Nebraska Huskers Lose Sophomore Guard Claire Johnson to Transfer Portal

Johnson averaged 3.5 points in 10.5 minutes per game in her lone season with the Huskers.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:36am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the player's movement and the competitive energy of the game.The departure of a key player like Claire Johnson adds to the roster uncertainty facing the Nebraska Huskers as they look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance.Paducah Today

After just one season with the Nebraska Huskers, sophomore guard Claire Johnson has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Johnson, a former standout at Samford, averaged 3.5 points in 10.5 minutes per game for the Huskers in 2025-26 as they made the NCAA Tournament. She will have two years of eligibility remaining at her next school.

Why it matters

Johnson was a highly touted recruit out of high school and had a strong freshman season at Samford before transferring to Nebraska. Her decision to enter the portal marks the third Husker player to do so this offseason, as the program faces some roster turnover heading into next season.

The details

Johnson joined the Huskers in May 2025 after one season at Samford, where she averaged 12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists as a freshman. In her lone year at Nebraska, she played in 31 games off the bench, but never quite found her footing, failing to match the scoring output of her season opener. Johnson's departure follows those of Jessica Petrie and Petra Bozan, who have also entered the transfer portal this offseason.

  • Johnson entered the transfer portal on April 6, 2026.
  • The transfer portal window opened on April 6 and closes on April 20, 2026.

The players

Claire Johnson

A 5-9 sophomore guard from Paducah, Kentucky who spent one season with the Nebraska Huskers after transferring from Samford, where she had a standout freshman campaign.

Amy Williams

The head coach of the Nebraska Huskers women's basketball team.

Jessica Petrie

A Nebraska Huskers player who has also entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Petra Bozan

A Nebraska Huskers player who has also entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Hailey Weaver

A Nebraska Huskers player who is graduating following the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“Claire is coming off an outstanding freshman campaign where she showcased her versatility, efficiency and ability to impact games. Her skillset, coupled with her maturity, focus and work ethic make her the perfect fit for the Huskers.”

— Amy Williams, Nebraska Huskers Head Coach

“The biggest thing for me is that I want to be around good people that want me to succeed and that are going to pour into me and that I can pour into. The people here are great, that's what instantly drew me [to Nebraska].”

— Claire Johnson

“I never really saw transferring in my future. It wasn't something I'd planned for. Our coach told us the day before the transfer portal closed that she was leaving. That was unexpected. I got to think about it with my parents and just talk about it. It was good to see what my options would be.”

— Claire Johnson

What’s next

The transfer portal window closes on April 20, 2026, giving Johnson two weeks to decide on her next destination after leaving Nebraska.

The takeaway

Johnson's departure from Nebraska adds to the roster upheaval the Huskers face as they look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance. Her decision to enter the transfer portal highlights the increasing fluidity of the college basketball landscape, where players are more willing to change schools in search of the right fit.