Nebraska's Hoiberg Named AP National Coach of the Year

Huskers' historic 2025-26 season earns Hoiberg top coaching honor

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:22am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic energy and emotion of a college basketball coach leading his team, with the coach's face dissolved into unrecognizable brushstrokes.Nebraska's breakout season under Fred Hoiberg's coaching ignites a vibrant celebration of the program's resurgence.Omaha Today

Fred Hoiberg was named the 2026 Associated Press National Coach of the Year, capping off a historic season for the Nebraska men's basketball program. The Huskers enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025-26 under Hoiberg's leadership.

Why it matters

Hoiberg's award recognizes Nebraska's remarkable turnaround, as the Huskers emerged as a national power after years of struggling in the Big Ten. The honor puts the spotlight on the program's resurgence and Hoiberg's coaching acumen in developing the team into an NCAA Tournament contender.

The details

Hoiberg led Nebraska to a 28-6 overall record and a 16-4 mark in Big Ten play, guiding the Huskers to their first regular season conference title since joining the league in 2011. Nebraska also earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the program's highest tournament seeding in over a decade.

  • Hoiberg was named AP National Coach of the Year on April 4, 2026.
  • The Huskers finished the 2025-26 season with a 28-6 overall record and a 16-4 conference mark.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska men's basketball team, who led the Huskers to a historic season and their first Big Ten regular season title.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

The men's basketball team at the University of Nebraska, which enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 campaign under Hoiberg's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Fred Hoiberg has done an incredible job in turning Nebraska basketball into a national power. This award is well-deserved recognition for the work he and his staff have put in to build this program.”

— Bill Moos, Nebraska Athletic Director

What’s next

Hoiberg and the Huskers will look to build on their success in the 2026-27 season, as they aim to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Hoiberg's AP National Coach of the Year award is a testament to his ability to transform Nebraska basketball into a consistent winner. The Huskers' breakthrough season has put the program on the national map and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.