freshmen for the 2026-27 campaign.

"We are thrilled that these three talented, hard-working, driven young women have chosen to join our Husker family," Williams said. "Ashlyn, Ava and Maddi each bring the skills, intelligence, character and work ethic to thrive as Huskers and will be instrumental in helping us continue to raise the bar in our program."

One of the highest ranked recruits in Husker history, Koupal (pronounced KO-pull) is the No. 22 player in the current ESPN Top 100. The 6-3 forward from Wagner, S.D., was also ranked as a five-star recruit as the No. 10 player in the current 247 Sports rankings (No. 13 composite), as the No. 3 power forward in the nation. Koupal was the Gatorade South Dakota High School Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 22.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.5 blocks in leading Wagner to the state tournament. It was her third straight season averaging better than 20 points per game. She also produced one quadruple-double, two triple-doubles and 10 double-doubles as a junior. A three-time all-state selection, Koupal helped Wagner to a Class A state runner-up finish as a sophomore in 2023. Koupal is also an outstanding student, carrying a 4.0 GPA.

Koupal, who chose Nebraska over Duke, Kansas, Michigan State and TCU, was one of 45 high school players from across the country invited to the 2025 USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp during the NCAA Women's Final Four. Entering her senior season, Koupal has amassed 1,939 points, 860 rebounds, 364 assists, 189 steals and 287 blocks.&nbsp;

An outstanding all-around athlete, Koupal won her fifth consecutive South Dakota Class A state high jump championship as a junior in 2025. She also notched 12 kills to help the Red Raider volleyball team clinch a berth in the 2025 South Dakota Class A state tournament on Tuesday night.

"Ashlyn has great versatility, which makes her a dangerous threat to score both inside and out," Williams said. "She makes those around her better with her ability to pass and defend at a high level. She has a strong desire to be great, and the work ethic to match. She is going to have a tremendous career as a Husker."

A four-star recruit who was ranked No. 69 nationally by ESPN and No. 70 by 247 Sports, Miles was ranked as the No. 14 shooting guard in the country by 247 Sports. The No. 3 ranked recruit in the state of Missouri, Miles, who committed to Nebraska in July of 2025, led Staley to a Class 6 runner-up finish with a 29-2 record by averaging 14.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. She also hit 50.1 percent of her shots from the floor, including 33.3 percent of her three-point attempts for the Falcons.

A three-time adidas All-American, Miles is a two-time all-state selection and a three-time all-district and all-conference choice. She was the 2025 Greater Kansas City Conference Player of the Year.

"Ava is an outstanding all-around player who is going to bring energy to the court and the locker room every day," Williams said. "She is a high-level communicator with the ability to create in transition and score at all three levels. She is willing to do all the little things to help her team win. Husker fans are going to love watching her energy and enthusiasm on the court."

Miles said she chose Nebraska over Maryland and Michigan State because the Husker program felt special.

"It truly is the only place that felt like home," Miles said. "I knew that no matter how my day was, that I would find peace and joy with this program. God told me this is where I needed to go, and I know this program is very, very special."&nbsp;

Stewart, a 5-9 guard from Claremore, Okla., is the No. 80 recruit in the country and the No. 16 shooting guard according to 247 Sports. She is also No. 100 nationally by ESPN. Stewart averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals while leading Lincoln Christian High School to the 2025 Class 4A state championship. She shot 46 percent from the field and 82 percent at the free line for the Bulldogs, while eclipsing 1,000 career points early in her junior season.

Stewart, who committed to Nebraska in mid-August, was the unanimous MVP of the Oklahoma Class 4A state tournament after getting 20 points and 12 rebounds in the state championship game. The two-time first-team all-state selection was named the MVP of the Pinnacle Conference while playing for her coach and mother, Melody, who was named the state high school coach of the year by the Tulsa World. It was Lincoln Christian's third straight trip to the state finals, but its first state championship.

"We are so excited about what Maddi brings to the Husker program," Williams said. "She is a winner! She is also a tough, gritty player who can shoot from outside and create off the dribble. As the daughter of a coach, she brings a high basketball IQ with her and a real desire to grow as a player and person to help her team win championships."

Stewart, who chose Nebraska over Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State, said the Husker program provided a strong sense of belonging.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska signed a trio of top-100 high school seniors from the Midwest on the opening day of the national signing period on Wednesday, Nov. 12.Ashlyn Koupal (South Dakota), Ava Miles (Missouri) and Maddi Stewart (Oklahoma) plan to join Nebraska Head Coach Amy Williams and the Huskers as true freshmen for the 2026-27 campaign."We are thrilled that these three talented, hard-working, driven young women have chosen to join our Husker family," Williams said. "Ashlyn, Ava and Maddi each bring the skills, intelligence, character and work ethic to thrive as Huskers and will be instrumental in helping us continue to raise the bar in our program."One of the highest ranked recruits in Husker history, Koupal (pronounced KO-pull) is the No. 22 player in the current ESPN Top 100. The 6-3 forward from Wagner, S.D., was also ranked as a five-star recruit as the No. 10 player in the current 247 Sports rankings (No. 13 composite), as the No. 3 power forward in the nation. Koupal was the Gatorade South Dakota High School Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 22.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.5 blocks in leading Wagner to the state tournament. It was her third straight season averaging better than 20 points per game. She also produced one quadruple-double, two triple-doubles and 10 double-doubles as a junior. A three-time all-state selection, Koupal helped Wagner to a Class A state runner-up finish as a sophomore in 2023. Koupal is also an outstanding student, carrying a 4.0 GPA.Koupal, who chose Nebraska over Duke, Kansas, Michigan State and TCU, was one of 45 high school players from across the country invited to the 2025 USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp during the NCAA Women's Final Four. Entering her senior season, Koupal has amassed 1,939 points, 860 rebounds, 364 assists, 189 steals and 287 blocks.&nbsp;An outstanding all-around athlete, Koupal won her fifth consecutive South Dakota Class A state high jump championship as a junior in 2025. She also notched 12 kills to help the Red Raider volleyball team clinch a berth in the 2025 South Dakota Class A state tournament on Tuesday night."Ashlyn has great versatility, which makes her a dangerous threat to score both inside and out," Williams said. "She makes those around her better with her ability to pass and defend at a high level. She has a strong desire to be great, and the work ethic to match. She is going to have a tremendous career as a Husker."A four-star recruit who was ranked No. 69 nationally by ESPN and No. 70 by 247 Sports, Miles was ranked as the No. 14 shooting guard in the country by 247 Sports. The No. 3 ranked recruit in the state of Missouri, Miles, who committed to Nebraska in July of 2025, led Staley to a Class 6 runner-up finish with a 29-2 record by averaging 14.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game as a junior. She also hit 50.1 percent of her shots from the floor, including 33.3 percent of her three-point attempts for the Falcons.A three-time adidas All-American, Miles is a two-time all-state selection and a three-time all-district and all-conference choice. She was the 2025 Greater Kansas City Conference Player of the Year."Ava is an outstanding all-around player who is going to bring energy to the court and the locker room every day," Williams said. "She is a high-level communicator with the ability to create in transition and score at all three levels. She is willing to do all the little things to help her team win. Husker fans are going to love watching her energy and enthusiasm on the court."Miles said she chose Nebraska over Maryland and Michigan State because the Husker program felt special."It truly is the only place that felt like home," Miles said. "I knew that no matter how my day was, that I would find peace and joy with this program. God told me this is where I needed to go, and I know this program is very, very special."&nbsp;Stewart, a 5-9 guard from Claremore, Okla., is the No. 80 recruit in the country and the No. 16 shooting guard according to 247 Sports. She is also No. 100 nationally by ESPN. Stewart averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals while leading Lincoln Christian High School to the 2025 Class 4A state championship. She shot 46 percent from the field and 82 percent at the free line for the Bulldogs, while eclipsing 1,000 career points early in her junior season.Stewart, who committed to Nebraska in mid-August, was the unanimous MVP of the Oklahoma Class 4A state tournament after getting 20 points and 12 rebounds in the state championship game. The two-time first-team all-state selection was named the MVP of the Pinnacle Conference while playing for her coach and mother, Melody, who was named the state high school coach of the year by the Tulsa World. It was Lincoln Christian's third straight trip to the state finals, but its first state championship."We are so excited about what Maddi brings to the Husker program," Williams said. "She is a winner! She is also a tough, gritty player who can shoot from outside and create off the dribble. As the daughter of a coach, she brings a high basketball IQ with her and a real desire to grow as a player and person to help her team win championships."Stewart, who chose Nebraska over Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State, said the Husker program provided a strong sense of belonging.

