Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletics

The 1985–86 Nebraska Wesleyan men’s basketball team finished third in the NCAA Division III Tournament, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history. Led by head coach Jerry Schmutte, the Plainsmen posted a 26–5 overall record and returned to the national semifinals for back-to-back years. They went a perfect 10–0 in conference play and set a new school record for wins in a season. NWU won 18 of its final 19 regular-season games to secure a third straight conference title. The team featured All-American center Dana Janssen and Academic All-American Kevin Cook, both of whom were named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team. The 1985–86 team cemented the Plainsmen as a national force in Division III basketball and helped build the foundation for a sustained run of postseason success.