Nebraska’s marching band made sure the weekend in Lincoln was about more than football.
With Iowa and Nebraska locked in a rivalry that has gotten plenty heated over the last decade, the Huskers’ band took a different path Saturday night by honoring Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips after his recent passing. The University of Nebraska Marching Band wore gold and black ribbons and later performed “Amazing Grace” at halftime.
The tribute came while Nebraska was rolling past Bowling Green, but the game itself wasn’t the story. The gesture stood out even more because it came amid a stretch of tributes from across college sports for Phillips, whose passing has drawn condolences from multiple Big Ten rivals and beyond.
Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Oregon, and Purdue all posted heartfelt messages on social media. Western Michigan also dedicated a performance to Phillips during its most recent game against Monmouth. Nebraska then added its own tribute, showing that even a bitter rivalry can take a back seat when something bigger is at hand.
Eli Rodriguez wrote on September 12, 2026, “The University of Nebraska Marching Band will be wearing Gold and Black ribbons tonight.
In some instances, the rivalry doesn’t matter. This is certainly one of them.
Rest in Peace, Derek Phillips. pic.twitter.com/96MQUCkzwj”
Phillips, a Cedar Rapids native, was described as a “phenomenal musician,” and his family said he brought “so much light, humor, and kindness into the world.” The Hawkeye Marching Band and the University of Iowa school of music are dedicating all of their performances for the rest of the season to him, and marching bands around the country are joining in.
A GoFundMe set up for the family has raised nearly $40k.
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