MollyMcChesney

The state of Nebraska hosts battles between the basketball teams of Omaha and Lincoln. Before March 2026, University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s Men’s Basketball team had zero National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament wins while Creighton’s Men’s Basketball team had 21. 

Creighton is commonly thought of as the “basketball school” of the state, but this season, for the first time since 2019, Creighton Men’s Basketball has missed out on the NCAA March Madness tournament. 

Additionally, for the first time ever, Nebraska Men’s Basketball has won a game in the NCAA tournament. This first win also comes with a few other milestones for the team. They advanced to the Sweet 16 after wins over Troy and Vanderbilt to play Iowa on March 26 in Houston, Texas. This sent fans into a frenzy, trying to figure out who to cheer on. Should they root for Nebraska or uphold the rivalry throughout the tournament?

Senior Casteria Agbeletey said she thinks that it depends. Agbeletey said she believes that “it’s acceptable to root for either team, especially if you want to support your favorite team.” 

The rivalry between Nebraska and Creighton is widespread throughout the state. Agbeletey said she thinks that the rivalry is fun. “I think it’s good we have a rivalry. There aren’t many sports teams in Nebraska,” said Agbeletey. 

Nebraska fan, sophomore Mary Markus agrees with Agbeletey with her opinion that “the in-state Nebraska–Creighton rivalry is really fun and more playful than serious.” Also, the rivalry is not very hostile and both teams have strong support across the state. As a Nebraska fan she “would be happy if CU never won a single game again” but “them winning is not a problem,” she said.

Living in Omaha, a big part of what makes the rivalry friendly is the fact that so many people have families that have gone to either school so it makes it difficult to strongly dislike one. Nebraska and Creighton represent the state on the larger stage and “it’s important to support both teams when they do well because it is extremely beneficial for the cities and state as a whole,” said Markus. 

If you are a Nebraska or Creighton fan, it is important to recognize the significance of their appearance, or absence, in the NCAA tournament. These teams represent the state of Nebraska and bring support to the state. If Creighton or Nebraska win, it is a win for the state.