Jordan Opp/Nebraska Communications
For the second straight year, Nebraska softball will begin the season against a perennial power. The Huskers will open their 2025 season Feb. 6 in Clearwater, Fla., against defending SEC champion Tennessee in the NFCA Leadoff Classic. That’s after NU opened last year against Washington in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
Last year, the Lady Vols were the No. 3 national seed in the NCAA tournament, but lost in a three-game Super Regional to Alabama. The game begins a challenging first weekend for the Huskers. After facing Southern Miss and Bethune-Cookman Feb. 7, Nebraska will take on Texas Tech Feb. 8. The Red Raiders added former Stanford pitcher and reigning NFCA National Player of the Year NiJaree Canady to their roster this offseason. The Huskers will close the opening weekend with a Feb. 9 matchup against Mississippi State, a regional qualifier last year.
The Huskers opened last season ranked No. 17, before a slew of injuries, including one in the season opener to newcomer pitcher and two-time All-American Jordy Bahl, sidetracked Nebraska’s season and left NU just short of regionals with a 30-23 record.