Husker gymnast Asher Cohen wins rings title, first since Jim Hartung

Nebraska's Asher Cohen becomes first Husker to win NCAA rings title since 1982 legend Jim Hartung

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:08pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic motion and raw power of a gymnast performing on the rings, with the rings themselves as the focal point of the composition.Asher Cohen's NCAA rings title victory honors the legacy of Nebraska gymnastics legend Jim Hartung, whose memory inspired the Huskers' 2026 championship run.Champaign Today

Nebraska gymnast Asher Cohen won the NCAA rings title at the 2026 championships, becoming the first Husker to achieve the feat since legendary gymnast Jim Hartung in 1982. Cohen's victory came as the Huskers finished second as a team, just over five points behind champion Stanford.

Why it matters

Hartung was a pioneering figure in Nebraska gymnastics, and the Huskers dedicated their 2026 season to his memory after he passed away earlier this year. Cohen's victory on the rings marks the first individual NCAA title for Nebraska since 1999, underscoring the program's continued excellence and its ability to develop elite talent.

The details

Cohen scored a 14.50 on the rings to claim the individual title, the first Husker to do so since Hartung's championship in 1982. As a team, Nebraska finished second overall with a score of 324.662, just behind Stanford's winning total.

  • Asher Cohen won the 2026 NCAA rings title on April 19, 2026.
  • Jim Hartung, a legendary Nebraska gymnast, passed away in January 2026.
  • The Huskers dedicated their 2026 season to Hartung's memory.

The players

Asher Cohen

A gymnast for the University of Nebraska who won the 2026 NCAA rings title, becoming the first Husker to achieve the feat since 1982 legend Jim Hartung.

Jim Hartung

A legendary Nebraska gymnast who won the NCAA rings title in 1982. Hartung passed away in January 2026, and the Huskers dedicated their 2026 season to his memory.

Stanford

The team that won the 2026 NCAA gymnastics championship, finishing just ahead of Nebraska.

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What they’re saying

“I have worked four years for this, and to be able to do it in Jim's honor this year means everything and more to me. I am very proud of the work that I've put in, the work our team has put in because I could not have done it without them.”

— Asher Cohen, Nebraska gymnast

The takeaway

Asher Cohen's NCAA rings title victory represents a significant milestone for Nebraska gymnastics, as the program continues to develop elite talent and honor its storied history, including the legacy of legendary gymnast Jim Hartung.