After 106-64 opener, Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg is trying to build sustained success

A breakthrough season

Fred Hoiberg assembled a roster with varied skills and shaped it into a cohesive team. Nebraska opened the season 20-0 and drew national attention with an entertaining offense built around three-point shooting without depending on it exclusively.

The challenge now is to turn that breakthrough into lasting success. A strong season can come together quickly, but maintaining that level requires players to develop chemistry and perform consistently.

A strong opening night

Nebraska began its 2026-27 schedule Monday with a 106-64 victory over Le Moyne, which is new to Division I. Five Huskers scored in double figures. Starter Pryce Sandfort led with 20 points, while Cale Jacobsen added 16. Among the reserves, Connor Essegian scored 13 points in seven minutes, Damon Wilkinson had 11 in 15 minutes and Jacob Lanier scored 11 in 23 minutes.

The next game is Saturday against Providence in Uncasville, Connecticut, on a neutral court about an hour from the Friars’ campus. Providence opened with an 83-56 win over Maine on Monday.

New pieces join the roster

Hoiberg entered the season with a core that included Sandfort, Braden Frager and Jacobsen. Essegian also returned after missing a year with a right-ankle injury suffered last November.

The coach sought more size and talent for a demanding Big Ten schedule. Nebraska also lost senior leaders Sam Hoiberg, the coach’s son, and Rienk Mast to graduation.

The newcomers include freshman Colin Rice, a 6-foot-9 guard-forward from Waukee, Iowa, and 6-foot-6 freshman guard Jacob Lanier, who has drawn praise for handling the ball and running the offense. Transfers include 6-foot-10 forward Sam Orme from Belmont, 6-foot-5 guard Taj DeGourville from San Diego State, 6-foot-8 forward Kadyn Betts from Montana, 6-foot-11 center Boden Kapke from Boston College and 6-foot-5 guard Trevan Leonhardt from Utah Valley.

Big Ten tests ahead

The early praise for newcomers will give way to a clearer picture as the Huskers play more games. Their roles, minutes and ability to adjust to Big Ten competition remain to be seen.

Nebraska begins conference play Dec. 2 against Ohio State, after seven games. That stretch should offer a better sense of which players Hoiberg trusts for important minutes and how the rotation takes shape.

The season will also test who can deliver in key moments and contribute on defense. Hoiberg’s roster additions are intended to help Nebraska sustain its progress in a conference ready to respond after unexpected losses to the Huskers.