‘First and foremost, host a regional’: Nebraska baseball aiming for a big 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska baseball is just three weeks away from the first pitch of 2025.

But it’s not too early to start thinking about where this team could end up.

The Huskers are coming off an NCAA tournament appearance and a Big Ten Tournament title, their first since joining the conference in the 2012 season.

This year’s squad is returning some familiar faces and gaining some experienced veterans through the transfer portal, including senior outfielder Cael Frost from South Dakota State.

Frost said this year’s team has their eyes set on some bigger goals.

“Every day in our offensive packet, we have, ‘Host a regional. First and foremost, host a regional in Lincoln,'” he said. “We feel like that’s the easiest way for us to get to Omaha.”

The team had its first scrimmage at the new Sandhills Global Complex on Friday afternoon, and a lot of arms saw the mound, including junior Mason McConnaughey.

McConnaughey threw 73 innings in 2024 and tied for the most wins on the team.

He said the experience the Huskers have of winning the Big ten title last year could take them a step further in 2025.

“I think those experiences are going to help us down the road,” McConnaughy said. “Every team is going to experience failure; it’s just a matter of how quickly you can respond and get out of that hole. And I think having your back against the wall will help us down at the end of the season.”

Nebraska kicks off its season in Scottsdale, Arizona, vs. UC Irvine on Feb. 14.