The Nebraska softball team cracked the preseason top-25 rankings in both major polls opening tied for 20th in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll and coming in 21st in the NFCA/USA Today poll.
Nebraska enters the preseason polls for the first time since 2007. The Huskers are coming off a 41-14 record and a #21 final ranking in both polls last season. Nebraska returns eight starters.
Nebraska was one of just two Big Ten teams to appear in the poll, as Michigan is #15 ranking in the NFCA poll and tied for 16th in the ESPN.com poll. Ohio State and Northwestern also received votes in the ESPN poll.
The Huskers’ open the 2012 season on Feb. 9 against Washington at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz. Nebraska opens its season with back-to-back games against top-15 teams, as the Huskers’ second game comes against Arizona, which earned a No. 8 preseason ranking in both polls.








