Kenny Larabee, NRG Media
For the first time this season, the Nebraska women’s basketball team entering the Associated Press Top 25 Monday. The Cornhuskers dominated 2026 NCAA Tournament qualifier Western Illinois, 98-35, Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska is 2-0 this season, with a blowout win over San Jose State in the opener.
The Huskers are one of 10 Big Ten Conference teams in the top 25, joining No. 2 Michigan, which opened the year with a win over UConn, and No. 3 USC. Defending national champion UCLA and Iowa put four Big Ten teams in the top 10, tying for 10th, while No. 16 Washington, No. 17 Ohio State, No. 18 Minnesota, No. 19 Maryland and No. 22 Illinois are ahead of the Huskers.
Michigan State is also receiving votes.
Nebraska was briefly ranked in the top 25 last year before falling out of the poll for good on Jan. 26, 2026. The Huskers were the 26th ranked team in the preseason poll.
The Huskers are back in action Tuesday night against North Carolina A&T. Pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m., with tipoff at 7 p.m. from Pinnacle Bank Arena on KLIN.