Nebraska Bowling Ranked Fifth in NTCA Preseason Poll

The Nebraska Bowling Team has been ranked fifth in the nation by the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) in its 2026-27 preseason poll released Thursday.

NU received 1,330 total points, just behind Arkansas State at 1,336. Defending national champions Jacksonville State were unanimously ranked first, followed by Vanderbilt at second and Wichita State at third. 

The Huskers have never been ranked outside the top five in any of the 21 years that the NTCA has published a preseason poll.

The Big Red's ranking comes after a season where they were champions in one tournament, finished third-place in as many tournaments and finished runner-up at the NCAA Pittsburgh Regional. Nebraska's season ended in a nail-biter mega-match against Arkansas State.

The Huskers return eight bowlers including NTCA Third-Team All-American Karina Capron and 2025 NTCA Second-Team All-American Kayla Starr. The Scarlet and Cream also welcomes three newcomers, all freshmen. It will be the first time in four years that NU has not had 2025 NTCA Bowler of the Year Jillian Martin at its disposal.

Nebraska's journey back to the NCAA Championships begins Oct. 16 when the team travels to Struthers, Ohio for the Chelsea Gilliam Penguin Classic. The Huskers will aim for a repeat of last season when the team won the tournament championship.

Stay up to date with the action by following the Nebraska Women's Bowling X account (@HuskerBowling), Instagram (@huskerbowling) and Facebook.