The 2026 Nebraska’s Strongest will test the athletes in 5 events.

Event 1: Sandbag to Axle to Log Press Medley

Athletes will have three objects to press at their assigned weights in order. Athlete must start with the sandbag, then move to the axle, and then to the log. This is a timed event, so split times will count. The implements will be lined up horizontal 10' apart. Athletes must be in control of the axle and log for the rep to count. It must be dropped in front of the athlete's face. If it goes behind the athlete's face or is not in control then the rep will not count. Also, no tree topping is allowed. The fastest one to finish all three lifts will win.

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

Not allowed equipment: tacky, tacky towels, doubled up elbow sleeves.

Event 2: Frame Deadlift for Reps

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

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

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

Event 3: Sandbag to Shoulder

Athletes will be given 60 seconds to complete the sandbags by lifting the sandbag from the ground to the shoulder. Athletes must return the sandbag to the ground and repeat the process over again. The most reps will win.

Allowed Equipment: knee sleeves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, chalk, liquid chalk, belt, soft belt, grip shirts, elbow sleeves.

Not allowed equipment: tacky, tacky towel.

Event 4: Crucifix Hold

Athletes will hold the implement at their assigned weight at the side of their body. Their hands must be in line with their shoulders. Once the implement drops below their shoulders, then the time will stop. The handles used will be rolling handles. The longest time will win.

Allowed Equipment: knee sleeves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, chalk, liquid chalk, belt, soft belt, grip shirts, elbow sleeves.

Not allowed equipment: tacky, tacky towel.

Event 5: Last Man Standing Farmer's Carry

Athletes will have a 75 second time limit. Athletes must pick up the weight in the safe zone/across the line, take it down 50', drop it in the safe zone, will have 15 seconds to re-pick it, take it back 50', and drop it in the safe zone. Athletes will continue to repeat this process until they drop it outside of the safe zone or time runs out. If there are any drops outside of the safe zone, the athlete is finished. The farmer's must be fully in the safe zone/across the line for it to be dropped. The longest distance will win.

Allowed Equipment: knee sleeves, knee wraps, wrist wraps, chalk, liquid chalk, belt, soft belt, grip shirts, elbow sleeves.

Not allowed equipment: tacky, tacky towel, deadlift straps of any kind.