If you're asking do the Cornhuskers play today, the short answer is yes. But it's not the football team—those Saturdays are long gone for the season. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the spotlight is firmly on Fred Hoiberg’s red-hot men’s basketball squad.
They are heading into a hostile environment at Welsh-Ryan Arena to take on the Northwestern Wildcats. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM ET (3:00 PM CT).
Honestly, this isn't just another mid-winter conference game. Nebraska is currently sitting at a perfect 17-0. Yeah, you read that right. Unbeaten. They are ranked No. 8 in the nation and looking like a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten. If you haven't been paying attention to Husker hoops lately, now is probably the time to start.
Where to Watch the Nebraska vs. Northwestern Game
Finding the game shouldn't be too much of a headache. The matchup is being broadcast live on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
If you’ve cut the cord, you can still catch the action through streaming services that carry BTN, like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. Just make sure your subscription is active before the 3:00 PM local tip.
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Quick Game Info:
- Matchup: No. 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (8-9)
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM CT
- Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena, Evanston, Illinois
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
Why This Matchup Matters for the Huskers
Look, on paper, this seems like a blowout. Northwestern has struggled, entering this game at 8-9 overall and a winless 0-6 in Big Ten play. But if you’ve followed Nebraska sports for more than five minutes, you know nothing is ever that simple.
The "trap game" energy is real here.
Nebraska is coming off a massive high after taking down Oregon earlier this week at the Vault. Keeping that momentum on the road is tough. Winning at Welsh-Ryan is notoriously weird; the atmosphere is intimate, the rims can be unforgiving, and Northwestern is desperate to play spoiler.
The Huskers are currently 5.5-point favorites. The oddsmakers expect a relatively close battle, likely because the Big Ten road is where undefeated seasons go to die. Nebraska's rebounding advantage will be the key factor. They’re averaging nearly five more boards per game than the Wildcats. If Berke Büyüktuncel and the frontcourt dominate the glass, Nebraska should stay perfect.
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Other Husker Sports Today
It’s a busy day for the athletic department beyond the hardwood. While the men's basketball team is the headliner, the Women's Gymnastics team is also in action. They are out in Los Angeles today to take on UCLA.
That meet starts at 5:00 PM CT.
The gymnasts are looking to bounce back after a second-place finish in the Ameritas Masters Classic last week. Facing a powerhouse like UCLA on the West Coast is a brutal way to open Big Ten competition, but it's a great litmus test for where this program stands in 2026.
What About Nebraska Football?
If you were hoping to hear about a bowl game or a late-season scrimmage, I've got some bad news. The 2025-2026 football season is officially in the books.
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Matt Rhule's squad finished with a 7-6 record. It was a season of massive "what-ifs." They started strong, beating Cincinnati in Kansas City and absolutely dismantling Akron and Houston Christian. But the back half of the schedule was a grind.
The season ended on a sour note with a 44-22 loss to Utah in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on New Year's Eve. Right now, the guys are likely deep into winter conditioning or hitting the transfer portal trail. The next time you'll see them in pads at Memorial Stadium will be the Spring Game in April.
Actionable Tips for Husker Fans
Don't just sit there. If you're following along today, here's how to make the most of the Husker triple-threat of basketball, gymnastics, and recruiting news:
- Sync your calendars: The men's basketball game starts at 3:00 PM CT, and the gymnastics meet starts at 5:00 PM CT. You can literally watch the final whistle in Evanston and flip over just as the first Husker hits the vault in LA.
- Check the Radio Feed: If you're stuck in the car, the Husker Radio Network is your best friend. Kent Pavelka’s calls are legendary for a reason.
- Monitor the Rebounding: During the basketball game, keep an eye on the "points off turnovers" and "second-chance points." Nebraska is 8-0 this year when they win the offensive rebounding battle. If they're lazy on the glass, Northwestern will stay in it.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 Recruiting Class: While there's no football game today, January is a massive month for recruiting visits. Follow the "Husker Twitter" or local beat writers for any "boom" updates or surprise commits.
The Cornhuskers are at a fascinating crossroads right now. The basketball program is reaching heights we haven't seen in decades, and the pressure to maintain that "0" in the loss column is mounting with every game. Enjoy the ride today.
Go Big Red.
Next Steps:
Tune into the Big Ten Network at 3:00 PM CT to watch Nebraska attempt to move to 18-0 against Northwestern. Afterward, check the live scores for the Women's Gymnastics meet at UCLA starting at 5:00 PM CT.