Nebraska Basketball Caps Historic Season with Sweet 16 Run

Huskers set program records for wins and tournament success despite early exit

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:05pm

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Nebraska's men's basketball team capped off the most successful season in program history, winning a record 28 games and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Iowa. The Huskers started the season on a 20-game winning streak, showcasing their depth and talent under head coach Fred Hoiberg.

Why it matters

Nebraska basketball has long struggled to establish itself as a consistent winner in the Big Ten, but this season's breakthrough represents a major step forward for the program. The Huskers' deep tournament run and record-setting campaign have generated significant excitement and optimism around the team heading into the offseason.

The details

Nebraska opened the 2025-26 season on a torrid 20-game winning streak, quickly establishing itself as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Led by a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense, the Huskers rolled through their non-conference schedule and conference play, setting a new single-season program record with 28 wins. Their strong regular season earned them a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to in-state rival Iowa.

  • Nebraska opened the 2025-26 season on a 20-game winning streak.
  • The Huskers set a new single-season program record with 28 wins.
  • Nebraska advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska men's basketball team, who led the Huskers to their most successful season in program history.

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What they’re saying

“This team has accomplished so much this season, and I'm incredibly proud of their effort and dedication. We'll use this experience to come back even stronger next year.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Men's Basketball

What’s next

Nebraska will look to build on this season's success and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2027, aiming to make an even deeper run.

The takeaway

Nebraska basketball has taken a major step forward, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.