The Nebraska men”s basketball team, currently ranked eighth, is enjoying a perfect season at 17-0. As they approach the midway point of the 2025-26 season, the upcoming schedule presents a series of challenges that could threaten their unbeaten record. While recent matchups against teams like Illinois and Michigan State garnered national attention, the next few games may be deceptively perilous.
With a winning record secured, the Huskers are favored to extend their historic start to 20-0, particularly as they prepare to face a challenging road ahead. Their next three games are crucial, and a loss in any of them would not come as a surprise to observers. Nebraska”s first test will be against Northwestern, a team that recently lost by only 11 points to No. 13 Illinois, indicating they are no easy opponent.
Following that, the Huskers will return home to play Washington, a squad that has shown resilience in their recent games, narrowly losing to both No. 4 Michigan and No. 5 Purdue. Washington also boasts a victory over an Ohio State team that challenged Nebraska just last week. However, Nebraska may benefit from the fact that the Huskies will have faced both Michigan and Michigan State in consecutive games before their matchup, potentially leaving them fatigued.
If the Huskers can navigate through these two games successfully, they will then head to Minneapolis to take on a Minnesota team that has secured wins against ranked opponents like then-No. 19 Iowa and then-No. 22 Indiana. Minnesota also pushed USC to overtime before narrowly losing, which illustrates the competitive nature of Big Ten basketball. In this conference, there truly are no easy nights.
This season, Nebraska has demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to various styles of play. In their recent victory against Oregon, they emphasized rebounding against a team noted for their prowess in that area. Head coach Fred Hoiberg remarked on the necessity of bringing a strong physical presence to the game, indicating that his players responded well to the challenge.
Against ranked opponents like No. 9 Michigan State, Nebraska effectively contained the Spartans” fast-paced transition game. Their offense also proved adaptable, keeping pace in shootouts against teams like then-No. 13 Illinois and Indiana.
Former Creighton coach and current Oregon head coach Dana Altman acknowledged the strength of this Nebraska squad, suggesting that they may be one of the best versions he has seen. Altman noted that Nebraska”s relentless defensive efforts, particularly those led by senior guard Sam Hoiberg, have been a key factor in their success. He stated, “They”re really connected offensively and defensively,” highlighting their ranking in defensive scoring.
As of now, Nebraska ranks 23rd nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of 65.8 points per game. Surprisingly, they do not excel in other major defensive categories such as steals, blocks, or defensive rebounds. This paradox illustrates their ability to limit opponents” scoring opportunities while capitalizing on their mistakes, as evidenced in their recent dominant performance against Oregon.
Altman expressed optimism about Nebraska”s prospects this season, mentioning their historical struggles in the NCAA Tournament. He indicated that their current form might finally allow them to overcome past disappointments. “They outraced us and outfought us at every turn,” he concluded, praising Nebraska”s aggressive play.
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