2026 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class Announced

Six accomplished student-athletes and one legendary head coach make up the 2026 University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class, announced on June 18.

The 2026 class includes: Matt Hopper (baseball, 2000-03); Cassandra Leuthold (bowling, 2007-10); Dean Steinkuhler (football, 1979-83); Taylor Edwards (softball, 2011-14); Amber Holmquist (volleyball, 1999-2002); Ineta Radevica (women’s track and field, 2003-04); and John Cook (volleyball head coach, 2000-24).

The six student-athletes in the 2026 Hall of Fame Class combined for 21 All-America accolades, three individual NCAA titles and seven team national championships. Cook, the seventh head coach selected for the Hall of Fame, led Nebraska to a 722-103 record in his 25 seasons with 14 conference titles and four national championships.

“When you look at the list of accomplishments for the members of this year’s Hall of Fame class, it is a reminder of how extraordinary it is to be selected for the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame,” Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said. “The individual accolades and team success the class achieved not only added to the rich history of Husker athletics, but these distinguished individuals serve as an inspiration for our current student-athletes and coaches. We look forward to welcoming each of them back to Lincoln and celebrating their legendary careers.”

The 2026 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame class will be inducted in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 2 before being recognized during the Nebraska-Maryland football game on Saturday, Oct. 3. The class will be permanently enshrined on a granite plaque with the names of the seven members added to the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza.

The Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is located on a walkway near the Osborne Legacy Complex, stretching from outside of East Memorial Stadium and continuing to the historic NU Coliseum. The University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Plaza is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week at no charge and is lit for night viewing. The plaza recognizes each annual Hall of Fame class, along with columns dedicated to the history and successes of each of Nebraska's athletic programs.

2026 Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class

• Matt Hopper, Baseball (2000-03)
• Cassandra Leuthold, Bowling (2006-10)
• Dean Steinkuhler, Football (1979-83)
• Taylor Edwards, Softball (2011-14)
• Amber Holmquist, Volleyball (1999-2002)
• Ineta Radevica, Women’s Track & Field (2003-04)
• John Cook, Volleyball Head Coach (2000-24)