In a landmark achievement, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have been named the nation’s top athletic program for 2025, capping a year of unprecedented success across multiple sports. From football to volleyball, wrestling to track and field, Nebraska’s athletic prowess has set a new standard in collegiate sports.
Football: A Historic Bowl Season Victory
The Cornhuskers’ football team concluded the 2024 season with a 20–15 victory over Boston College in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. This triumph not only ended an eight-year bowl drought but also earned Nebraska the inaugural Bowl Season Team Challenge title. The award recognized the program’s on-field success, community service efforts—including decorating cards for pediatric cancer patients—and exceptional fan engagement, with the highest participation in the Bowl Season Pick’em game.
Volleyball: Dominating the Court
Nebraska’s volleyball team showcased unparalleled dominance, sweeping No. 6 Wisconsin in straight sets and maintaining a perfect record against top-ranked opponents throughout the season. Under the guidance of Coach John Cook, the team embarked on a remarkable 25-match winning streak, dropping only seven sets during this period.
Wrestling: National Runner-Up Finish
The wrestling team delivered an impressive performance at the NCAA National Tournament, securing two individual national championships and finishing as the runner-up team. Their 17 bonus-point wins contributed to the fifth-highest point total by a runner-up in NCAA history, solidifying Nebraska’s reputation in collegiate wrestling.
Track and Field: Record-Breaking Performances
Nebraska’s track and field athletes made their mark by qualifying 13 competitors for the NCAA Championships. Notably, Berlyn Schutz set a new school record in the 1500m event, highlighting the program’s depth and talent.
Baseball: Resilience Amidst Challenges
Despite a challenging season that concluded with a heavy defeat in the Chapel Hill Regional, Nebraska’s baseball team secured back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles. Their resilience and determination provided a foundation for future success.
A Unified Athletic Powerhouse
Nebraska’s comprehensive success across these sports underscores the strength and unity of its athletic programs. The Cornhuskers’ commitment to excellence, community involvement, and fan engagement has set a new benchmark in collegiate athletics, earning them the well-deserved title of the nation’s #1 athletic program in 2025.
