Iowa and Nebraska have developed a heated rivlary over the past decade, but that was put aside for one weekend.
The Hawkeyes were battling in-state rival Iowa State, while Nebraska welcomed Bowling Green to Lincoln, but the biggest story had little to do with the game. Nebraska was easily outplaying an overmatched Bowling Green squad, but after a recent tragedy in Iowa City, the marching band is makibg more headlines.
The Nebraska band wore ribbons, played 'Amazing Grace' to honor Derek Phillips
After the unfortunate passing of Hawkeye Marching Band member Derek Phillips, tributes have poured in from all over the country, including from multiple Big Ten rivals. Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Oregon, and Purdue all made heartfelt social media posts, while Western Michigan dedicated a performance to him during their most recent game against Monmouth. Adding to the growing list of tributes, Nebraska proved why somethings are more important than football.
The University of Nebraska Marching Band will be wearing Gold and Black ribbons tonight.
— Eli Rodriguez (@efrodriguez23) September 12, 2026
In some instances, the rivalry doesn’t matter. This is certainly one of them.
Rest in Peace, Derek Phillips. pic.twitter.com/96MQUCkzwj
The Nebraska Marching Band not only wore black-and-gold ribbons to honor Derek, but they also performed "Amazing Grace" during halftime to add to their tribute. Regardless of how intense the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry has gotten over the last decade, this was a truly classy move by the Nebraska Marching Band to honor a fallen Hawkeye after a tragedy. The Hawkeye Marching Band and the University of Iowa school of music are dedicating all their performances for the rest of the season to him, and collegiate marching bands from all over are joining them.
Derek, a Cedar Rapids native, was called a "phenomenal musician," and his family said he brought "so much light, humor, and kindness into the world." It will be a very emotional season for the Hawkeye Marching Band, and everyone can do their part by sending well-wishes and messages of kindness to his family and friends. Derek's memory will live on through the heartwarming performances by the HMB and others, and if you want to help the family, there has been a GoFundMe set up, which has raised nearly $40k.
Some things are more important than football, and a big shoutout goes to the Nebraska Marching Band for putting aside the rivalry to out on a heartwarming tribute to Derek.
Add us as a preferred source on Google