Huskers sign trio of Top 100 Recruits

The Nebraska volleyball program and Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly on Wednesday announced the addition of three talented players who will join the Huskers in 2026.

The Huskers secured the signatures of three of the top prospects in the nation. They are outside hitter Gabby DiVita (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.), outside/opposite hitter Jayden Robinson (Missouri City, Texas), and middle blocker Keoni Williams (Fort Worth, Texas). 

All three plan to enroll at Nebraska in January.

Gabby DiVita, 6-1, Outside Hitter, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. (Grosse Pointe South/Legacy)

• Selected to compete in the Under Armour Next All-America Game in January 2026

• Was a four-time AAU All-American and won the AAU 15U national title with her club, Legacy

• Won the 16U Triple Crown title and was named MVP in 2024 

• Served as captain for the U.S. National Team Development Program

• Was a three-time JVA All-National Team selection and a three-time USAV All-Tournament Team member

• Named a Prep Volleyball All-American two times 

• Played for her mother, Janeil, at Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan

• Named to the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year Watch List

• Named a 2024 AVCA High School All-American

• Chosen as a finalist for the 2025 Michigan Miss Volleyball Award

• Was a four-time all-state selection and Macomb Area Conference MVP

• As a senior, averaged 5.8 kills per set with a .420 hitting percentage, along with 3.8 digs per set and 49 service aces to lead the Blue Devils to a district title

• Amassed more than 2,000 career kills and 1,100 career digs - both school records

• Ranked the No. 19 overall prospect by PrepDig and No. 20 by PrepVolleyball

"Gabby is a really high-level six-rotation player. She has a great arm and volleyball IQ, and her serve receive and back-row play have always been a strength of her game. Gabby comes from the same club as Harper Murray and Campbell Flynn (Legacy), so we've developed a pretty good relationship with them. Gabby is a coach's kid and has always wanted to be a Husker, and we are fortunate to have her join our program."

Jayden Robinson, 6-3, Outside/Opposite Hitter, Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point/Houston Skyline)

• Won the gold medal with the U.S. U19 National Team at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship

• Was a U.S. U19 National Team member for the 2025 FIVB Women's U21 World Championships in Indonesia 

• Played club volleyball for Houston Skyline

• Won the 17 Open USAV Girls Junior National Championships gold medal in 2025 and was named to the All-Tournament Team

• Earned club first-team All-America honors in 2025

• Claimed the 15 Open bronze medal at the 2023 USAV GJNC

• Was named her club's Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025, and Breakout Player in 2023

• Attended Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas

• Earned District 21-6A MVP honors in 2025 and was a three-time all-district honoree

• Was a two-time District 21-6A Blocker of the Year

• In her senior season in 2025, led Ridge Point to a 33-14 record and a district title

• Averaged 5.0 kills per set with a .381 hitting percentage, as well as 2.9 digs per set and 45 service aces

• Ranked the No. 10 overall prospect by PrepVolleyball and No. 12 by PrepDig

"Jayden is a very physical pin player. She has experience playing on the left pin in club and high school, and she's played opposite for Team USA. Jayden is a physical attacker and blocker and can hit out of the back row as well. We're excited to see how her all-around game translates to the college level. She's one of the big-time athletes in this class and comes from a very athletic family. Jayden has really developed her skill set and we are thrilled to have her."

Keoni Williams, 6-4, Middle Blocker, Fort Worth, Texas (Eagle Mountain/Dallas Skyline)

• With her club, Dallas Skyline, won the gold medal at USAV Girls Junior National Championships 15 Open in 2023

• Was named to the All-Tournament Team and MVP following her club national title

• Also won the 13 Open club national championship with Frisco Flyers in 2021

• Won the Triple Crown title with Dallas Skyline in 2023 and was an All-Tournament selection

• Was named district Blocker of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was a two-time Dallas Skyline MVP

• Chosen to the AAU Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team in 2023-24

• Earned Texas all-state honors following her sophomore and junior seasons

• Has led Eagle Mountain High School to the Texas 4A Division 2 state semifinals to be played on Nov. 15

• In her senior season, averaging 3.5 kills per set with a .553 hitting percentage, along with 1.3 blocks per set

• As a freshman at Boswell High School, broke the school record for blocks in a season with 185

• Ranked the No. 8 overall prospect by PrepDig and No. 10 by PrepVolleyball

"Keoni is an extremely athletic middle blocker. She moves very well laterally across the net, which is important for a middle. We're impressed with her physicality, and her attacking arm has really developed. Keoni has played for some very good club teams in the Dallas area, and she was able to go to the World Championships this past summer. She's one of the top middles in this class, and we're happy she chose to be a Husker."

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska volleyball program and Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly on Wednesday announced the addition of three talented players who will join the Huskers in 2026.The Huskers secured the signatures of three of the top prospects in the nation. They are outside hitter Gabby DiVita (Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.), outside/opposite hitter Jayden Robinson (Missouri City, Texas), and middle blocker Keoni Williams (Fort Worth, Texas). All three plan to enroll at Nebraska in January.2026 Nebraska Volleyball Signing ClassGabby DiVita, 6-1, Outside Hitter, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. (Grosse Pointe South/Legacy)• Selected to compete in the Under Armour Next All-America Game in January 2026• Was a four-time AAU All-American and won the AAU 15U national title with her club, Legacy• Won the 16U Triple Crown title and was named MVP in 2024 • Served as captain for the U.S. National Team Development Program• Was a three-time JVA All-National Team selection and a three-time USAV All-Tournament Team member• Named a Prep Volleyball All-American two times • Played for her mother, Janeil, at Grosse Pointe South High School in Michigan• Named to the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year Watch List• Named a 2024 AVCA High School All-American• Chosen as a finalist for the 2025 Michigan Miss Volleyball Award• Was a four-time all-state selection and Macomb Area Conference MVP• As a senior, averaged 5.8 kills per set with a .420 hitting percentage, along with 3.8 digs per set and 49 service aces to lead the Blue Devils to a district title• Amassed more than 2,000 career kills and 1,100 career digs - both school records• Ranked the No. 19 overall prospect by PrepDig and No. 20 by PrepVolleyballCoach Dani Busboom Kelly:"Gabby is a really high-level six-rotation player. She has a great arm and volleyball IQ, and her serve receive and back-row play have always been a strength of her game. Gabby comes from the same club as Harper Murray and Campbell Flynn (Legacy), so we've developed a pretty good relationship with them. Gabby is a coach's kid and has always wanted to be a Husker, and we are fortunate to have her join our program."Jayden Robinson, 6-3, Outside/Opposite Hitter, Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point/Houston Skyline)• Selected to compete in the Under Armour Next All-America Game in January 2026• Won the gold medal with the U.S. U19 National Team at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship• Was a U.S. U19 National Team member for the 2025 FIVB Women's U21 World Championships in Indonesia • Played club volleyball for Houston Skyline• Won the 17 Open USAV Girls Junior National Championships gold medal in 2025 and was named to the All-Tournament Team• Earned club first-team All-America honors in 2025• Claimed the 15 Open bronze medal at the 2023 USAV GJNC• Was named her club's Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025, and Breakout Player in 2023• Attended Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas• Named to the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year Watch List• Named a 2024 AVCA High School All-American• Earned District 21-6A MVP honors in 2025 and was a three-time all-district honoree• Was a two-time District 21-6A Blocker of the Year• In her senior season in 2025, led Ridge Point to a 33-14 record and a district title• Averaged 5.0 kills per set with a .381 hitting percentage, as well as 2.9 digs per set and 45 service aces• Ranked the No. 10 overall prospect by PrepVolleyball and No. 12 by PrepDigCoach Dani Busboom Kelly:"Jayden is a very physical pin player. She has experience playing on the left pin in club and high school, and she's played opposite for Team USA. Jayden is a physical attacker and blocker and can hit out of the back row as well. We're excited to see how her all-around game translates to the college level. She's one of the big-time athletes in this class and comes from a very athletic family. Jayden has really developed her skill set and we are thrilled to have her."Keoni Williams, 6-4, Middle Blocker, Fort Worth, Texas (Eagle Mountain/Dallas Skyline)• Pronounced key-AW-knee• Selected to compete in the Under Armour Next All-America Game in January 2026• Was a U.S. U19 National Team member for the 2025 FIVB Women's U21 World Championships in Indonesia • With her club, Dallas Skyline, won the gold medal at USAV Girls Junior National Championships 15 Open in 2023• Was named to the All-Tournament Team and MVP following her club national title• Also won the 13 Open club national championship with Frisco Flyers in 2021• Named to the 2025 AVCA Player of the Year Watch List• Won the Triple Crown title with Dallas Skyline in 2023 and was an All-Tournament selection• Was named district Blocker of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was a two-time Dallas Skyline MVP• Chosen to the AAU Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team in 2023-24• Earned Texas all-state honors following her sophomore and junior seasons• Has led Eagle Mountain High School to the Texas 4A Division 2 state semifinals to be played on Nov. 15• In her senior season, averaging 3.5 kills per set with a .553 hitting percentage, along with 1.3 blocks per set• As a freshman at Boswell High School, broke the school record for blocks in a season with 185• Ranked the No. 8 overall prospect by PrepDig and No. 10 by PrepVolleyballCoach Dani Busboom Kelly:"Keoni is an extremely athletic middle blocker. She moves very well laterally across the net, which is important for a middle. We're impressed with her physicality, and her attacking arm has really developed. Keoni has played for some very good club teams in the Dallas area, and she was able to go to the World Championships this past summer. She's one of the top middles in this class, and we're happy she chose to be a Husker."

