Four Huskers Set to Compete at Winter Cup

Nebraska will have four athletes representing the program at the 2026 Winter Cup. Current gymnasts Max Odden and Alex Nitache will compete, along with graduates Taylor Christopoulos and Chris Hiser. The competition is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. CT in Louisville, Kentucky. The event will be livestreamed on the USA Gymnastics YouTube channel.

The Winter Cup requires qualification, and the meet also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Following the competition, the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team will be announced.

Odden qualified for the Winter Cup at the Rocky Mountain Open with his all-around score. He placed fourth in the all-around at the meet with a score of 76.650. It marked the first time in his collegiate career that he competed in the all-around. Odden previously competed at the Winter Cup in 2022 and 2023. He is serving as a team captain for the Huskers this season.

Nitache qualified during the U.S. Championships after being named to the Senior National Development Team. At the 2025 Winter Cup, he placed eighth in the all-around. Nitache recently earned Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honors. He represented the United States at the 2023 DTB Pokal Team Challenge, finishing fourth on pommel horse and helping the team to a first-place finish. He also competed at the 2022 Junior Pan American Championships, where Team USA won gold.

Christopoulos qualified based on his point total at the U.S. Championships in August. He is a Nissen-Emery Award recipient and was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Year in 2023 and 2025. Christopoulos is a 10-time All-American. He also represented the United States at the 2023 Pan American Championships, helping the team to a first-place finish.

Hiser qualified at the U.S. Championships based on his point total. He graduated alongside Christopoulos. During his time at Nebraska, Hiser won six event titles and competed at the NCAA championships each year of his collegiate career.