Nebraska Baseball: Preview, Schedule, and Streaming Guide for MLB Desert Invitational (2026)

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How to Watch Nebraska Baseball in the MLB Desert Invitational: Preview, Breakdown, TV & Streaming

As February arrives and the winter schedule shifts, the 2026 college baseball season begins to take shape. Nebraska, after making the NCAA Regional for the second year in a row in 2025, carries both momentum and questions into the new campaign. Despite back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles, the Huskers exited each of the 2025 regionals with a 1-2 record, a result that contrasts with their 2021 run when they were one win away from reaching a Super Regional and potentially defeating Arkansas. With roughly half of last year’s production returning, Nebraska plans a balanced mix of experienced returnees, impactful transfers, and developing homegrown talent. Key pieces include three of last year’s opening weekend rotation members, along with contributors such as Dylan Carey, Case Sanderson, Joshua Overbeek, and Devin Nunez returning to Lincoln after solid 2025 campaigns. Adding to the mix is Cooper Katskee, a Preseason All-American Third Team pick and transfer from Miami (OH), who is looking to make an immediate impact as a starter, while true freshman Jeter Worthley is expected to step in as a first-year catcher.

Overall, the roster minimums suggest a strong chance to push for a postseason berth, which aligns with Nebraska’s fourth‑place forecast in the Big Ten preseason poll. In a pattern that has characterized Will Bolt’s teams in recent years, the Huskers open the season in a high-profile setting against quality opposition as part of the MLB Desert Invitational. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Follow Along

Game 1
- Matchup: Nebraska (0-0, 0-0 B1G) vs. UConn (0-0, 0-0 BIG EAST)
- When: Friday, February 13
- Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CST
- Watch: MLB Network (https://www.mlb.com/video)
- Listen: Huskers Radio Network and affiliates (https://huskers.com/listen)

Game 2
- Matchup: Nebraska (0-0, 0-0 B1G) vs. Northeastern (0-0, 0-0 CAA)
- When: Saturday, February 14
- Where: Sloan Park, Mesa, Arizona
- Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
- Watch: MLB.com (https://www.mlb.com/video)
- Listen: Huskers Radio Network (https://huskers.com/listen) and affiliates

Series Histories
UConn
- UConn leads 2-1
- Friday marks the first meeting between the programs outside of postseason play; they split in the 2019 Oklahoma City Regional.

Northeastern
- Nebraska leads 1-0
- The teams have met only once before, at the 2021 Fayetteville Regional, where the Huskers won 8-6.

Grand Canyon
- Nebraska leads 3-2
- The series began in 2024, and their most recent meeting was during the opening weekend last season, when the Lopes defeated No. 23 Nebraska 3-1.

Stanford
- Stanford leads 6-2
- The programs last played in 2008 in the season-opening series, when Stanford took two of three from Nebraska.

Opponent Scout
UConn
- Last season: 38-21 (17-4 BIG EAST); did not reach the postseason
- Head coach: Jim Penders (773-496-6, 23rd season)
- All-Conference Returners: SS Rob Rispoli (1st), 1B Tyler Minick (2nd)
- BIG EAST Preseason Poll: 1st

Northeastern
- Last season: 49-11 (25-2 CAA); lost in Tallahassee Regional
- Head coach: Mike Glavine (357-222-1, 12th season)
- All-Conference Returners: OF Harrison Feinberg (All-American, Co-Player of the Year, 1st), Carmelo Musacchia (HM)
- CAA Preseason Poll: 1st in North Division

Grand Canyon
- Last season: 31-27 (13-11); did not reach postseason
- Head coach: Gregg Wallis (104-73, 4th season)
- All-Conference Returners: None
- Mountain West Preseason Poll: 6th

Stanford
- Last season: 27-25 (11-19 ACC); did not reach postseason
- Head coach: David Esquer (275-150, 9th season)
- All-Conference Returners: OF Tatum Marsh (All-Freshman)
- ACC Preseason Poll: 10th

Outlook
In terms of brand-name opponents, the matchups carry more weight than the simple numbers on paper. Nebraska’s Arizona trip is likely to be most challenging early on when they face BIG EAST favorite UConn to start the season. The Huskies return key performers such as shortstop Rob Rispoli and first baseman Tyler Minick, while NU must contend with left-handed ace Charlie West at the outset.

Northeastern is another strong test, with Harrison Feinberg expected to be among the nation’s elite players, demonstrated by last year’s .367 average, 18 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases in a breakout season. Grand Canyon and Stanford are projected to finish in the middle to lower half of their conferences, which could work in Nebraska’s favor if early results don’t go their way.

Overall, the weekend offers Nebraska a balanced opportunity to sharpen their game before a demanding stretch ahead. Next week, they’ll face No. 8 Louisville and No. 16 Florida State in the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Texas, followed by a three-game series at No. 9 Auburn.

Stay Connected
For ongoing Nebraska coverage, consider bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com regularly.

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