NEB VB: Huskers sign three for 2026

Lincoln&nbsp;– Britt Prince led four Huskers in double figures with a game-high 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds, as the Nebraska women's basketball team flew past Creighton 84-50 Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Playing in front of more than 5,000 fans in the late national TV game on FS1, the Nancy Lieberman Award candidate set the tone for the 3-0 Huskers at both ends of the court by adding three assists while helping the Huskers force a shocking 25 Creighton turnovers. The Bluejays, who have ranked among the top teams in the nation in fewest turnovers committed for several seasons and entered the night averaging just 8.0 turnovers per game, committed 14 in the first half against the ball-hawking Big Red.

Nebraska's defense was stifling in the first 20 minutes, holding the Jays to just 14 points on 4-of-25 shooting (.160), including 2-of-12 threes (.167).

The Huskers jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first two minutes thanks to early threes from Callin Hake and Hailey Weaver. Nebraska pushed the lead to 17-9 at the end of the first quarter thanks to a 70-foot buzzer-beating heave from Jessica Petrie.

Petrie finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot from her power forward position on the night. Hake, a senior guard from Victoria, Minn., closed out the first win over Creighton in her four-year Husker career with 13 points, three rebounds, a game-high four assists and a steal.

Neleigh Gessert cut the Nebraska margin back to 17-12 with a three-pointer for the Jays 1:15 into the second period, before Petrie hit a stepback jumper for the Big Red, and Prince scored on a driving layup to extend NU's lead to 21-12.&nbsp;

Neleigh's twin sister Norah Gessert sank a pair of free throws to trim the margin to 21-14 with 6:32 left, but that was the end of Creighton's first-half scoring. The Husker defense flexed its muscles the rest of the quarter, closing the period on a 14-0 run, beginning with a three-pointer from Claire Johnson that gave Nebraska its first double-digit lead at 24-14 with 6:24 left. Johnson finished her night with 11 points to round out the four Huskers in double figures.

Sophomore Petra Bozan led Nebraska with five points during the run, including a three-pointer to extend the Husker margin to 33-14 with 1:11 left in the half. Bozan, a 6-3 forward from Split, Croatia, finished with nine points, three rebounds and two steals.

Prince, who scored four points during the run, capped Nebraska's first-half scoring on two free throws with 18 seconds left. The five points scored by Creighton in the period tied for the fourth fewest points allowed by the Huskers in a second quarter since the start of the quarter system in 2015-16.

In the history of the Nebraska-Creighton series, few 20-point leads have ever felt safe, but the Huskers made sure to put together two halves of basketball on Wednesday night. Hailey Weaver's second three-pointer opened the third quarter scoring just 32 seconds into the half. Weaver finished with six points while playing lock-down defense on the perimeter.

Hake added two more three-pointers early in the third quarter, while Petrie pitched in another, as Nebraska carried a 59-31 lead to the final period.&nbsp;

Freshman Alanna Neale capped Nebraska's night from long range by hitting a three-pointer in the fourth - the 10th of the game for the Big Red to help the Huskers put the finishing touches on the 34-point win. It marked the first time in series history that Nebraska hit double-digit threes against the Jays.

All 10 Huskers who played in the game found the scoring column, including the first five points of graduate forward Eliza Maupin's Nebraska career. The 6-3 transfer from Kansas State missed NU's first two games with a lower leg injury. She added four rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes off the bench.

Sophomore forward Amiah Hargrove provided another solid effort with six points, five rebounds and an assist, while Kennadi Williams contributed two points, two boards and an assist in 22 minutes of work behind Weaver and Hake in the backcourt.

As a team, Nebraska hit 46.8 percent (29-62) of its shots from the floor, including 35.7 percent (10-28) of its threes, while sinking 80 percent (16-20) of its free throws. The Huskers dominated the turnover battle, 25-15, while also winning on the boards, 39-36.

The Big Red held Creighton to just 29.4 percent (15-51) shooting, including just 26.1 percent (6-23) from three. CU did manage 73.7 percent (14-19) at the line.

Ava Zedicker led Creighton with 14 points, while Elizabeth Gentry added 11 points and nine rebounds.&nbsp;

Nebraska hits the road for the first time in the 2025-26 regular season when the Huskers travel to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., to take on North Dakota State on Sunday, Nov. 16, at noon (CT). The game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsLincoln&nbsp;– Britt Prince led four Huskers in double figures with a game-high 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds, as the Nebraska women's basketball team flew past Creighton 84-50 Wednesday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Playing in front of more than 5,000 fans in the late national TV game on FS1, the Nancy Lieberman Award candidate set the tone for the 3-0 Huskers at both ends of the court by adding three assists while helping the Huskers force a shocking 25 Creighton turnovers. The Bluejays, who have ranked among the top teams in the nation in fewest turnovers committed for several seasons and entered the night averaging just 8.0 turnovers per game, committed 14 in the first half against the ball-hawking Big Red.Nebraska's defense was stifling in the first 20 minutes, holding the Jays to just 14 points on 4-of-25 shooting (.160), including 2-of-12 threes (.167).The Huskers jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first two minutes thanks to early threes from Callin Hake and Hailey Weaver. Nebraska pushed the lead to 17-9 at the end of the first quarter thanks to a 70-foot buzzer-beating heave from Jessica Petrie.Petrie finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot from her power forward position on the night. Hake, a senior guard from Victoria, Minn., closed out the first win over Creighton in her four-year Husker career with 13 points, three rebounds, a game-high four assists and a steal.Neleigh Gessert cut the Nebraska margin back to 17-12 with a three-pointer for the Jays 1:15 into the second period, before Petrie hit a stepback jumper for the Big Red, and Prince scored on a driving layup to extend NU's lead to 21-12.&nbsp;Neleigh's twin sister Norah Gessert sank a pair of free throws to trim the margin to 21-14 with 6:32 left, but that was the end of Creighton's first-half scoring. The Husker defense flexed its muscles the rest of the quarter, closing the period on a 14-0 run, beginning with a three-pointer from Claire Johnson that gave Nebraska its first double-digit lead at 24-14 with 6:24 left. Johnson finished her night with 11 points to round out the four Huskers in double figures.Sophomore Petra Bozan led Nebraska with five points during the run, including a three-pointer to extend the Husker margin to 33-14 with 1:11 left in the half. Bozan, a 6-3 forward from Split, Croatia, finished with nine points, three rebounds and two steals.Prince, who scored four points during the run, capped Nebraska's first-half scoring on two free throws with 18 seconds left. The five points scored by Creighton in the period tied for the fourth fewest points allowed by the Huskers in a second quarter since the start of the quarter system in 2015-16.In the history of the Nebraska-Creighton series, few 20-point leads have ever felt safe, but the Huskers made sure to put together two halves of basketball on Wednesday night. Hailey Weaver's second three-pointer opened the third quarter scoring just 32 seconds into the half. Weaver finished with six points while playing lock-down defense on the perimeter.Hake added two more three-pointers early in the third quarter, while Petrie pitched in another, as Nebraska carried a 59-31 lead to the final period.&nbsp;Freshman Alanna Neale capped Nebraska's night from long range by hitting a three-pointer in the fourth - the 10th of the game for the Big Red to help the Huskers put the finishing touches on the 34-point win. It marked the first time in series history that Nebraska hit double-digit threes against the Jays.All 10 Huskers who played in the game found the scoring column, including the first five points of graduate forward Eliza Maupin's Nebraska career. The 6-3 transfer from Kansas State missed NU's first two games with a lower leg injury. She added four rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes off the bench.Sophomore forward Amiah Hargrove provided another solid effort with six points, five rebounds and an assist, while Kennadi Williams contributed two points, two boards and an assist in 22 minutes of work behind Weaver and Hake in the backcourt.As a team, Nebraska hit 46.8 percent (29-62) of its shots from the floor, including 35.7 percent (10-28) of its threes, while sinking 80 percent (16-20) of its free throws. The Huskers dominated the turnover battle, 25-15, while also winning on the boards, 39-36.The Big Red held Creighton to just 29.4 percent (15-51) shooting, including just 26.1 percent (6-23) from three. CU did manage 73.7 percent (14-19) at the line.Ava Zedicker led Creighton with 14 points, while Elizabeth Gentry added 11 points and nine rebounds.&nbsp;Nebraska hits the road for the first time in the 2025-26 regular season when the Huskers travel to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., to take on North Dakota State on Sunday, Nov. 16, at noon (CT). The game will be televised live on the Big Ten Network and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network and Huskers.com.

