Nebraska Men's Basketball Maintains 2-Seed in ESPN's Bracketology After First Loss

Huskers remain a top seed despite tight road loss to Michigan without two key players

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite losing their first game of the season at Michigan on Tuesday, the Nebraska Cornhuskers maintained their 2-seed in the latest ESPN Bracketology projections released on Friday. The 20-1 Huskers played the game without two of their top three scorers, Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, but still had a chance to tie the score on the final possession. Nebraska remains a 1-seed in the latest CBS Sports Bracketology as well.

Why it matters

Nebraska has been one of the dominant teams in college basketball this season, and their ability to maintain a high seed in Bracketology projections despite their first loss shows the respect they've earned from experts. The Huskers' performance without two key players also demonstrates their depth and resilience.

The details

Nebraska led for most of the game at Michigan before falling 75-72. The Huskers were without Rienk Mast, who was out due to illness, and Braden Frager, who was day-to-day with an ankle injury. Despite the absences, Nebraska had a chance to tie the game on the final possession.

  • Nebraska lost their first game of the season at Michigan on Tuesday, January 30, 2026.
  • The latest ESPN Bracketology projections were released on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team.

Rienk Mast

One of Nebraska's top three scorers, who missed the game against Michigan due to illness.

Braden Frager

One of Nebraska's top three scorers, who was day-to-day with an ankle injury and missed the game against Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Nebraska faces another major test on Sunday (3 p.m. CT, FS1) against visiting Illinois, a projected 2-seed, which is 18-3 overall and 9-1 in the Big Ten. The Illini's conference loss was to visiting Nebraska on Dec. 13.

The takeaway

Nebraska's ability to maintain a high seed in Bracketology despite their first loss of the season and playing without two key players shows the Huskers' depth and resilience. Their upcoming matchup against Illinois will be another important test as they look to solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country.