2 team in the nation in the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) 2025-26 preseason poll released Wednesday. The Huskers received a total of 1,702 total points and seven first-place votes, just behind No. 3 Vanderbilt (1,680 total points and seven first place votes) and defending national champion No. 4 Youngstown State (1,633 total points and 16 first place votes). NU will begin play on Oct. 17, traveling to Struthers, Ohio for the Motiv Penguin Classic hosted by defending NCAA Champion Youngstown State.