You're probably sipping coffee or checking your phone between meetings, wondering exactly when you need to be parked in front of a screen for the Big Red. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026. While the crisp Lincoln air has everyone thinking about the recruiting trail and the upcoming spring game, there is actually a ton of live action happening right now across the Husker landscape.
If you are looking for football, I have to be the bearer of "sorta" bad news: the season is over. The Huskers recently wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a trip to the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31, where things didn't quite go our way against Utah. But don't click away! Today is actually one of the busiest days of the winter calendar for Nebraska Athletics. We have track, tennis, swimming, and even some high-stakes wrestling on the docket.
Basically, if you bleed cream and scarlet, your Friday is packed. Here is the breakdown of what time does nebraska play today across every major sport competing this afternoon and evening.
The Friday Slate: Times, Channels, and Matchups
Honestly, tracking down every single start time can be a headache because the Big Ten loves to spread things out. Today, we aren't just looking at one game; we’re looking at a full-blown Olympic sports takeover.
Women's Tennis vs. James Madison
This is the big spring opener. Head coach German Dalmagro has the squad ready to go at the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center in Lincoln.
- Time: 6:00 PM CST
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- The Vibe: It’s the first-ever meeting between Nebraska and JMU. Junior Maria Taranova is the one to watch here; she was a beast last season (22-7 record) and is already on the Big Ten Preseason Watch List. Admission is free if you’re in town, so there's no excuse not to go.
Nebraska Wrestling at Minnesota
If you want something a bit more intense, the grapplers are heading north to face the Golden Gophers. This is a classic Big Ten physical battle.
- Time: 8:00 PM CST
- Where to Watch: Check the Big Ten Network (BTN) or the B1G+ app.
- Note: This is a late one, so get your snacks ready. Minnesota is always a tough out in Minneapolis.
Track and Field: The Graduate Classic
The Devaney Center is going to be loud today. The Huskers are hosting the Graduate Classic, which is a massive indoor meet.
- Time: 1:05 PM CST (Ongoing)
- Details: It’s an all-day affair, but the meat of the events starts early afternoon.
Swimming and Diving at Illinois and Iowa
The ladies are split up for some dual-meet action.
- vs. Illinois (Session I): 5:00 PM CST
- vs. Iowa: 6:00 PM CST
- Format: These away meets are usually streamed on B1G+, so if you have a subscription, you can toggle between the two pools.
What About Husker Basketball?
I know, I know. You’re probably asking about the roundball. The men’s team is coming off a huge win against Oregon on Tuesday (Husker hoops is ranked No. 8 in the nation right now—what a time to be alive!).
They don't play today. They are currently traveling to Evanston to take on Northwestern. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, at 3:00 PM CST. That one will be on the Big Ten Network.
The women's basketball team just had a heartbreaking night. They played No. 15 Michigan State yesterday, January 15, and lost a close one due to some late-game turnovers. Britt Prince put up 16 points, but it wasn't enough. They are off today and won't be back on the court until next Wednesday when they head to Wisconsin.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Football Schedule
Since the question "what time does nebraska play today" often comes from football fans out of habit, let’s look at what Matt Rhule has on the horizon for the 2026 season. The schedule is already out, and it looks like a gauntlet.
Nebraska opens the 2026 season on September 5 against Ohio at Memorial Stadium.
The non-conference schedule is actually pretty friendly this year with three straight home games:
📖 Related: USA Men’s Gymnastics Team: Why They Finally Matter Again
- Sept 5: Ohio Bobcats
- Sept 12: Bowling Green Falcons
- Sept 19: North Dakota Fighting Hawks
After that? It gets real. We have road trips to Oregon and Rutgers, plus a massive home game against Ohio State that will likely be a "Big Noon Kickoff" or a primetime slot. We don't have the exact kickoff times for those yet (the networks usually wait until 6-12 days before the game), but you can bet the Sea of Red will be ready.
How to Watch the Huskers in 2026
Streaming has changed everything. Gone are the days when you just flipped to channel 7 and hoped for the best.
If you’re serious about following Nebraska sports, you basically need the B1G+ app. Most of the "non-revenue" sports like tennis, soccer, and volleyball live there. For the big football and basketball games, you’ll need a mix of FOX, FS1, ABC/ESPN, and NBC/Peacock.
It’s a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. Honestly, it's kinda annoying to need four different apps just to watch one school, but that’s the modern Big Ten for you.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you're looking to support the Big Red right now, here is what you should do:
- If you're in Lincoln: Head over to the Dillon Tennis Center by 6:00 PM. It’s free, it’s indoors (warm!), and the energy for the season opener is always great.
- If you're at home: Fire up the B1G+ app at 8:00 PM to catch the wrestling dual against Minnesota. It’s going to be a dogfight.
- For Basketball Fans: Set a reminder for tomorrow at 3:00 PM. No. 8 Nebraska at Northwestern is a "trap game" if I’ve ever seen one.
- Check the Radio: If you're driving, tune into Sports Nightly on the Husker Radio Network at 4:04 PM CST. They’ll have live updates and interviews from all the coaches.
The 2025-2026 season is proving to be one of the most successful across the board in recent memory. Whether it's the top-10 men's basketball team or the dominant volleyball squad we saw in the fall, there is almost always a reason to check the clock and see when the Huskers are taking the field—or the court, or the pool.
Summary of Events for January 16, 2026:
- Track & Field (Graduate Classic): 1:05 PM CST (Home)
- Swimming vs. Illinois: 5:00 PM CST (Away)
- Swimming vs. Iowa: 6:00 PM CST (Away)
- Women's Tennis vs. JMU: 6:00 PM CST (Home)
- Wrestling vs. Minnesota: 8:00 PM CST (Away)