We Give Blood drive offers Big Ten schools healthy competition for $1 million prize
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) announced its participation in the We Give Blood drive. This blood drive is a nationwide competition among all 18 Big Ten schools.
The school to log the most blood donations wins a $1 million grant from Abbot. Nebraska won in 2024, using the price money for mental health support for Nebraska veterans, an on-campus produce garden and a full-time financial coach for students.
In 2025, Nebraska lost to Wisconsin by 925 donations, ranking second place. UNL was ahead of all the Big Ten schools with 3,167 alumni donations and had the highest share of donations from its own college town with 32% of donations coming from Lincoln.
Ellen Wichman, senior manager at Abbott, said Nebraska’s fans are incredibly loyal.
“It seems corny when I say it, no pun intended, but people really do care about each other and they really do want to show up for their communities,” said Wichman. “I think the fandom is a piece of it. The fans are really loyal. Everyone in Nebraska is a Huskers fan. That sense of community goes deeper than just sports. You want to show up for each other and support each other.”
Donations count toward the competition starting today. Any student, alum, fan, resident or anyone anywhere in the country can give blood and receive a point for Nebraska.
Donors can go to the website or text GIVEBLOOD to 222688 after Aug. 26 to secure Nebraska’s points. The competition ends on Dec. 4.
