March 16, 2026

Mad for Nebraska: Voting opens to decide what Huskers love most

Herbie Husker and Lil' Red peek out between columns in Memorial Stadium.
Kristen Labadie | University Communication and Marketing

Kristen Labadie | University Communication and Marketing
Brady Moylan as Herbie and Ben Hastreiter as Lil' Red peek from behind columns in Memorial Stadium in May 2025.

Do Huskers go a little overboard when talking about all the things they love about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln? Guilty. Do they regret it? Never.

A squirrel begs for treats on a sidewalk near Sheldon Museum of Art.
Liz McCue | University Communication and Marketing
A campus squirrel says hello on the sidewalk outside Sheldon Museum of Art.

For its fall 2025 issue of "Nebraska Quarterly," the Nebraska Alumni Association compiled a list of 99 things Huskers love about the university. It's a celebration of the big moments and the little ones, and it spans generations, from the "Daily Nebraskan," founded in 1871, to Volleyball Day in 2023.

In honor of March Madness, the list was narrowed to 64 things and a bracket built. Now it's time for fans around the world to decide which is the "Thing We Love Most about the University of Nebraska."

The bracket is broken down into eight categories — Athletics, Academic Excellence, Heritage and History, Traditions, Nationwide Pride, School Spirit, Student Experience and Campus Highlights — and voters will have to proclaim their loyalties to Herbie Husker or Lil' Red right away.

Who or what will be crowned the champion? It could be anything from the friendly neighborhood squirrels or Broyhill Fountain to the sellout streak or Memorial Stadium flyovers, but that's up to you, Huskers.

Click the link to vote in the bracket throughout March and check back in to view the winner. 

Military helicopters do a flyover at the Huskers vs. Wisconsin football game. November 23, 2024.
Kristen Labadie | University Communication and Marketing
Military helicopters perform a flyover prior to the Huskers vs. Wisconsin football game Nov. 23, 2024.