Huskers Büyüktuncel to Enter Transfer Portal

Nebraska loses key players as roster turnover continues under Fred Hoiberg

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college basketball game, with sharp planes of red, blue, and yellow colors overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.Nebraska's roster overhaul exposes the fractured state of the Cornhuskers' basketball program.Lincoln Today

Nebraska junior center Blake Büyüktuncel, a 6'10" starter the past two seasons, is entering the NCAA transfer portal along with two other Cornhuskers players. The team is also losing five seniors, leaving head coach Fred Hoiberg with a roster of just 10 players for next season, including only one returning starter.

Why it matters

Nebraska has struggled in recent years under Hoiberg, going 18-16 last season and failing to make the NCAA Tournament. The loss of key players like Büyüktuncel, a Turkish import, will make it even harder for the Huskers to compete in the Big Ten next season.

The details

Büyüktuncel, a junior from Turkey, started all 33 games for Nebraska last season, averaging 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. In addition to Büyüktuncel, 6'8" sophomore Justin Bolis and 6'6" freshman Quentin Rhymes are also entering the transfer portal. Nebraska is also losing five seniors, including key contributors Sam Hoiberg, Jamarques Lawrence, and Rienk Mast.

  • Büyüktuncel has been a starter for the Huskers the last two seasons after transferring from UCLA.
  • The NCAA transfer portal window is open from April 7 through April 21.

The players

Blake Büyüktuncel

A 6'10" junior center from Turkey who has started for Nebraska the past two seasons.

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska men's basketball team, who is facing significant roster turnover heading into next season.

Justin Bolis

A 6'8" sophomore forward from Lincoln, Nebraska who is also entering the transfer portal.

Quentin Rhymes

A 6'6" freshman guard who is entering the transfer portal.

Sam Hoiberg

A senior guard and one of the key players Nebraska is losing to graduation.

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What’s next

The Huskers will need to quickly rebuild their roster through the transfer portal and recruiting in order to be competitive in the Big Ten next season.

The takeaway

Nebraska's struggles under Fred Hoiberg continue, as the team faces significant roster turnover with the loss of key players like Blake Büyüktuncel to the transfer portal. The Huskers will have their work cut out for them to field a competitive team in the 2026-27 season.