Huskers soar past Bluejays, 84-50

Nebraska's men’s and women’s cross country teams will travel to Stillwater, Okla. on Friday, Nov. 14th for NCAA Midwest Regional Championships. The women will race a 6k first at 10:30 a.m. (CT), followed by the men who will toe the line at 11:30 a.m. (CT) for a 10k race. Awards will be presented following both races at 12:15 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

The Huskers last raced at Big Ten Cross Country Championships in East Lansing, Mich., where the women placed eighth as a team. Berlyn Schutz (16th, 20:26.4) and Ali Bainbridge (18th, 20:30.6) led the women to their 8th place team finish along with each bringing home Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Supporting the team finish was Alexandra Joyce (48th, 21:04.6), Jaylee Wingate (83rd, 21:41.2), and Alea Hardie (98th, 21:57.5) all within the scoring line up for the Husker women.

Denny Chapman led the men, who finished 15th, in 91st place with a time of 25:01.1. He was followed by Grant Wasserman (121st, 25:33.0), Jack Witte (129th, 26:06.3), and Gabe Nash (130th, 26:17.4). Kaleb Sharp finished off the scoring line up for the Nebraska men in 138th place with a time of 27:00.3.

Since 2021, the Husker women have come away with three top-ten team finishes. In 2024, Ali Bainbridge became the first Husker to qualify for the NCAA Championship race since Erika Freyhof in 2021. Bainbridge’s 76th-place finish at Midwest Regionals was the highest since Lara Crofford placed 45th in 2008. The Husker men have had two top-20 finishes since 2021. They most recently finished 17th in 2024.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska's men’s and women’s cross country teams will travel to Stillwater, Okla. on Friday, Nov. 14th for NCAA Midwest Regional Championships. The women will race a 6k first at 10:30 a.m. (CT), followed by the men who will toe the line at 11:30 a.m. (CT) for a 10k race. Awards will be presented following both races at 12:15 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;Last Time OutThe Huskers last raced at Big Ten Cross Country Championships in East Lansing, Mich., where the women placed eighth as a team. Berlyn Schutz (16th, 20:26.4) and Ali Bainbridge (18th, 20:30.6) led the women to their 8th place team finish along with each bringing home Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Supporting the team finish was Alexandra Joyce (48th, 21:04.6), Jaylee Wingate (83rd, 21:41.2), and Alea Hardie (98th, 21:57.5) all within the scoring line up for the Husker women.Denny Chapman led the men, who finished 15th, in 91st place with a time of 25:01.1. He was followed by Grant Wasserman (121st, 25:33.0), Jack Witte (129th, 26:06.3), and Gabe Nash (130th, 26:17.4). Kaleb Sharp finished off the scoring line up for the Nebraska men in 138th place with a time of 27:00.3.NCAA Midwest Regional Information&nbsp;Since 2021, the Husker women have come away with three top-ten team finishes. In 2024, Ali Bainbridge became the first Husker to qualify for the NCAA Championship race since Erika Freyhof in 2021. Bainbridge’s 76th-place finish at Midwest Regionals was the highest since Lara Crofford placed 45th in 2008. The Husker men have had two top-20 finishes since 2021. They most recently finished 17th in 2024.

Huskers look for solid showing at NCAA Midwest Regionals

Story by NPCC Athletic Communications

Dodge City, Kan.– North Platte women’s basketball fell to No. 2 Dodge City 94–52 on Tuesday night.

Dezirae Gonzales and Breonna Shelby led the Knights with 10 points each, with Gonzales also dishing out four assists. Jasmine Gilbert made her presence felt on the glass, grabbing six rebounds.

"We played hard and competed for about 24 of the 40 minutes but that won’t get it done against a team of that caliber," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We will learn from this and move forward."&nbsp;

The Conquistadors came out firing, knocking down their first five shots from three-point range to jump out to a 15–5 lead. Aliyah Herron then sparked the Knights offense with a strong drive to the basket, igniting a 10-2 run that pulled North Platte within two. Dodge City regained momentum late in the quarter, stretching its lead to 31-17 after the first period.

The second quarter started as a close matchup before the Conquistadors pieced together an 8-0 run to extend their advantage. North Platte would outscore Dodge City by three for the remainder of the quarter, but the Conquistadors still carried a 17-point lead into halftime.

Dodge City came out of the locker room hot, opening the third quarter on a dominant 16-2 run to build a 34-point cushion. Herron ended the drought with a three pointer, but the Conquistadors continued to control the pace, taking a 73-39 lead into the final frame.

North Platte struck first in the fourth quarter with a putback from Ligia Thortvedt, but Dodge City quickly responded with another 8-0 spurt. The Knights fought but couldn’t slow the Conquistadors offense, who outscored North Platte 13–10 down the stretch to secure the victory.

Knights (1-4) return to action on Saturday against Cloud County Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Arley Bryant Gymnasium in Concordia, Kan.

Story by NPCC Athletic CommunicationsDodge City, Kan.– North Platte women’s basketball fell to No. 2 Dodge City 94–52 on Tuesday night.Dezirae Gonzales and Breonna Shelby led the Knights with 10 points each, with Gonzales also dishing out four assists. Jasmine Gilbert made her presence felt on the glass, grabbing six rebounds."We played hard and competed for about 24 of the 40 minutes but that won’t get it done against a team of that caliber," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We will learn from this and move forward."&nbsp;The Conquistadors came out firing, knocking down their first five shots from three-point range to jump out to a 15–5 lead. Aliyah Herron then sparked the Knights offense with a strong drive to the basket, igniting a 10-2 run that pulled North Platte within two. Dodge City regained momentum late in the quarter, stretching its lead to 31-17 after the first period.The second quarter started as a close matchup before the Conquistadors pieced together an 8-0 run to extend their advantage. North Platte would outscore Dodge City by three for the remainder of the quarter, but the Conquistadors still carried a 17-point lead into halftime.Dodge City came out of the locker room hot, opening the third quarter on a dominant 16-2 run to build a 34-point cushion. Herron ended the drought with a three pointer, but the Conquistadors continued to control the pace, taking a 73-39 lead into the final frame.North Platte struck first in the fourth quarter with a putback from Ligia Thortvedt, but Dodge City quickly responded with another 8-0 spurt. The Knights fought but couldn’t slow the Conquistadors offense, who outscored North Platte 13–10 down the stretch to secure the victory.Knights (1-4) return to action on Saturday against Cloud County Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside Arley Bryant Gymnasium in Concordia, Kan.

Knights fall to No. 2 Dodge City

Chadron State knocked off #11 Western Colorado to set-up an RMAC Championship game this week.  Coach Long breaks down a day with so many huge plays, unsung heroes and unforgettable moments!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666116284028.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State knocked off #11 Western Colorado to set-up an RMAC Championship game this week. Coach Long breaks down a day with so many huge plays, unsung heroes and unforgettable moments!<div><iframe title="Jay Long Show - 11/11/25" 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=c5ya2-19bda29-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1b1b1b&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=c73a3a" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🔊 PODCAST: Jay Long Show - 11/11/25

The Nebraska men's basketball program looks to extend a six-game win streak Tuesday night, as the Huskers welcome Maryland-Eastern Shore to Pinnacle Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (central) and 300 Level tickets are available for the matchup by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets or at the PBA Ticket Office beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on B1G+, while the radio broadcast is available on the Husker Sports Network, as well as on Huskers.com and on the Huskers app.  

