Michael Hemann transferred to Nebraska after two years at Northwest Missouri State. He lettered for the Huskers in 1987 and 1989, posting a 21-12-0 record (8-5) in the 1986-87 season.
A standout high school wrestler at Riceville Community High School, Hemann claimed the Iowa State Championship his senior year and also earned second and fourth-place finishes, compiling a 96-18-1 career record.