2026 Cornhusker Case Competition
Thank you for your interest in representing your institution at the 2026 Cornhusker Business Case Competition hosted by the Nebraska Business Honors Academy. This is a competition for students by students. Undergraduate teams eager to apply their analytical and problem-solving skills to a business case are invited to compete!
November 5-6, 2026
Registration closed for now.
Important Information
Team Composition
Teams of 4-5 undergraduate students
Prizes
As a recognition for excellence, top teams win the following cash prizes split evenly between team members:
1st Place:
$3,000
2nd Place:
$2,000
3rd Place:
$1,000
Case Information
Teams have been placed in the role of consultants advising the leadership of a regional airport as it considers potential expansion opportunities. Operating with limited information, a defined budget, and a focus on a single airport, teams must assess how the airport could grow its operations, improve its competitive position, and better serve future demand.
Rather than working from a fully developed plan, teams are expected to identify key priorities, evaluate potential expansion pathways, and highlight important trade-offs and uncertainties. Successful teams will present a clear, well-reasoned perspective that reflects thoughtful analysis, practical judgment, and strategic thinking about the airport’s long-term direction.
Tentative Competition Schedule
| DAY 1 | Thursday, November 5 | Howard L Hawks Hall, Nebraska City Campus *Casual University Apparel | |
|---|---|
| 5-7 p.m. | Social Hour |
| DAY 2 | Friday, November 6 | Howard L Hawks Hall, Nebraska City Campus *Business Professional Dress | |
|---|---|
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Check In |
| 8:30-8:50 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 9-10:45 a.m. | Presentation 1 (All Teams) |
| 10:45-11:30 a.m. | Lunch |
| 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. | New Case Information Released and Teamwork Time |
| 12:30-12:45 p.m. | Break |
| 12:45-2:30 p.m. | Presentation 2 (All Teams) |
| 2:30-2:50 p.m. | Competition Picture |
| 2:50-3 p.m. | Announcement of Finalists |
| 3-3:10 p.m. | Break |
| 3:10-5 p.m. | Final Presentation (Top 4-5 Teams) |
| 5:10-5:30 p.m. | Awards and Closing Remarks |
2025 Cornhusker Case Competition
2024 Cornhusker Case Competition
Winners
First Place: Washington University in Saint Louis
Second Place: Kansas State University
Third Place: University of Vermont
Past Competitors
Travel Accommodations
Each visiting team is responsible for their own hotel and travel accommodations.
Location
Howard L. Hawks Hall
730 N 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68588
Hotel
Lincoln offers a variety of hotels within walking distance of the College of Business. The closest hotels are in the Haymarket district or downtown Lincoln.
Book a room at the Graduate by Hilton hotel for a special rate here.
Air Travel
Destination: Lincoln Municipal Airport (LNK)
- 4 miles to City Campus
- Visit go.unl.edu/airport-transportation for ground transportation and car rental options
Destination: Omaha Municipal Airport (OMA)
About 65 miles from campus or around an hour drive. Here are some options for getting from OMA to your visit in Lincoln:
- Car Rental
- Shuttle from Omaha airport to Lincoln will be provided upon request. Please email erin.burnette@unl.edu
Drive
When you drive to Lincoln, you'll have many options for parking near campus.
Explore UNL Parking Explore Lincoln Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a successful team?
The most competitive team will have a group of students who possess the skills to analyze information critically, move quickly and deliberatively, and consider feedback from the judges.
What should I expect?
This is a competition for students run by students. We promise you a minimum of two presentations. You will also get two sets of feedback from the judges. Judges will be comprised of both faculty and industry representatives.
What does my registration cost cover?
Registration costs cover Thursday evenings networking social which includes heavy appetizers and desserts, Friday’s lunch, and other associated programming costs.
Do I have to be a business major to be on a team?
No, we welcome all majors to participate.
Who will the judges be?
A combination of industry professionals and faculty. Throughout the competition you will have the opportunity to receive both written and verbal feedback from the judges.
Competition Planning Team
Mary Claire Dougherty
Junior, Actuarial Science
Jack Maloney
Senior, Finance and Economics
Sam Lockhart
Senior, Accounting and Finance
