Beef travel to Salina for week two matchup

Omaha Beef @ Salina Liberty March 21st – 6:30pm CT Tony Pizza Event Center

Last week the Omaha Beef saw the Pueblo Punishers come into Liberty First Credit Union Areana and defeat the Beef 44-31. The loss snapped a 21-game home winning streak, and it was the first time since 2017 that Omaha lost the season opener. Due to injuries, suspensions, or organizational decisions, several pivotal players did not play vs Pueblo. This week Omaha renews a rivalry with the Salina Liberty as the Beef travels to Kansas for a 6:30pm kickoff at Tony Pizza Event Center. The Beef and Liberty played in three straight championship games while in the Champions Indoor Football League. In 2021 Omaha won 40-39 against Salina, in 2022 Liberty won at home 38-34, and in Ralston in 2023 Omaha won 50-30. This game will mark the 18^th meeting between these two teams, the fourth longest rivalry. (Sioux City (55), Sioux Falls (23), Billings (19))

Last week the Beefense had a strong first half only to see Josh Hollins heat up in the second half as Pueblo scored 32 unanswered points. Jaylen Perkins led Omaha with nine tackles and had one interception. Linebacker Raymond Cutts added seven tackles.

Tyler Lauenstein started at quarterback for the Beef and went 9 of 23 passing for 52 yards and threw two interceptions and one touchdown. David Ross picked up 31 rushing yards and one touchdown on 12 carries, while Lauenstein added 31 yards on four carries. Newly signed running back Tabyus Taylor and wide receivers William Langford and DeQuan Dudley look to provide more offense for the Beef.

Wide receiver/kick returner Otis Odom won week two Special Teams Player of the Week as he returned eight kickoffs for 204 yards including one for a touchdown.

Salina played the Joplin Assassin and won 61-0 in an exhibition game last week. Longtime head coach Heron O’Neal looks to continue the franchise winning ways as they start play in the NAL. The Liberty look to have another strong running game as Tracy Brooks returns along with veteran wide receiver Ed Smith Jr, Kavon Samuels, and Trae Jackson.

OTHER NOTES: 

Since 2018, Salina’s coach Heron O’Neal has faced the Beef 13 times, holding a 7-6 record in those matchups.

This game will be Brandon Negron's first matchup against Salina.

SW Kansas and Salina were in the Arena Football League in 2024 and in the Arena Football One League in 2025.

If you can’t travel to Salina with the team, join DJ K DuB Omaha at the official Omaha Beef Watch Party at Hurrdat Sports Bar in La Vista with pregame atmosphere starting at 5:30 PM.

Omaha Beef Coaches Show at Goose’s Bar & Grill in downtown Papillion.

2026 Omaha Beef Schedule (0-1)

Projected Starters

NAL Player of the Week Awards-

Otis Odom – Week 1 Special Teams POW

Web information

Livestream – NAL Network

Website – beeffootball.com

Facebook- facebook.com/TheOmahaBeef