Tuesday's game is the Hoops for Troops game where fans who donate to the Blue Star Moms donation drive at PBA will be entered to win an autographed Fred Hoiberg basketball.

The Huskers (2-0) come off a strong offensive performance in a 96-66 win over FIU last Saturday. Nebraska shot 55.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from 3-point range, dished out 29 assists and put five players in double figures. Rienk Mast led Nebraska with the third triple-double in school history as he totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. Mast is averaging 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game and has double-doubles in both of NU's games.

While Mast's triple-double highlighted the Husker attack, junior forward Pryce Sandfort led NU's 3-point barrage with 20 points, including a career-high tying six 3-pointers. He had 14 of his 20 points, including four 3-pointers, as part of a 22-6 spurt during the first 5:20 of the second half to break the game open.

Maryland-Eastern Shore (1-2) had a strong offensive showing of its own in a 104-59 win over Cheyney on Saturday. The Hawks shot 78.8 percent from the field, including 8-of-13 shooting from 3-point range, and put five players in double figures. UMES took Georgia Tech to overtime in its season opener while Tuesday's game starts a two-game road trip as the Hawks will face Creighton on Friday.

29 - Nebraska had 29 assists in Saturday's win over FIU, the Huskers' highest total since dishing out 35 assists against Northeastern Illinois on Dec. 21, 1994. The previous high for a Husker team under Hoiberg was 25 vs. Doane on Dec. 17, 2020.

20 - Nebraska has dished out 20 or more assists in each of its last three games dating back to the College Basketball Crown last April. It marks the first time in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present) that the Huskers have had 20 or more assists in three straight games. 

3.0 - Over the last six games dating back to the College Basketball Crown, Sam Hoiberg is averaging 4.0 assists per game with a 3.0-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Hoiberg has more steals (12) than turnovers (eight) in that stretch.

3 - For just the third time in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present), Nebraska returns multiple double-figure scorers with Rienk Mast (12.3 ppg in 2023-24) and Connor Essegian (10.7 ppg). In both previous instances (2018-19 and 2024-25), Nebraska has advanced to postseason play. 

.931 - Over the last three-plus seasons, NU is 41-3 when holding foes to under 1.00 PPP and 43-5 when holding opponents to under 70 points. Nebraska has improved its KenPom defensive efficiency in each of the past three seasons.

.955 - Nebraska is 21-1 at home in non-conference play over the last three-plus seasons and is 34-9 (.791) at home in non-conference action in Fred Hoiberg's tenure at Nebraska.

.800 - Nebraska is 40-10 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring 80 or more points, including a 31-7 mark over the last three-plus seasons. Of those seven losses since the start of 2022-23, four were in overtime.

Maryland Eastern Shore comes to Lincoln with a 1-2 record after Saturday's 104-59 win over Chaney University. The Hawks will play seven of their first eight games on the road, as Tuesday's game with the Huskers begins a five-game road swing. During non-conference play, UMES will face seven power conference foes (Georgia Tech, Georgia, Nebraska, Creighton, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Texas) before opening MEAC play on Jan. 3. The Hawks were picked to finish seventh in the MEAC preseason poll and are led by preseason all-conference pick Christopher Flippin, as the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. This year, UMES has been led by Joseph Locandro, who is averaging 10.7 ppg, including 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes in the overtime loss to Georgia Tech.  

UMES Coach Cleo Hill Jr. is in his second year in charge of the program after enjoying success at the Division II level. He spent five seasons at Winston-Salem State, posting a 89-50 mark and won 18 or more games in each of his final four seasons. Hill began his college coaching career in Lincoln as an assistant coach on Danny Nee's staff during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons. 

Nebraska is 3-0 all-time against UMES, posting wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Huskers are 15-0 all-time against the current members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. 

Rienk Mast recorded the third triple-double in school history, while Nebraska hit 17 3-pointers in a 96-66 win over FIU on Nov. 8.  Mast became the first Husker since Dalano Banton in 2020 to record a triple-double as he finished with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, 12 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. The 6-foot-10 senior had 14 points, 10 boards and five assists by halftime and secured the achievement by hitting Braden Frager on a driving layup with 7:29 remaining. 

That was the only drama in the final 15 minutes, as the Huskers opened the second half with a barrage of 3-pointers in a 22-6 run in the first 5:20 after the break to build a 71-34 lead.  

Nebraska went 17-of-34 from beyond the stripe, one shy of the single-game 3-point record which had stood since 2002. Nebraska shot 55 percent from the field, put five players in double figures and dished out 29 assists, the team’s highest total since 1994. Pryce Sandfort totaled a game-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers to tie his career high. Braden Frager (15), Connor Essegian (13) and Berke Buyuktuncel (11) also scored in double figures as Nebraska used an early 11-0 to build a double-digit lead and never trailed again. 

• Rienk Mast posted the third triple-double in school history with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 25 minutes of work. Mast was 8-of-10 from the field and had a double-double by halftime with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

• Mast joins Cam Mack (2019) and Dalano Banton (2020) as the three Huskers in school history with triple doubles. All three triple-doubles have come during Fred  Hoiberg’s seven seasons at Nebraska.

• Mast now has eight double-doubles as a Husker and 28 in his college career. 

• Pryce Sandfort finished with 20 points for his second career 20-point game and first as a Husker. His six 3-pointers tied his college career high (vs. Southern while at Iowa last season). 

• Nebraska’s 17 3-pointers are the most by a Husker team since hitting a school-record 18 3-pointers against Kansas on Feb. 24, 2002.

• Nebraska’s 29 assists were the most in a game by NU since Dec. 21, 1994, when NU had 35 against Northeastern Illinois.

• Nebraska enters the week with Division I's longest winning streak at six games following Saturday's win over Maryland Eastern Shore. The Huskers closed 2024-25 by winning their final four games at the College Basketball Crown before a pair of wins last week.  Nebraska is averaging 84.2 ppg on 49 percent shooting during its six-game win streak. 

• Nebraska has had six different players in double figures during the first two games, including a pair of 20-point efforts (Braden Frager-West Georgia; Pryce Sandfort-FIU). Nebraska put five players in double figures on Saturday vs. FIU

• If Rienk Mast can record a double-double on Tuesday night, he will be the first Husker with three straight double-doubles since Isaiah Roby from Feb. 10-18, 2018. Roby is the only Husker to post three straight double-doubles in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present). 

• Redshirt freshman Braden Frager put up a strong week to open the season, as he averaged 18.5 ppg on 67 percent shooting in NU's two games. The 6-foot-7 forward from Lincoln, who turned 19 on Nov. 10, had 22 points in his debut and added 15 points off the bench in the win over FIU. 

One trend which continued from NU's two exhibition games is solid shooting from 3-point range. Including the two exhibition games, NU has averaged 14.5 3-pointers per game, including 17 against FIU and 16 in the exhibition win over No. 8 BYU. 

• Nebraska's 17 teams against FIU were one shy of the Huskers' single-game record and matched the most 3-pointers by a Fred Hoiberg coached team.

• Five different players have hit at least four 3-pointers in a game (including the exhibitions): Rienk Mast (7 vs. BYU), Connor Essegian (5 vs. BYU), Braden Frager (6 vs. Midland), Jamarques Lawrence (5 vs. West Georgia) and Pryce Sandfort (4 vs. Midland, 6 vs. FIU).

• Dating back to last year, NU has had a player hit four or more 3-pointers in the last five contests dating back to the College Basketball Crown. (Brice Williams-Georgetown; Juwan Gary-Boise State; Connor Essegian-UCF; Jamarques Lawrence-West Georgia; Sandfort-FIU). 

• Two years ago, Nebraska led the Big Ten with 9.4 3-pointers per game on its way to hitting a school record 319 3-pointers. 

Nebraska has received outstanding play from its bench, averaging 46.0 ppg in two games this season.

• The back-to-back 46-point efforts marked the seventh and eighth time the Husker bench has scored 40+ points in a game under Fred Hoiberg. The others include Doane (61, 2020-21), South Dakota (51, 2024-25), South Carolina State (47, 2023-24); South Dakota (43, 2021-22); Creigton (42, 2021-22) and Southern (40, 2024-25).

• Two of the Huskers' top three scorers are coming off the bench in Braden Frager (18.5 ppg, first) and Connor Essegian (12.5 ppg, third).  Both Frager and Essegian have reached double figures in both games. 

