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Nebraska Softball to Play Nationally Televised Game on MLB Network

The Huskers' Feb. 8 contest against Texas Tech in the NFCA Leadoff Classic is likely to feature two of the nation's best pitchers.
Maren Angus-Coombs|
Indiana’s Brianna Copeland dives into second base as Nebraska’s Katelyn Caneda catches the ball during the 2024 Big Ten softball tournament.
Indiana’s Brianna Copeland dives into second base as Nebraska’s Katelyn Caneda catches the ball during the 2024 Big Ten softball tournament. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Nebraska softball team has been given a unique opportunity during the season's opening weekend – the Huskers will play a nationally televised game on MLB Network.

The contest that will be nationally televised is against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. CST at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla., the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Thursday.

Nebraska's matchup with Texas Tech will be the most anticipated weekend contest as it should feature two of the nation's best pitchers in NU's Jordy Bahl and Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady.

Nebraska pitcher Jordy Bahl delivers a pitch during a game in the Scarlet & Cream scrimmage series on Oct. 9, 2024.
Nebraska's Jordy Bahl delivers a pitch during a game in the Scarlet & Cream scrimmage series on Oct. 9, 2024. | Nebraska Athletics

Canady spent the first two seasons of her collegiate career at Stanford leading the Cardinal back to the Women's College World Series in back-to-back seasons before transferring to Lubbock with a massive NIL deal.

The deal she signed is reportedly the largest softball has ever seen. The Athletic reported the one-year, $1,050,024 contract includes $24 for her jersey number and $50,000 for living expenses.

MLB Network will broadcast three games from the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Saturday. The action kicks off with Missouri taking on Duke at 12 p.m. CST, followed by Nebraska facing Texas Tech at 3 p.m. and wrapping up with Tennessee vs. Northwestern at 6 p.m.

Nebraska’s Billie Andrews (6) is greeted by her teammates after hitting a homerum in the Big Ten softball tournament.
Nebraska’s Billie Andrews is greeted by her teammates after hitting a home run during the 2024 Big Ten softball tournament. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

This is the second year MLB Network will air three games from the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

The remainder of the Huskers' games in the tournament will be available to stream for free on GameChanger. Additionally, the games will be broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network.

Nebraska’s 2025 NFCA Leadoff Classic Schedule
• Thursday, Feb. 6: Tennessee - 6 p.m. CST - GameChanger
• Friday, Feb. 7: Southern Mississippi - 3 p.m. CST - GameChanger
• Friday, Feb. 7: Bethune-Cookman - 6 p.m. CST - GameChanger
• Saturday, Feb. 8: Texas Tech - 3 p.m. CST - MLB Network
• Sunday, Feb. 9: Mississippi State - 12 p.m. CST - GameChanger

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Published | Modified
Maren Angus-Coombs
MAREN ANGUS-COOMBS

Maren Angus-Coombs was born in Los Angeles and raised in Nashville, Tenn. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and has been a sports writer since 2008. She has been covering college softball since 2016 and spent the 2023 season covering Husker Softball for Hail Varsity. In addition to All Huskers, she is a staff writer for the Los Angeles Sports Report.

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