Huskers Selected Third in Big Ten Preseason Poll

Lincoln-- The Big Ten Conference announced on its preseason coaches' poll on Thursday. The Huskers were selected third in the conference ahead of the 2020 season.

In 2019, Nebraska finished third in the Big Ten regular season standings behind Michigan and Minnesota, who place above NU in the preseason poll. Ohio State and Iowa round out the top five. 

"This simply marks the beginning," Head Coach Heather Brink said. "I am extremely proud of this team, their hard work and determination. I am excited for this journey with them. I believe in them, I believe in their training and I have no doubt that they will surprise many people."

The conference also announced that senior Taylor Houchin and sophomore Adnerys De Jesus were selected as Big Ten Women's Gymnasts to watch for the 2020 season. Houchin was named a NACGC/W regular reason second-team All-American on uneven bars and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2019. De Jesus was named a second-team All-Big Ten pick after an impressive freshman season in 2019. 

NU is also ranked No. 15 in the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) preseason coaches' poll. The Huskers are one of five Big Ten teams ranked in the top 25, along with No. 6 Michigan, No. 14 Minnesota, No. 24 Ohio State and No. 25 Penn State. 

The Huskers will face tough competition throughout the 2020 season, as they will compete against 11 nationally ranked teams. 

NU will open the 2020 season at No. 23 BYU on Jan. 6. The Huskers will hold their home opener against No. 25 Penn State on Jan. 16 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center and will be broadcast live on ESPN 2. 

Season tickets to Nebraska gymnastics are available now at Huskers.com or by calling 800-(8)BIG-RED. General admission season tickets are $26 for adult general admission, and $14 dollars for youth and senior general admission. Single event tickets are $5 for adult general admission, and $3 for youth and senior general admission. Tickets include access to both men's and women's gymnastics meets.

2020 Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Michigan
2. Minnesota
3. Nebraska
4. Ohio State
5. Iowa
6. Illinois
7. Penn State
8. Maryland
9. Michigan State
10. Rutgers
 
2020 Big Ten Women's Gymnasts To Watch List
Karen Howell, Sr., Illinois
Mia Takekawa, Fr., Illinois
Jerquavia Henderson, Fr., Iowa
Clair Kaji, Sr., Iowa
Audrey Barber, Jr., Maryland
Collea Burgess, Jr., Maryland
Sierra Brooks, Fr., Michigan
Gabby Wilson, Fr., Michigan
Lea Mitchell , Jr., Michigan State
Nyah Smith, Fr., Michigan State
Ona Loper, Jr., Minnesota
Lexy Ramler, Jr., Minnesota
Adnerys De Jesus, So., Nebraska
Taylor Houchin, Sr., Nebraska
Colby Miller, So., Ohio State
Jenna Swartzentruber, Jr., Ohio State
Lauren Bridgens, Jr., Penn State
Cassidy Rushlow, Fr., Penn State
Belle Huang, Jr., Rutgers
Hannah Joyner, Fr., Rutgers

2020 Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Oklahoma 
2. LSU 
3. Florida 
4. UCLA 
5. Utah 
6. Michigan
7. Denver
8. Georgia 
9. California 
10. Alabama
11. Oregon State 
12. Kentucky 
13. Auburn 
14. Minnesota 
15. Nebraska 
16. Missouri 
17. Washington 
18. Boise State 
19. Arkansas 
20. Iowa State 
21. Arizona State 
22. Stanford 
23. BYU 
24. Ohio State 
25. Penn State 
26. Southern Utah 
27. Illinois 
28. North Carolina State 
29. Iowa  
30. West Virginia 
31. Arizona
32. George Washington
33. Maryland 
34. Central Michigan 
35. New Hampshire
36. Lindenwood