Coach Fred Hoiberg continues to evolve Nebraska's roster with a blend of returning shooters, portal-ready scorers, and two versatile frontcourt freshmen. This may be one of the most balanced and well-spaced Huskers rosters yet.

Returning Core: Shooting, Grit, and Maturity

• Connor Essegian (10.7 PPG): One of the top perimeter threats in the Big Ten.

• Rienk Mast: Reliable post scorer and pick-and-pop big (12.3 PPG in '23–24).

• Berke Buyuktuncel: Versatile defender and floor stretcher at forward.

• Sam Hoiberg: Energy, effort, and smart rotation play.

• Cale Jacobsen & Braden Frager bring developmental upside.

Transfers: Scorers Who Fit Hoiberg’s System

• Kendall Blue (12.3 PPG – St. Thomas): Confident combo guard who can attack closeouts and finish.

• Pryce Sandfort (8.8 PPG – Iowa): Elite shooter with Big Ten pedigree.

• Jamarques Lawrence (9.9 PPG – Rhode Island): Combo guard with a scoring-first mindset.

• Ugnius Jarusevicius (16.2 PPG – Central Michigan): Under-the-radar forward with great feel and range.

• Jared Garcia (9.6 PPG – Tulsa): Mid-post scoring threat who plays hard.

• Will Cooper (5.3 PPG – Air Force): Depth at forward with rebounding instincts.

Freshman Class: Development Pieces with Promise

• Quentin Rhymes (3⭐️ F): Long, agile forward with shot-blocking and rebounding traits.

• Leo Curtis (3⭐️ C): Mobile big with upside as a rim protector.

Final Word: A More Balanced Hoiberg Squad

The 2025–26 Nebraska team might not have the flashiest names — but it has everything Hoiberg looks for: spacing, skill, IQ, and buy-in. Expect this squad to compete, frustrate opponents with its depth, and make noise in the middle tier of the Big Ten — with upside to climb.