Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg Looks to Reload Through Transfer Portal

Cornhuskers coach seeks to replace key departures while maintaining team culture and style of play

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:27pm

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A dynamic, cubist-inspired painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a bold color scheme, conveying the energy and intensity of the sport.Nebraska's basketball program looks to rebuild through the transfer portal while maintaining its distinct identity and playing style.Lincoln Today

With the transfer portal now open, Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg is focused on finding the right players to replace key departures from last season's Sweet 16 team. Hoiberg is looking for transfers who not only fit the team's positional needs, but also its culture and playing style as the Cornhuskers look to build on their most successful campaign in recent memory.

Why it matters

Nebraska is coming off its best season in years, reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Maintaining that momentum will be crucial, as the Cornhuskers look to cement their status as a rising power in the Big Ten. Hoiberg's ability to navigate the transfer portal and find the right pieces to plug holes in the roster could be the difference between another deep tournament run and a step back.

The details

The Cornhuskers are losing two starting guards in Sam Hoiberg and Jamarques Lawrence, as well as starting center Rienk Mast. Hoiberg said the team will need to replace the production and leadership of those three players, particularly their two-way abilities. Beyond the positional needs, Hoiberg emphasized that any new additions must fit the team's culture and playing style, which has been a key factor in the program's recent rise.

  • The transfer portal officially opened on April 7, 2026.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska men's basketball team, who is looking to reload his roster through the transfer portal after the Cornhuskers' most successful season in recent memory.

Sam Hoiberg

A starting guard for Nebraska who is graduating, leaving a hole in the Cornhuskers' backcourt.

Jamarques Lawrence

Another starting guard for Nebraska who is graduating, further depleting the team's guard depth.

Rienk Mast

The starting center for Nebraska who has completed his college career, leaving a void in the Cornhuskers' frontcourt.

Pryce Sandfort

A returning player who Hoiberg says will be a key part of the team's plans going forward.

Braden Frager

Another returning player who Hoiberg expects to play a significant role next season.

Connor Essegian

A returning player who Hoiberg is looking to get back and incorporate into the team's plans.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, they have to fit the culture. They have to fit with the group of guys that we're gonna have coming back.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers

“A lot of this is going to revolve around Pryce (Sandfort) and Braden (Frager) and getting Connor (Essegian) back. But it's important to get a group that fits with those guys.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers

“If you look at this in a long-term approach, and that's what we sell, the kid has to be in the right system to their long-term potential and maximize their earning potential.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers

What’s next

Hoiberg and his staff will continue evaluating the transfer portal and speaking with potential recruits to find the right fits to replace their key departures. The team's returning core, led by Sandfort, Frager, and Essegian, will also be crucial in determining the direction of the program.

The takeaway

After reaching new heights last season, Nebraska is focused on reloading through the transfer portal to maintain its momentum. Hoiberg is prioritizing finding players who not only fill positional needs, but also seamlessly integrate into the team's culture and playing style, which has been a major factor in the Cornhuskers' recent success.