❤️ “HEARTWARMING NEWS: HARPER MURRAY AND BERGEN REILLY QUIETLY DONATE $500,000 TO BUILD A SCHOOL FOR IMPOVERISHED CHILDREN IN NEBRASKA – ‘WE DON’T JUST PLAY VOLLEYBALL, WE WANT TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES!’” The two brightest stars of the Nebraska Cornhuskers – Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly – quietly used their entire 2025 season prize money to fund the construction of a modern school for impoverished children in rural Nebraska.

When asked why, Harper emotionally replied: “Bergen and I grew up in difficult circumstances… we know what it feels like to have no opportunity.

Now we want to give back.” Bergen added, his eyes reddening, “Every assist I make on the field…is for the children to have better playgrounds and classrooms.” The duo’s quiet actions have moved the entire Huskers community to tears, with thousands of fans calling them “the two Nebraska angels” and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations in just a few days.

A touching post has captured the hearts of the Nebraska volleyball community and beyond: Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly, the dynamic duo powering the Cornhuskers, reportedly donated a staggering $500,000 – their entire 2025 season prize money – to build a modern school for impoverished children in rural Nebraska.

The quote attributed to Murray: “Bergen and I grew up in difficult circumstances… we know what it feels like to have no opportunity.

Now we want to give back.” Reilly allegedly added, eyes reddening: “Every assist I make on the field… is for the children to have better playgrounds and classrooms.”

The story claims their quiet generosity moved the Huskers fanbase to tears, dubbing them “the two Nebraska angels” and sparking hundreds of thousands in follow-up donations. It’s a perfect narrative of humility, empathy, and impact from two of college sports’ brightest stars.

But is this inspiring act real, or another viral hoax preying on our love for feel-good athlete stories?

Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly: The Unstoppable Force Behind Nebraska’s Dominance

Murray and Reilly are undeniably the faces of one of college volleyball’s elite programs. In the 2025 season:

Harper Murray (junior outside hitter from Ann Arbor, Michigan): First-Team AVCA All-American, career-high performances including 25 kills in the Elite Eight loss to Texas A&M.

Bergen Reilly (junior setter from Sioux Falls, South Dakota): AVCA National Setter of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and a semifinalist for National Player of the Year.

Together with Andi Jackson, they formed a core that led Nebraska to an undefeated regular season (33-0) before a heartbreaking regional finals exit. Reilly’s precise sets and Murray’s explosive kills made them fan favorites, with the team drawing massive crowds and earning widespread acclaim.

Both have spoken about gratitude and perspective in interviews – Murray on overcoming challenges, Reilly on team bonds. Nebraska volleyball emphasizes community, with events like Pink Matches for cancer awareness and youth camps. The players often engage in outreach, hosting sold-out camps and honoring survivors.

The Claim: A Massive Quiet Donation from “Prize Money”

The viral post alleges the pair used “their entire 2025 season prize money” for the school build, framing it as a personal sacrifice rooted in humble upbringings.

Fact-check: NCAA athletes don’t receive traditional “prize money” for seasons or tournaments. Revenue comes from tickets, merchandise, and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals post-2021.

Nebraska volleyball generates significant revenue (over $4 million in some years from tickets alone), but players earn through NIL partnerships – e.g., Murray’s adidas deal, team sponsorships.

No evidence of a $500,000 joint donation:

Searches across news outlets (ESPN, local Nebraska media, Huskers sites) yield zero reports. No announcements from Nebraska Athletics, charities, or the players’ social media. No school construction projects tied to them in rural Nebraska.

Quotes about “difficult circumstances” or specific childhood struggles don’t match known interviews – both come from supportive families in mid-sized towns, not extreme poverty.

The “hundreds of thousands in fan donations” and “Nebraska angels” nickname? Untraceable.

This echoes previous hoaxes: Exaggerated charity (e.g., cancer wishes, songs), emotional quotes, community backlash/tears – all for viral engagement.

Real Giving in Nebraska Volleyball

While fabricated, the story highlights authentic community spirit. Nebraska hosts:

Pink Matches honoring cancer survivors. Youth camps (Murray, Reilly, Jackson, and others led sold-out sessions in 2025-2026). Outreach visits and awareness events.

Players like Reilly have motivated teams by acknowledging survivors in crowds. The program supports causes quietly, but major donations would make headlines – especially $500K.

NIL has empowered athletes: Murray and Reilly likely earn well through deals, but nothing suggests this scale of giving (yet inspiring if true someday).

Why These Stories Spread – And Why Caution Matters

Viral posts thrive on aspiration: Stars “giving back” quietly, fans rallying. Nebraska’s passionate base (Go Big Red!) amplifies positives. But false narratives distract from real impacts and risk exploiting causes like child education/poverty.

As of January 2026, Murray and Reilly prepare for a title-contending senior year under coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Their true legacy? On-court excellence, leadership, and genuine fan connections – no need for invention.

This “heartwarming news” appears entirely unfounded – engaging fiction in a long line of athlete virals. Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly are already changing lives through volleyball inspiration. That’s the real gift worth celebrating.

If credible details emerge, trusted sources will cover it. For now, support verified Huskers initiatives and enjoy the upcoming season.