Maryland Men's Basketball Faces No. 12 Nebraska in Tough Road Test

The Terps look to build on recent momentum as they take on the high-powered Cornhuskers

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Maryland men's basketball heads to Omaha to face off against No. 12 Nebraska in a key Big Ten matchup. The Terps have won three of their last five games, showing signs of improvement in head coach Buzz Williams' first season. However, they'll have their hands full against a Nebraska squad that started the season 20-0 and boasts a roster loaded with length and shooting prowess.

Why it matters

This game represents a major challenge for the Terps as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. A win over the highly-ranked Cornhuskers would be a significant resume-boosting victory for Maryland, while a loss would highlight the work still to be done under Williams' leadership.

The details

Nebraska has been one of the surprise teams in college basketball this season, racing out to a 23-4 record and a 12-4 mark in Big Ten play. The Cornhuskers are led by a trio of standout players - junior forward Pryce Sandfort, senior forward Rienk Mast, and senior guard Sam Hoiberg. Sandfort has been the catalyst, averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting 41% from 3-point range. Mast and Hoiberg provide complementary production on both ends of the floor. Nebraska's calling card has been its stifling defense, which ranks 15th nationally in points allowed per game.

  • The game is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.
  • Maryland and Nebraska last met in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when Buzz Williams' Texas A&M squad defeated Fred Hoiberg's Cornhuskers 98-83 in the first round.

The players

Buzz Williams

The head coach of the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team, in his first season leading the program.

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team, who is in his seventh season leading the program.

Pryce Sandfort

A junior forward for Nebraska, who leads the team in scoring at 17.9 points per game while shooting 41% from 3-point range.

Rienk Mast

A senior forward for Nebraska, who provides well-rounded production with 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Sam Hoiberg

A senior guard for Nebraska, who serves as the team's primary playmaker and also excels on the defensive end, leading the Big Ten in defensive win share.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready for the challenge that Nebraska presents. They are a very talented team that has had an impressive season so far.”

— Buzz Williams, Head Coach, Maryland Terrapins (Yahoo Sports)

“Our guys have worked hard to put ourselves in this position, but we know Maryland will be a tough opponent. We have to bring our 'A' game to get the win at home.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

After this game, Maryland will have just one more road contest remaining on its regular season schedule before the Big Ten Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between Maryland and Nebraska features two programs heading in different directions, with the Cornhuskers firmly established as a top-25 team and the Terps still working to build momentum under a new head coach. A win for Maryland would be a major statement, but the Terps will have to find a way to slow down Nebraska's high-powered offense and stifling defense to pull off the upset on the road.