The Nebraska wrestling program has officially unveiled its non-conference schedule for the 2026-27 season, and fans have plenty to be excited about. After skipping the National Duals Invitational this year due to a scheduling conflict with finals week—a move that also saw all four Ivy League teams decline their invitations—the Huskers are returning to a more traditional lineup of competitive duals and tournament action.
Headlining the schedule is a marquee early-season road showdown against Oklahoma State on November 13. The Cowboys were NCAA runners-up last season, finishing second with 131 points—just ahead of Nebraska's third-place 100.5 points. Oklahoma State returns a formidable lineup featuring three true freshman NCAA champions: Jax Forrest (133 pounds), Sergio Vega (141), and Landon Robideau (157), along with redshirt freshman Cody Merrill, who reached the NCAA final at 197. With Troy Spratley (125) also having made the NCAA final in 2025, the Cowboys boast former NCAA finalists at five of ten weight classes—four of them in the first five weights. That makes for a daunting front end and an early-season litmus test for the Huskers.
Beyond the Oklahoma State clash, Nebraska has lined up three additional non-conference duals against teams that finished in the Top 20 at this year's NCAAs: Wyoming (12th), Arizona State (13th), and Penn (19th). Each of these matchups promises solid individual bouts and will help sharpen the Huskers' edge heading into conference action.
Another highlight is Nebraska's return to the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, a tournament the Huskers have won five times, with their most recent team titles coming in 2019, 2021, and 2022. The trip to Vegas always brings tough competition and is a key proving ground for the roster.
With a schedule packed with high-caliber opponents and a return to a classic tournament, the 2026-27 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet for Husker wrestling fans. Whether you're gearing up for duals or tournament time, it's the perfect season to show your support in Nebraska gear.