Iowa Nebraska Rivalry Takes Wild Sweet 16 Turn

Iowa faces Nebraska in a historic Sweet 16 showdown, as the rivals aim to break their season tie and advance in March Madness.

The Sweet 16 is upon us, and the Iowa Hawkeyes (23-12, 10-10 Big Ten) are set to reignite their longstanding rivalry with the Nebraska Cornhuskers (28-6, 15-5 Big Ten). This matchup on the national stage promises to be one for the ages, adding another chapter to a history that stretches back to 1907.

Iowa holds a 28-16 advantage in the all-time series. This season, the teams split their regular-season encounters. The Hawkeyes claimed a 57-52 victory in Iowa City on February 17, while the Cornhuskers answered with an 84-75 overtime win on March 8 in Lincoln.

Key to Iowa's success is senior guard Bennett Stirtz, who delivered a standout 25-point performance in their earlier win but was held to 11 points in the loss. His play will be crucial as the Hawkeyes look to advance.

As tipoff approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a classic showdown. Here’s what you need to know:

Iowa vs. Nebraska Injury Report

The final injury report is out, and there are no surprises for either team.

Series History

The rivalry has intensified since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, with Iowa leading 15-9 in matchups since 2012. This year’s series is tied 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting Sweet 16 clash.

Where to Watch

Catch the action on TBS and truTV with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan Van Gundy, and Lauren Shehadi will bring you all the play-by-play and analysis.

Streaming Options

Hawkeye fans can stream the game via Sling, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this thrilling March Madness matchup.