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Creighton Today
By the People, for the People
Nebraska Basketball's Frontcourt Woes Threaten Big Ten Title Hopes
Fred Hoiberg's team has thrived this season, but its lack of size could be its downfall in the Big Ten Tournament.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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Despite a strong start to the season, Nebraska basketball has hit a rough patch in February, losing three of its last four games. The Cornhuskers' lack of size in the frontcourt has been exposed, particularly in losses to top-15 teams like Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue. While Nebraska has been efficient on offense, its inability to create second-chance opportunities and defend the glass has been a persistent issue that could cost it in the Big Ten Tournament.
Why it matters
Nebraska has had one of its best seasons in program history, but the team's frontcourt deficiencies could derail its hopes of winning the Big Ten title. The Cornhuskers have struggled against the conference's biggest and most physical teams, and they'll likely have to face a gauntlet of those opponents in the Big Ten Tournament.
The details
Nebraska began the season without one of its biggest stars, guard Keisei Tominaga, who exhausted his NCAA eligibility. Despite this, the Cornhuskers have been one of the best teams in college basketball, reaching as high as No. 5 in the AP poll. However, a recent 1-3 stretch has exposed their biggest weakness - a lack of size and physicality in the frontcourt. Nebraska's efficient offense relies heavily on 3-point shooting, and the team struggles to create second-chance opportunities or defend the glass. In losses to Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue, the Cornhuskers were outrebounded and struggled to match up with their opponents' size.
- Nebraska began the season by winning its first 20 games.
- In February, Nebraska has lost three of its last four games.
- Nebraska's losses to Michigan, Illinois, and Purdue all came within a two-week span.
The players
Fred Hoiberg
The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who has turned the program into a Big Ten and national title contender.
Rienk Mast
A fifth-year forward for Nebraska who was hospitalized due to severe dehydration and returned too quickly, affecting the team's performance.
Braden Frager
A player for Nebraska who returned from injury and led the team with 20 points in a loss to Illinois.
What’s next
If Nebraska is going to win its first Big Ten Tournament in 2026, it will have to face some combination of Michigan, Illinois and Purdue again. Winning the conference will require facing them all in the same week.
The takeaway
Nebraska's impressive season has been marred by its inability to match up with the Big Ten's biggest and most physical teams. The Cornhuskers' lack of size in the frontcourt could ultimately be their downfall in the conference tournament, where they'll likely have to face a gauntlet of those opponents.
