Nebraska Reveals 2026-27 Schedule Before Iowa Rivalry
Nebraska women's basketball announced its 2026-27 non-conference schedule on Thursday, and the Huskers are not backing down from anyone. With matchups against power conference opponents and a roster that returns key talent, Nebraska is positioning itself for a serious run before Big Ten play begins. For Iowa fans, the news matters because the Hawkeyes will face the Huskers twice in conference action, including a trip to Iowa City.
What Iowa Fans Should Know About Nebraska's Non-Conference Slate
Nebraska's 11-game non-conference schedule features opponents from the SEC, ACC, Big 12, and Big East. The Huskers will battle Kansas, Creighton, Texas A&M, and California in marquee matchups. They also have three Summit League contests against Kansas City, Omaha, and North Dakota.
The season opens Monday, Nov. 2 at home against San Jose State in the Sizemore Sportsmanship Pep Rally. That kicks off a three-game home stand, with Western Illinois visiting Nov. 7 and North Carolina A&T on Nov. 10.
Nebraska's first road test comes Nov. 14 in a neutral site game against Kansas at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. It marks the 87th meeting in the women's basketball rivalry between the two old Big 12 foes. The Huskers have won their previous two matchups at the Pentagon, beating South Dakota and North Dakota State.
Key Matchups That Will Test Nebraska Before Big Ten Play
After a quick return home to face Mt. St. Mary's on Nov. 17, Nebraska heads down I-80 to Omaha for a Nov. 21 contest against Creighton at D.J. Sokol Arena. The Bluejays have won the last five matchups in Omaha, dating back to 2016. It is a rivalry game that always brings intensity, and Nebraska will want to snap that streak before conference play heats up.
Following the Creighton game, Nebraska settles in for a three-game home stand against Summit League opponents. Kansas City comes Nov. 24, Omaha on Dec. 1, and North Dakota on Dec. 8. The Huskers will stay home for Thanksgiving after traveling to Florida for the Emerald Coast Classic last season.
The toughest home non-conference test arrives Dec. 12 when Texas A&M visits Lincoln. It is a rematch of the 2024 NCAA Tournament first round, where Nebraska edged the Aggies 61-59. Texas A&M made the 2026 WBIT last season and returns to Lincoln for the first time since 2010.
Nebraska closes non-conference play Dec. 20 against California at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Golden Bears reached the 2026 WBIT quarterfinals and finished 21-15 last season.
Roster Moves and Returning Talent for the Huskers
Nebraska finished the 2025-26 season with an NCAA Tournament First Four victory before falling in the first round in March. Head coach Amy Williams has been busy reshaping the roster this offseason.
All-Big Ten First-Team star Britt Prince returns to lead the Huskers. She is joined by Natalie Potts, Logan Nissley, and Amiah Hargrove. Kennadi Williams, Emily Fischer, and graduate senior Allison Weidner are also back.
The Huskers lost four players to the transfer portal, including Jessica Petrie, Petra Bozan, Claire Johnson, and Alanna Neale. But Nebraska countered by adding young talent. Four-star freshman Ashlyn Koupal, the No. 11 recruit in the country, and Ava Miles, a top-75 recruit, could make an immediate impact. The Huskers also added size with Auburn transfer Arek Angui, a 6-9 redshirt sophomore center who committed in late April.
Williams also brought in a new assistant coach, Brad Fischer, who spent 14 seasons building Wisconsin-Oshkosh into a Division III powerhouse.
When Do the Hawkeyes Play Nebraska in Big Ten Action?
Iowa and Nebraska will square off twice during the 2026-27 Big Ten season. The Hawkeyes travel to Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, and Nebraska makes the return trip to Iowa City. Specific dates for those games have not been announced yet.
Nebraska's home conference schedule features eight teams that advanced to postseason play last year, including seven programs that won at least one NCAA Tournament game. Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, and Washington all visit Lincoln. Minnesota reached the Sweet Sixteen last season, while Michigan advanced to the Elite Eight.
Nebraska's conference road schedule includes a West Coast trip to face defending national champion UCLA and USC. The Huskers also travel to Illinois, Maryland, Indiana, Northwestern, Purdue, and Rutgers.
Can Nebraska Compete at the Top of the Big Ten?
The Huskers are banking on experience and incoming talent to challenge the Big Ten's elite. Returning an All-Big Ten First-Team player in Prince gives Nebraska a foundation, and the addition of Koupal and Miles adds scoring potential. The 6-9 Angui addresses a critical need for interior defense.
The non-conference schedule is designed to prepare Nebraska for a grueling Big Ten slate. Games against Kansas, Creighton, Texas A&M, and California will reveal whether this roster is ready to compete with the conference's best, including an Iowa team that made the NCAA Tournament field last season.
What Does Nebraska's Schedule Mean for Iowa's Big Ten Hopes?
For Iowa fans, Nebraska's challenging non-conference schedule is a double-edged sword. A strong Nebraska team helps the Hawkeyes' strength of schedule when it comes to NCAA Tournament selection. But it also means the Huskers could enter Big Ten play battle-tested and confident. Iowa will need to be ready for both matchups, especially the one in Iowa City, where home court advantage could prove critical in the standings.