The 2026 Nebraska’s Strongest Man will test the athletes in 5 events. These events will test endurance, pressing power, grip strength, and lower back power. Athletes will be given two shirts on comp day that must be worn during the events. We take pride in our sponsors and want to give them the best recommendation that we can.

Event 1: Record Breaker Axle Press

Athletes will be given 3 attempts to reach their max press. We will have all the athletes give their opening weight before the event starts. Athletes will be given 60 seconds to complete the lift once the whistle is blown. Once everyone has completed their first attempt, then they will give their second weight. The same process will be done for the third lift. If an athlete misses any of these attempts, they will be out of the event and the most weight pressed will be recorded.

Prize Money will be given to anyone who can break the current USS Axle Press record. 

Allowed equipment: wrist wraps, belt, soft belt, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, chalk, lifting shoes, smelling salts.

Not allowed equipment: tacky, grip shirts, liquid chalk, tacky towels.

Event 2: Steeple Race

Athletes will have three objects (Cerberus atlas sandbag, Cerberus Husafell sandbag, and a Cerberus sandbag). Athletes can choose any order of sandbags they want. Athletes will race the first implement down and place it over the steeple. Then, go around or under the steeple and cross the line with the bag and drop the sandbag, race back to the second implement and repeat the process. There will be a taped off line on the steeple five feet each side where the athletes are allowed to place the bag over the steeple. If the bag crosses the line, there will be a 5-second penalty added to the time.

There will be a 75-second time limit.

Allowed equipment: chalk, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, belt, soft belt.
Not allowed equipment: tacky, tacky towel, grip shirt.

Event 3: Deadlift for Reps (Axle Bar)

Athletes will be deadlifting for reps. Athletes will have 60 seconds to deadlift 700lbs for as many reps as possible. Athletes will be given a command to lift each rep. No touch and go's. No bear feet. Socks must be on.

Allowed equipment: deadlift straps, deadlift suits, chalk, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, baby powder, briefs, figure 8 straps.

Not allowed equipment: any type of oil lubricant, tacky, tacky towel.

Event 4: Pony Express Race (Farmers, Frame, Yoke)

Athletes will have 75 seconds to finish the event. Athletes will carry the farmers 25 feet, frame 25 feet, and yoke 50 feet. No sliding! Sliding will be a penalty of 5 seconds for each implement that slides.

Allowed equipment: knee sleeves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, chalk, deadlift suits, belt, soft belt.
Not allowed equipment: liquid chalk, grip shirts.

Event 5: Sandbag Load Medley 

Athletes will be given 60 seconds to complete the sandbags. We will be using Cerberus sandbags and Cerberus Husafell sandbags. There will be 5 sandbags to load. Fastest time wins.

Allowed Equipment: knee sleeves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, chalk, deadlift suits, belt, soft belt.

Not allowed equipment: liquid chalk, grip shirts.