• Frager's 22 points off the bench vs. West Georgia tied for the fifth-highest output by a Husker reserve in Fred Hoiberg's six-plus seasons at Nebraska. 

• Last year, Nebraska got 31 double-figure efforts from its bench and averaged 23.0 ppg from its bench. 

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska men's basketball program looks to extend a six-game win streak Tuesday night, as the Huskers welcome Maryland-Eastern Shore to Pinnacle Bank Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (central) and 300 Level tickets are available for the matchup by visiting Huskers.com/Tickets or at the PBA Ticket Office beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The game will be broadcast on B1G+, while the radio broadcast is available on the Husker Sports Network, as well as on Huskers.com and on the Huskers app. Tuesday's game is the Hoops for Troops game where fans who donate to the Blue Star Moms donation drive at PBA will be entered to win an autographed Fred Hoiberg basketball.The Huskers (2-0) come off a strong offensive performance in a 96-66 win over FIU last Saturday. Nebraska shot 55.2 percent from the field, including 17-of-34 from 3-point range, dished out 29 assists and put five players in double figures. Rienk Mast led Nebraska with the third triple-double in school history as he totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. Mast is averaging 14.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game and has double-doubles in both of NU's games.While Mast's triple-double highlighted the Husker attack, junior forward Pryce Sandfort led NU's 3-point barrage with 20 points, including a career-high tying six 3-pointers. He had 14 of his 20 points, including four 3-pointers, as part of a 22-6 spurt during the first 5:20 of the second half to break the game open.Maryland-Eastern Shore (1-2) had a strong offensive showing of its own in a 104-59 win over Cheyney on Saturday. The Hawks shot 78.8 percent from the field, including 8-of-13 shooting from 3-point range, and put five players in double figures. UMES took Georgia Tech to overtime in its season opener while Tuesday's game starts a two-game road trip as the Hawks will face Creighton on Friday.Numbers to Know29 - Nebraska had 29 assists in Saturday's win over FIU, the Huskers' highest total since dishing out 35 assists against Northeastern Illinois on Dec. 21, 1994. The previous high for a Husker team under Hoiberg was 25 vs. Doane on Dec. 17, 2020.20 - Nebraska has dished out 20 or more assists in each of its last three games dating back to the College Basketball Crown last April. It marks the first time in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present) that the Huskers have had 20 or more assists in three straight games. 3.0 - Over the last six games dating back to the College Basketball Crown, Sam Hoiberg is averaging 4.0 assists per game with a 3.0-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Hoiberg has more steals (12) than turnovers (eight) in that stretch.3 - For just the third time in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present), Nebraska returns multiple double-figure scorers with Rienk Mast (12.3 ppg in 2023-24) and Connor Essegian (10.7 ppg). In both previous instances (2018-19 and 2024-25), Nebraska has advanced to postseason play. .931 - Over the last three-plus seasons, NU is 41-3 when holding foes to under 1.00 PPP and 43-5 when holding opponents to under 70 points. Nebraska has improved its KenPom defensive efficiency in each of the past three seasons..955 - Nebraska is 21-1 at home in non-conference play over the last three-plus seasons and is 34-9 (.791) at home in non-conference action in Fred Hoiberg's tenure at Nebraska..800 - Nebraska is 40-10 under Fred Hoiberg when scoring 80 or more points, including a 31-7 mark over the last three-plus seasons. Of those seven losses since the start of 2022-23, four were in overtime.Scouting Maryland-Eastern ShoreMaryland Eastern Shore comes to Lincoln with a 1-2 record after Saturday's 104-59 win over Chaney University. The Hawks will play seven of their first eight games on the road, as Tuesday's game with the Huskers begins a five-game road swing. During non-conference play, UMES will face seven power conference foes (Georgia Tech, Georgia, Nebraska, Creighton, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Texas) before opening MEAC play on Jan. 3. The Hawks were picked to finish seventh in the MEAC preseason poll and are led by preseason all-conference pick Christopher Flippin, as the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. This year, UMES has been led by Joseph Locandro, who is averaging 10.7 ppg, including 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes in the overtime loss to Georgia Tech. UMES Coach Cleo Hill Jr. is in his second year in charge of the program after enjoying success at the Division II level. He spent five seasons at Winston-Salem State, posting a 89-50 mark and won 18 or more games in each of his final four seasons. Hill began his college coaching career in Lincoln as an assistant coach on Danny Nee's staff during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons. Nebraska is 3-0 all-time against UMES, posting wins in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The Huskers are 15-0 all-time against the current members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. FIU RecapRienk Mast recorded the third triple-double in school history, while Nebraska hit 17 3-pointers in a 96-66 win over FIU on Nov. 8. Mast became the first Husker since Dalano Banton in 2020 to record a triple-double as he finished with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, 12 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists. The 6-foot-10 senior had 14 points, 10 boards and five assists by halftime and secured the achievement by hitting Braden Frager on a driving layup with 7:29 remaining. That was the only drama in the final 15 minutes, as the Huskers opened the second half with a barrage of 3-pointers in a 22-6 run in the first 5:20 after the break to build a 71-34 lead. Nebraska went 17-of-34 from beyond the stripe, one shy of the single-game 3-point record which had stood since 2002. Nebraska shot 55 percent from the field, put five players in double figures and dished out 29 assists, the team’s highest total since 1994. Pryce Sandfort totaled a game-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers to tie his career high. Braden Frager (15), Connor Essegian (13) and Berke Buyuktuncel (11) also scored in double figures as Nebraska used an early 11-0 to build a double-digit lead and never trailed again. Worth Noting From Saturday's win• Rienk Mast posted the third triple-double in school history with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in 25 minutes of work. Mast was 8-of-10 from the field and had a double-double by halftime with 14 points and 10 rebounds.• Mast joins Cam Mack (2019) and Dalano Banton (2020) as the three Huskers in school history with triple doubles. All three triple-doubles have come during Fred Hoiberg’s seven seasons at Nebraska.• Mast now has eight double-doubles as a Husker and 28 in his college career. • Pryce Sandfort finished with 20 points for his second career 20-point game and first as a Husker. His six 3-pointers tied his college career high (vs. Southern while at Iowa last season). • Nebraska’s 17 3-pointers are the most by a Husker team since hitting a school-record 18 3-pointers against Kansas on Feb. 24, 2002.• Nebraska’s 29 assists were the most in a game by NU since Dec. 21, 1994, when NU had 35 against Northeastern Illinois.Worth Noting• Nebraska enters the week with Division I's longest winning streak at six games following Saturday's win over Maryland Eastern Shore. The Huskers closed 2024-25 by winning their final four games at the College Basketball Crown before a pair of wins last week. Nebraska is averaging 84.2 ppg on 49 percent shooting during its six-game win streak. • Nebraska has had six different players in double figures during the first two games, including a pair of 20-point efforts (Braden Frager-West Georgia; Pryce Sandfort-FIU). Nebraska put five players in double figures on Saturday vs. FIU• If Rienk Mast can record a double-double on Tuesday night, he will be the first Husker with three straight double-doubles since Isaiah Roby from Feb. 10-18, 2018. Roby is the only Husker to post three straight double-doubles in the Big Ten era (2011-12 to present). • Redshirt freshman Braden Frager put up a strong week to open the season, as he averaged 18.5 ppg on 67 percent shooting in NU's two games. The 6-foot-7 forward from Lincoln, who turned 19 on Nov. 10, had 22 points in his debut and added 15 points off the bench in the win over FIU. From a DistanceOne trend which continued from NU's two exhibition games is solid shooting from 3-point range. Including the two exhibition games, NU has averaged 14.5 3-pointers per game, including 17 against FIU and 16 in the exhibition win over No. 8 BYU. • Nebraska's 17 teams against FIU were one shy of the Huskers' single-game record and matched the most 3-pointers by a Fred Hoiberg coached team.• Five different players have hit at least four 3-pointers in a game (including the exhibitions): Rienk Mast (7 vs. BYU), Connor Essegian (5 vs. BYU), Braden Frager (6 vs. Midland), Jamarques Lawrence (5 vs. West Georgia) and Pryce Sandfort (4 vs. Midland, 6 vs. FIU).• Dating back to last year, NU has had a player hit four or more 3-pointers in the last five contests dating back to the College Basketball Crown. (Brice Williams-Georgetown; Juwan Gary-Boise State; Connor Essegian-UCF; Jamarques Lawrence-West Georgia; Sandfort-FIU). • Two years ago, Nebraska led the Big Ten with 9.4 3-pointers per game on its way to hitting a school record 319 3-pointers. Bench Support Nebraska has received outstanding play from its bench, averaging 46.0 ppg in two games this season.• The back-to-back 46-point efforts marked the seventh and eighth time the Husker bench has scored 40+ points in a game under Fred Hoiberg. The others include Doane (61, 2020-21), South Dakota (51, 2024-25), South Carolina State (47, 2023-24); South Dakota (43, 2021-22); Creigton (42, 2021-22) and Southern (40, 2024-25).• Two of the Huskers' top three scorers are coming off the bench in Braden Frager (18.5 ppg, first) and Connor Essegian (12.5 ppg, third). Both Frager and Essegian have reached double figures in both games. • Frager's 22 points off the bench vs. West Georgia tied for the fifth-highest output by a Husker reserve in Fred Hoiberg's six-plus seasons at Nebraska. • Last year, Nebraska got 31 double-figure efforts from its bench and averaged 23.0 ppg from its bench.

