Auden Pankonin was off the recruiting radar for nearly a year. No longer as Nebraska baseball found another high-upside pitcher for its 2025 class.
The right-hander from the western edge of Wisconsin announced his pledge to the Huskers on Sunday. It came less than a week after earning an offer during a visit to Lincoln that left no doubt as to his future home.
“You can tell the coaches have a genuine relationship with the players and the players wanted to be there,” Pankonin said. “I really appreciate that because sometimes coaches can think they’re way above the players. I loved everything from the facilities to the coaches to the relationships and the culture. Everything was exactly what I was looking for in a school.”
Pankonin appeared to be on his way to a standard process as a hard-throwing sophomore with an offer from Iowa and interest from TCU and others. A pars fracture in a vertebra in his lower back during the spring of 2023 took that away, leaving him in a brace for five months and working back with his phone silent for four more into last winter.
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A strong spring season with River Falls High School — located in Hudson, just across the St. Croix River from St. Paul, Minnesota — and summer showing brought back Division I coaches. Nebraska saw Pankonin at a showcase event last month. He had already visited Arizona and Arizona State, with Kansas State and South Florida on his list to see. Florida had also been talking with him, he said.
Schools like his story of overcoming a setback, he said. They like the relative lack of mileage on his arm because of the injury and being in the Midwest. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder throws a fastball touching 93 mph with ride along with a slider and a split changeup.
Pankonin is also a former competitive ski racer who was ranked among the nation’s best in his age group in the giant slalom as a young boy — “I got pretty good at it,” he said.
The Huskers’ 2025 class extends to 16 pledges after securing its third this month. NU has also landed three 2026 commits during that span.
“I’m so happy that the coaches at Nebraska gave me the opportunity for this,” Pankonin said. “I’m looking forward to getting after it.”
Photos: 2024 Big Ten Baseball Tournament Championship
Nebraska’s Ben Columbus (10) hoists the championship trophy after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players embrace before the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska warm up before the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt sits in the dugout before the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players line up for the national anthem before the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State players huddle before during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Nebraska at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Travis Luensmann (33) pitches during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Nebraska at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josh Caron (5) bats during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Spectators watch on during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship between Nebraska and Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jackson Brockett (33) pitches during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Bryce Molinaro (23) crosses first base as Nebraska’s Ben Columbus (10) waits for the ball during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Dylan Carey (15) misses the ball as Penn State’s Grant Norris (0) dives back onto second base during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Joe Jaconski (1) scores a run against Nebraska during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Dylan Carey (15) motions as Penn State’s Bryce Molinaro (23) slides back into second base during the first inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt is doused by his players after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josh Caron (5) is awarded the Most Outstanding Player trophy after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A look inside Charles Schwab Field as Nebraska takes on Penn State during the third inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Ben Columbus (10) outs Penn State’s Grant Norris (0) at first base during the third inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Grant Norris (0) catches a fly ball during the fourth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Nebraska at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Ben Columbus (10) bunts the ball during the fourth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Bryce Molinaro (23) reaches out for the ball as Nebraska’s Joshua Overbeek (4) runs back to third base during the fourth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Overbeek was ruled out at the base.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Bryce Molinaro (23) and Nebraska’s Joshua Overbeek (4) collide at third base during the fourth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Overbeek was ruled out at the base.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
A look inside Charles Schwab Field as Nebraska takes on Penn State during the fourth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Gabe Swansen (44) connects during the fifth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Tayven Kelley (13) catches a fly ball during the fifth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Nebraska at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Adam Cecere (12) catches a fly ball during the fifth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Nebraska at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Joshua Overbeek (4) slides back to first base as Penn State’s Joe Jaconski (1) waits for the ball during the sixth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josh Caron (5) motions after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
The crowd celebrates after Nebraska’s Josh Caron (5) hit a home run during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Josh Caron (5) celebrates with the dugout after hitting a home run against Penn State during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Jackson Brockett (33) pitches during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Dylan Carey (15) throws to first base during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt challenges a call at first base during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Cole Evans (12) catches a fly ball during the seventh inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Cayden Brumbaugh (0) slides back onto first base during the eighth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Cayden Brumbaugh (0) slides past Penn State’s Derek Cease (19) onto second base during the eighth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Gabe Swansen (44) celebrates after hitting a double for a RBI single during the eighth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Tucker Timmerman (32) and teammates celebrate after double hit by Gabe Swansen (44) during the eighth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State’s Adam Cecere (12) makes a leaping catch to prevent a Nebraska home run during the eighth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Dylan Carey (15) catches a fly ball in front of Riley Silva (1) during the ninth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brett Sears (34) pitches during the ninth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska’s Brett Sears (34) pitches during the ninth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
The crowd cheers on as Nebraska’s Brett Sears (34) pitches during the ninth inning of the Big Ten baseball tournament championship against Penn State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State players react after falling to Nebraska in the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Penn State players react after falling to Nebraska in the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt talks to the Huskers after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players high-five fans after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska announcer Greg Sharpe and Joshua Overbeek (4) embrace after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt and Nebraska announcer Greg Sharpe embrace after the Huskers defeated Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska head coach Will Bolt walks off the field after defeating Penn State to win the Big Ten baseball tournament championship at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
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Publish date : 2024-08-12 10:16:00
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