The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most celebrated programs in collegiate athletics, with a legacy of success across many sports. From historic wins in Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball to championship runs in Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball, the program has built a tradition of excellence that continues to inspire fans and athletes alike nationwide.
College Sports Established
1907
Location
Lincoln, Nebraska
College Name
University of Nebraska
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2011 - Present / Big 10 Conference
1994 - 2011 / Big 12 Conference
1907 - 1918, 1921 - 1994 / Big 8 Conference
Nickname
Cornhuskers - The Nebraska Cornhuskers are among the most iconic and beloved college football teams in the United States. As such, it stands to reason that their nickname has an interesting origin story. The name "Cornhusker" was first used by a local newspaper in 1893 when referring to University of Nebraska (UNL) athletes competing against Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Origin
At this time, UNL had not yet adopted an official mascot or nickname; however, they did have a student-run organization called the Nebraskan Athletic Association responsible for organizing athletic events on campus. It is believed that members of this association referred to themselves as “corn huskers” due to their agricultural roots and ties with farming communities throughout Nebraska, where corn harvesting was common practice during harvest season each year.
The term eventually caught on among fans and supporters until it became widely accepted as the official moniker for all UNL sports teams, thus making history! While some may argue that other nicknames could have been more fitting given its location in America's heartland (e..g., Cowboy), there's no denying how much pride Nebraskans take in being known as Cornhuskers - especially now after all these years!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 5
1997, 1995, 1994, 1971, 1970
Soccer 0
- 1971
- 1997
- 2001
- 2009
- 2012
- 2015
-
1971 Cornhuskers Title in Football
The 1971 NCAA University Division football season saw Coach Bob Devaney’s Nebraska Cornhuskers repeat as national champions. Ranked a close second behind Notre Dame in the preseason poll, Nebraska moved up to first place the following week, remained there for the rest of 1971, and convincingly won the Orange Bowl 38–6 in a #1 vs. #2 game against Alabama. -
Huskers 1997 National Champions
The consensus #1 team going into the bowl season was undefeated Michigan, ranked #1 in both the AP and the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll. Led by the coach of the year Lloyd Carr and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, Michigan went into the 1998 Rose Bowl against #8 Washington State. Michigan defeated Washington State 21–16. Meanwhile, undefeated #2 Nebraska squared ... -
Nebraska’s football team reaches national championship game
In 2001: Nebraska’s football team reaches its eighth national championship game but loses to Miami 37-14 in the Rose Bowl. -
Nebraska’s women’s basketball team wins the Kansas City Regional
In 2009: Nebraska’s women’s basketball team finishes 32-2 and reaches its first Final Four after winning the Kansas City Regional and defeating Kentucky 76-67 in the national semifinal. -
Nebraska’s women’s soccer team wins its first Big Ten Championship
In 2012: Nebraska’s women’s soccer team wins its first Big Ten Championship under coach John Walker. -
basketball team hires Tim Miles as its new head coach
In 2015: Nebraska’s men’s basketball team hires Tim Miles as its new head coach, replacing Doc Sadler.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Nebraska Cornhuskers History
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most historic and successful athletic programs in the NCAA. Beginning organized football in 1890, the Nebraska Cornhuskers quickly became a powerhouse, famously battling rivals such as the Iowa Hawkeyes. Over the decades, they have captured five national championships and dozens of conference titles, cementing their place among the sport’s elite programs.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have built this reputation thanks to exceptional leadership and recruiting. Legendary coaches like Bob Devaney, Tom Osborne, Frank Solich, and Bo Pelini developed winning cultures that produced dominant offenses and suffocating defenses. These efforts led to multiple bowl appearances and consistent Top-25 finishes, keeping the program at the forefront of college football for generations.
Beyond football, the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball program has steadily grown, making NCAA Tournament appearances and producing standout players who go on to succeed professionally. Similarly, Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball has earned conference titles, postseason runs, and a reputation for developing top-tier collegiate talent. These achievements show that the Cornhuskers excel far beyond the gridiron.
Memorial Stadium has become a symbol of loyalty, selling out every home football game since 1962. The fans’ passion extends to Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball at Pinnacle Bank Arena and to Hawks Field at Haymarket Park for Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball, making Nebraska’s athletic venues some of the most electric in the nation.
Cornhuskers Achievements
The program’s trophy case reflects its excellence. In football, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have produced three Heisman Trophy winners—Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, and Eric Crouch—and countless All-Americans. In basketball, the Huskers have captured conference tournament titles, while in baseball they have reached multiple NCAA Regionals and the College World Series.
Today, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, including Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball and Nebraska Cornhuskers baseball, continue to uphold a tradition of winning and integrity. Their legacy of championships, star athletes, and passionate fan support makes Nebraska one of the most respected and recognizable names in collegiate athletics.