Huskers look to extend win streak against UMES Tuesday evening

Story by UNK Athletic Communications

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney men's cross country team is headed back to the NCAA Championships  for the fourth time in five years.

The Lopers placed sixth at the NCAA Central Regional meet this past Saturday (Nov. 8) in Missouri; the top three teams in each of eight regional meets around the country automatically qualified for nationals Nov. 22 in Kenosha, Wisc. An additional 10 teams received at-large bids today (Nov. 10) with a squad's "body of work" throughout the regular season and at the regional meet the criteria. The 19th-ranked UNK women were third at regionals to earn their second-ever NCAA trip. 

The University of Wisconsin Parkside will host nationals at the Wayne E. Dannehl National C.C. Course with the women's race at 10 a.m. Central and the men following at 11:15 am. Central.

UNK has been regionally ranked in the tough Central all season and was 6th out of 30 teams at regionals and 5th out of 12 at the MIAA Championships. They also faced top competition in four regular season meets.

Omaha redshirt senior Nick Abdalla (2-time All-Region, 3-time All-MIAA) leads the Lopers cause with juniors Juan Garcia (Grand Island Senior H.S.), Nathan Johnson (Lincoln SE) and Conner Wells (St. Paul), sophomores Mesuidi Ejerso (South Sioux City) and Carter Hohlen (Lincoln Christian) and freshman Drew Elliott (Abilene, Kan.) the other scorers at conference and regionals.

The Lopers have placed 22nd (2022) and 25th (2021 and 2024) at recent NCAA Championships. The women were 22nd in 2022 in their first nationals’ trip. 

Story by UNK Athletic CommunicationsKearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney men's cross country team is headed back to the NCAA Championships for the fourth time in five years.The Lopers placed sixth at the NCAA Central Regional meet this past Saturday (Nov. 8) in Missouri; the top three teams in each of eight regional meets around the country automatically qualified for nationals Nov. 22 in Kenosha, Wisc. An additional 10 teams received at-large bids today (Nov. 10) with a squad's "body of work" throughout the regular season and at the regional meet the criteria. The 19th-ranked UNK women were third at regionals to earn their second-ever NCAA trip. The University of Wisconsin Parkside will host nationals at the Wayne E. Dannehl National C.C. Course with the women's race at 10 a.m. Central and the men following at 11:15 am. Central.UNK has been regionally ranked in the tough Central all season and was 6th out of 30 teams at regionals and 5th out of 12 at the MIAA Championships. They also faced top competition in four regular season meets.Omaha redshirt senior Nick Abdalla (2-time All-Region, 3-time All-MIAA) leads the Lopers cause with juniors Juan Garcia (Grand Island Senior H.S.), Nathan Johnson (Lincoln SE) and Conner Wells (St. Paul), sophomores Mesuidi Ejerso (South Sioux City) and Carter Hohlen (Lincoln Christian) and freshman Drew Elliott (Abilene, Kan.) the other scorers at conference and regionals.The Lopers have placed 22nd (2022) and 25th (2021 and 2024) at recent NCAA Championships. The women were 22nd in 2022 in their first nationals’ trip.

Loper Men survive the bubble, reach NCAA Championships

By: Con Marshall CSC Sports Information

CHADRON, Neb. – During arguably the most exciting and important game the Chadron State College football team has played in nearly two decades, the Eagles pulled out a 27-24 victory over the Western Colorado Mountaineers when senior Wilson Yee kicked a walk-off 47-yard field goal in overtime Saturday afternoon in Chadron.

The pulsating victory keeps the Eagles in a deadlock for first place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings heading into next Saturday's regular season finale on the road versus CSU Pueblo. Both Chadron State and Pueblo are now 8-0 in the conference after the ThunderWolves also won in OT, 41-34 over Colorado School of Mines, making next Saturday's clash a winner-take-all showdown for the RMAC championship.

The victory was Chadron State's seventh in 13 overtime contests all-time and is the most significant since the Eagles edged Abilene Christian 76-73 in the third OT during an NCAA Division II playoff game in Chadron on Nov. 24, 2007.

The Eagles went deep down the roster for contributors to come from behind after Western Colorado took a two-touchdown first-quarter lead. Cornerback Aiden Kuester, a fill-in making his second start of the season, came away with two interceptions. Zachary Kapushion, an early-career quarterback turned reserve tight end, blocked a punt on his Senior Day.

Jake Marschall, last season's leading rusher who entered Saturday with nine carries all season, had a team-high 16 and put the Eagles on his back in the second half. And quarterback DJ Ralph, who exited with a concussion during what would become the first of what is now an eight-game win streak with Aidan Thompson at QB, stepped back into the starting lineup and made enough plays for CSC to take down Western Colorado for the first time since 2018.

All together, the Eagles blocked two kicks, intercepted two passes and recovered a Western fumble during the game. 

With a brisk west wind at their backs, the Mountaineers jumped out to their 14-0 first quarter lead. The visitors scored on their opening possession by completing three of four passes, the final one a 24-yard hook up between quarterback Drew Nash and tight end Kai Goetze. Adam Tasel kicked the extra point.

The teams then exchanged punts, but Chadron State's kick into the wind went only 28 yards and Western's with the wind at its back went 54 yards and bounded out of bounds at the Eagles' own five-yard line.

Ralph attempted to pass out of the end zone, but the ball was tipped by a Mountaineers' defensive lineman and safety Blake Nieslanik made a diving catch at the four. Two plays later, Nash dumped a short pass to Ramon Ruiz for a 3-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead with 6:17 left in the opening quarter after the PAT was added.

The Eagles also converted a turnover into their first points. About three minutes into the second quarter, the Mountaineers completed a 15-yard pass, but a hard hit by CSC safety Dax Yeradi jarred the ball free and classmate Sutton Pohlman recovered it at midfield. 

The Eagles picked up two first downs, but after Ralph was sacked, they had to settle for a 50-yard field goal by Yee. It was the sixth 50-plus-yard field goal of Yee's career, topped by his school-record 61-yarder from 2023.

Yee also attempted a 52-yard field goal that tailed off to the right with four minutes left in the second stanza. But the Eagles got the ball back with 1:40 remaining before halftime, and on third down, Ralph and wide receiver Tommy Thomas hooked up on a 53-yard dazzling touchdown play. 

On a deep ball down the right side, Thomas caught the ball over his outside shoulder while he was well-covered and running at full stride about midway in his jaunt to the end zone. Yee's extra point made the score 14-10.

Benefitting from the blocked punt by Kapushion,  the Eagles capitalized on the short field early in the third period to take the lead for the first time. The Eagles took possession at the Western 13 and nickel and dimed their way to the end zone. Ralph again went to the reliable Thomas for the TD, which this time was a three-yard lob while both were running to their right. With two touchdowns on the day, Thomas now has 14 receiving scores on the season, second in the RMAC. He has scored a touchdown in eight consecutive games.

Crucially, Mountaineers' defensive standout Ricky Freymond blocked Yee's extra point attempt after the senior had been perfect on his first 33 conversions this fall, keeping CSC's lead to just two points at 16-14. 

Late in the third frame, Western retook the lead at 17-16 when Tasei kicked a 34-yard field goal. But the Eagles cashed in on another Western turnover early in the fourth quarter.  

Backed up at their own five-yard line by Brodie Eisenbraun's 46-yard punt, Nash's pass was intercepted by Kuester at the Mountaineers' 15. Ralph's nine-yard dash on a keeper was the longest play of the drive while Jake Marschall, who suffered a broken ankle early in last year's game in Gunnison, leaped over the Western defenders from inside the one for a lead-changing touchdown with 9:34 still on the clock.

