Nebraska Baseball: Desert Invitational Preview | MLB
The Nebraska Huskers baseball team begins its 2026 season this Friday, February 13th, at the MLB Desert Invitational in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Huskers will face UConn, Northeastern, Grand Canyon, and Stanford in a four-game stretch, offering an early look at their potential this season.
Opening Weekend Schedule
The Huskers kick off the tournament against UConn at 7 p.m. Central Time on Friday, with right-handed pitcher Ty Horn taking the mound. Saturday brings a 7:30 p.m. CT matchup against Northeastern, featuring Carson Jasa as the starting pitcher. Sunday’s game against Grand Canyon is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, with Cooper Katskee expected to start. The invitational concludes Monday with a 2 p.m. CT contest against Stanford, with Gavin Blachowicz slated to pitch.
Broadcast Information
Friday’s game against UConn will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network. The remaining games will be streamed live on MLB.com. All games can also be heard on the Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, and the Official Nebraska Huskers App.
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
The Huskers hold a 3-2 edge in the all-time series against Grand Canyon, but lost their last meeting 3-1. They trail Stanford 6-2 in their series history, with the last meeting occurring in 2008. UConn holds a 2-1 advantage and Nebraska secured an 8-6 win over Northeastern in 2021.
Returning Talent
Nebraska returns a significant portion of its hitting and pitching lineups. The team brings back players accounting for 49.2% of at-bats, 49.9% of runs, and 52.2% of hits from the previous season. On the pitching side, returning players account for 48.5% of wins and 48.5% of strikeouts.
Key Players to Watch
Dylan Carey has started in 176 games as a Husker, and Cooper Katskee earned preseason All-America honours. Jett Buck and Cole Kitchens are expected to contribute offensively after successful seasons at their previous schools. Ty Horn will be a key arm in the weekend rotation, building on a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for the MLB Desert Invitational?
The schedule is as follows: February 13th vs. UConn, February 14th vs. Northeastern, February 15th vs. Grand Canyon, and February 16th vs. Stanford.
Where will the games be played?
Games will be played at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick and Sloan Park in Scottsdale, Arizona.
How can fans follow the games?
Fans can watch Friday’s game on MLB Network and the remaining games on MLB.com. All games can also be heard on the Huskers Radio Network, Huskers.com, and the Official Nebraska Huskers App.
With a challenging schedule ahead and a mix of returning players and new additions, what impact will this early-season tournament have on the Huskers’ trajectory for the 2026 season?