Honestly, if you told a Nebraska fan back in October that they’d be sitting at 17-0 in the middle of January, they would have probably asked what you were drinking. It’s unheard of. This program isn't exactly known for "historic undefeated starts" or "crushing the Big Ten gauntlet." But here we are. The latest nebraska men's basketball results aren't just a fluke; they're a total demolition of the status quo in Lincoln.
As of January 14, 2026, the Huskers are the talk of the country. They just dismantled Oregon 90-55 at a packed Pinnacle Bank Arena last night. That win didn't just move them to 17-0—it extended a winning streak that dates back to last season and put the rest of the conference on notice. People keep waiting for the "Nebraska" of it all to kick in—the late-game collapse or the scoring drought that lasts eight minutes.
It hasn't happened.
Why the Current Nebraska Men's Basketball Results are Breaking Records
Usually, Nebraska basketball is about "potential" and "rebuilding." Not this year. The 17-0 start (and 6-0 in the Big Ten) is the best conference opening since the 1965-66 season. Think about that. LBJ was in the White House the last time a Husker team started league play this hot.
What’s wild is how they’re doing it. They aren't just grinding out ugly wins. They are torching people from deep. In that Oregon game, Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager combined for 51 points. They hit 14 of the team's 17 three-pointers. When you have two guys who can go for seven triples each on any given night, you’re basically impossible to guard. Fred Hoiberg has finally found the "system" guys he's been looking for since he got to Lincoln.
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The win at Indiana last Saturday was probably the most "real" moment of the season so far. They were down 16 in the second half. Most Nebraska teams in the past would have packed it in, especially in a hostile environment like Assembly Hall. Instead, Jamarques Lawrence went off for 27 points, and the Huskers dropped 53 in the second half to win 83-77. That’s the kind of result that changes a program's DNA.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 17-0
- Big Ten Record: 6-0 (1st Place)
- AP Ranking: Currently No. 8 (Highest in 60 years)
- Points Per Game: 81.7
- Opponent PPG: 65.8
- Key Wins: @ Illinois (83-80), Michigan State (58-56), Creighton (71-50), @ Indiana (83-77).
The Hoiberg Evolution and the "PBA" Factor
Let's be real: the first few years of the Fred Hoiberg era were rough. There's no other way to put it. There was the transfer portal revolving door and a lot of nights where the offense looked stagnant. But something clicked with this specific roster construction.
Rienk Mast is the anchor. He’s averaging 16 points and nearly 7 rebounds, but his value is really in his passing. Having a big man who can facilitate from the top of the key opens up everything for shooters like Sandfort and Frager. Then you have Sam Hoiberg. He’s the "glue guy" every team hates to play against. He had five steals in the first half against Oregon. He just ruins the opponent's rhythm.
The atmosphere at Pinnacle Bank Arena (PBA) has become a legitimate problem for visiting teams. The attendance for the Oregon game was 15,163—a complete sellout. When the crowd gets into it during one of those 14-2 runs the Huskers are known for, it’s deafening. It’s finally a true home-court advantage.
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Upcoming Schedule: Can They Stay Unbeaten?
The road ahead is brutal. That’s the Big Ten for you.
- January 17: @ Northwestern (Welsh-Ryan Arena is always a trap)
- January 21: vs. Washington (The Huskies are a wild card this year)
- January 24: @ Minnesota (The Barn is never easy)
- January 27: @ Michigan (This will be a massive top-15 showdown)
The Michigan game at the end of the month is the one everyone has circled. The Wolverines are currently 14-1 and looking like the only team that can keep pace with Nebraska’s scoring output. If the Huskers can get through that Ann Arbor trip with their "0" intact, we’re talking about a potential No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
What This Means for the Postseason
The nebraska men's basketball results we're seeing right now aren't just about regular-season glory. They are building a resume that the selection committee can't ignore. Last season, the team missed the Big Ten tournament due to tiebreakers. This year, they are the hunted.
The biggest misconception is that this is a "lucky" shooting team. While 17 threes against Oregon is high, the defensive metrics are actually what’s keeping them in games when the shots don't fall. They’re holding opponents to 38% from the field. They are top-30 in defensive efficiency. You can’t just "out-hot" Nebraska because they’ll just lock you down on the other end.
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Honestly, the "Nebraska can't win in March" narrative is the last hurdle. But with the way Lawrence and Sandfort are playing, and the veteran leadership of Mast, this feels different. It’s not just a good start; it’s a complete transformation.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Turnovers: Nebraska is currently 15th in the nation in fewest turnovers per game. If that number stays under 10, they win.
- Monitor the Road Performance: They’ve won in Champaign, Columbus, and Bloomington. The upcoming trip to Ann Arbor is the final litmus test for their championship ceiling.
- Check the AP Poll: Expect a jump into the Top 5 if they handle Northwestern this weekend.
The Huskers are officially a basketball school. At least for right now. Enjoy the ride, because results like these don't come around often in Lincoln.
Stay updated on the live box scores for the Northwestern game on the official Huskers athletics site to see if the streak hits 18. Keep an eye on the injury report for any updates on the rotation before the Michigan road trip.