The Eagles then unveiled another well-designed play while making up for the missed extra point in the third quarter. Thomas took a handoff from Ralph while running to his right, then passed to fellow receiver Rollin George III in the back of the end zone to put CSC ahead 24-17.

However, this game was far from being over. With just 1:55 left to play in regulation, the Mountaineers used only four plays to drive 77 yards and tie the score. The first was a 30-yard pass from Nash to DJ Allen Jr. and the last was a 38-yard bomb to Blake Kramer in the end zone after he'd gotten behind the CSC defender. Tasel's PAT with 1:18 left on the clock tied the score at 24-24.

There were plenty of tense moments for the large crowd of Chadron State fans. After receiving the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles were forced to punt with 42 seconds remaining.

Nash, last season's First Team All-RMAC who had completed 63 percent of his passes for more than 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this fall entering Saturday's game, soon hit Kramer with a 37-yard pass to help set up a 46-yard field goal attempt on the final play of regulation, but the Eagles came up with another blocked kick to send the game into overtime.

Western had possession at the 25-yard line to open the extra session. On the first play, Nash threw a lengthy pass, which was intercepted by Kuester at about the five-yard line. Kuester's two interceptions, the first of his young career, equals the number of interceptions that Nash had thrown in his first nine games this season.

The Eagles took their turn on the 25 and ran the ball twice for minus five yards before turning their fortunes over to Yee, who they knew had plenty of leg to win the game. That's what he did. Yee's 47-yard boomer will long be remembered for clinching one of Chadron State's most dramatic and notable victories. 

With Nash completing eight of 14 passes for 136 yards in the fourth quarter, he finished the day with by connecting on 25 of 53 tosses for 300 yards and three TDs for the game's offensive stats lead. The Mountaineers had to throw the ball because they managed just 38 yards on 21 rushing plays against the rugged CSC defense. 

Linebackers Logan O'Brien and Cooper Walton led the Eagles in tackles with 10 apiece. Ryder True had 1.5 sacks. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762787097624.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con Marshall CSC Sports InformationCHADRON, Neb. – During arguably the most exciting and important game the Chadron State College football team has played in nearly two decades, the Eagles pulled out a 27-24 victory over the Western Colorado Mountaineers when senior Wilson Yee kicked a walk-off 47-yard field goal in overtime Saturday afternoon in Chadron.The pulsating victory keeps the Eagles in a deadlock for first place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference standings heading into next Saturday's regular season finale on the road versus CSU Pueblo. Both Chadron State and Pueblo are now 8-0 in the conference after the ThunderWolves also won in OT, 41-34 over Colorado School of Mines, making next Saturday's clash a winner-take-all showdown for the RMAC championship.The victory was Chadron State's seventh in 13 overtime contests all-time and is the most significant since the Eagles edged Abilene Christian 76-73 in the third OT during an NCAA Division II playoff game in Chadron on Nov. 24, 2007.The Eagles went deep down the roster for contributors to come from behind after Western Colorado took a two-touchdown first-quarter lead. Cornerback Aiden Kuester, a fill-in making his second start of the season, came away with two interceptions. Zachary Kapushion, an early-career quarterback turned reserve tight end, blocked a punt on his Senior Day.Jake Marschall, last season's leading rusher who entered Saturday with nine carries all season, had a team-high 16 and put the Eagles on his back in the second half. And quarterback DJ Ralph, who exited with a concussion during what would become the first of what is now an eight-game win streak with Aidan Thompson at QB, stepped back into the starting lineup and made enough plays for CSC to take down Western Colorado for the first time since 2018.All together, the Eagles blocked two kicks, intercepted two passes and recovered a Western fumble during the game. With a brisk west wind at their backs, the Mountaineers jumped out to their 14-0 first quarter lead. The visitors scored on their opening possession by completing three of four passes, the final one a 24-yard hook up between quarterback Drew Nash and tight end Kai Goetze. Adam Tasel kicked the extra point.The teams then exchanged punts, but Chadron State's kick into the wind went only 28 yards and Western's with the wind at its back went 54 yards and bounded out of bounds at the Eagles' own five-yard line.Ralph attempted to pass out of the end zone, but the ball was tipped by a Mountaineers' defensive lineman and safety Blake Nieslanik made a diving catch at the four. Two plays later, Nash dumped a short pass to Ramon Ruiz for a 3-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead with 6:17 left in the opening quarter after the PAT was added.The Eagles also converted a turnover into their first points. About three minutes into the second quarter, the Mountaineers completed a 15-yard pass, but a hard hit by CSC safety Dax Yeradi jarred the ball free and classmate Sutton Pohlman recovered it at midfield. The Eagles picked up two first downs, but after Ralph was sacked, they had to settle for a 50-yard field goal by Yee. It was the sixth 50-plus-yard field goal of Yee's career, topped by his school-record 61-yarder from 2023.Yee also attempted a 52-yard field goal that tailed off to the right with four minutes left in the second stanza. But the Eagles got the ball back with 1:40 remaining before halftime, and on third down, Ralph and wide receiver Tommy Thomas hooked up on a 53-yard dazzling touchdown play. On a deep ball down the right side, Thomas caught the ball over his outside shoulder while he was well-covered and running at full stride about midway in his jaunt to the end zone. Yee's extra point made the score 14-10.Benefitting from the blocked punt by Kapushion, the Eagles capitalized on the short field early in the third period to take the lead for the first time. The Eagles took possession at the Western 13 and nickel and dimed their way to the end zone. Ralph again went to the reliable Thomas for the TD, which this time was a three-yard lob while both were running to their right. With two touchdowns on the day, Thomas now has 14 receiving scores on the season, second in the RMAC. He has scored a touchdown in eight consecutive games.Crucially, Mountaineers' defensive standout Ricky Freymond blocked Yee's extra point attempt after the senior had been perfect on his first 33 conversions this fall, keeping CSC's lead to just two points at 16-14. Late in the third frame, Western retook the lead at 17-16 when Tasei kicked a 34-yard field goal. But the Eagles cashed in on another Western turnover early in the fourth quarter. Backed up at their own five-yard line by Brodie Eisenbraun's 46-yard punt, Nash's pass was intercepted by Kuester at the Mountaineers' 15. Ralph's nine-yard dash on a keeper was the longest play of the drive while Jake Marschall, who suffered a broken ankle early in last year's game in Gunnison, leaped over the Western defenders from inside the one for a lead-changing touchdown with 9:34 still on the clock.The Eagles then unveiled another well-designed play while making up for the missed extra point in the third quarter. Thomas took a handoff from Ralph while running to his right, then passed to fellow receiver Rollin George III in the back of the end zone to put CSC ahead 24-17.However, this game was far from being over. With just 1:55 left to play in regulation, the Mountaineers used only four plays to drive 77 yards and tie the score. The first was a 30-yard pass from Nash to DJ Allen Jr. and the last was a 38-yard bomb to Blake Kramer in the end zone after he'd gotten behind the CSC defender. Tasel's PAT with 1:18 left on the clock tied the score at 24-24.There were plenty of tense moments for the large crowd of Chadron State fans. After receiving the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles were forced to punt with 42 seconds remaining.Nash, last season's First Team All-RMAC who had completed 63 percent of his passes for more than 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this fall entering Saturday's game, soon hit Kramer with a 37-yard pass to help set up a 46-yard field goal attempt on the final play of regulation, but the Eagles came up with another blocked kick to send the game into overtime.Western had possession at the 25-yard line to open the extra session. On the first play, Nash threw a lengthy pass, which was intercepted by Kuester at about the five-yard line. Kuester's two interceptions, the first of his young career, equals the number of interceptions that Nash had thrown in his first nine games this season.The Eagles took their turn on the 25 and ran the ball twice for minus five yards before turning their fortunes over to Yee, who they knew had plenty of leg to win the game. That's what he did. Yee's 47-yard boomer will long be remembered for clinching one of Chadron State's most dramatic and notable victories. With Nash completing eight of 14 passes for 136 yards in the fourth quarter, he finished the day with by connecting on 25 of 53 tosses for 300 yards and three TDs for the game's offensive stats lead. The Mountaineers had to throw the ball because they managed just 38 yards on 21 rushing plays against the rugged CSC defense. Linebackers Logan O'Brien and Cooper Walton led the Eagles in tackles with 10 apiece. Ryder True had 1.5 sacks. The title game between Chadron State and CSU Pueblo is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. next Saturday, November 15 from the ThunderBowl in Colorado.