If you’re checking your phone or asking around for the score for the nebraska game, you’re likely seeing two very different worlds right now. On one hand, the basketball team is essentially setting the world on fire. On the other, the football season just wrapped up in a way that has plenty of folks in Lincoln talking—and not all of it is happy talk.
Honestly, being a Nebraska fan in early 2026 is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. You've got one team that can't seem to lose and another that's trying to figure out how to take that next big leap.
The Basketball Score: Nebraska vs. Northwestern
Let's get the most recent and exciting news out of the way first. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the No. 8 Nebraska men’s basketball team went into Welsh-Ryan Arena and absolutely dismantled Northwestern.
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The final score was Nebraska 77, Northwestern 58.
This wasn't just another win. This victory pushed the Huskers to an unbelievable 18-0 record. For those keeping track at home, that is the best start in the history of the program. It’s the kind of thing that feels a little surreal if you've followed Husker hoops over the last decade.
The game itself was kind of a tale of two halves. At halftime, it was a tight 34-29 lead for Nebraska. Northwestern was scrappy, hanging around and making life difficult. But then, the second half happened. Nebraska exploded with a 17-3 run that basically turned the lights out on the Wildcats.
Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager were the stars of the show, both dropping 20 points. Sam Hoiberg—who is quickly becoming a fan favorite for his grit—added 12 points and 7 rebounds. They looked like a team that actually expects to win every time they step on the floor, which is a massive shift in culture.
The Football Score: That Las Vegas Bowl Finale
If you were looking for the score for the nebraska game in terms of football, we have to look back just a couple of weeks to New Year's Eve. The Huskers traveled to Sin City to take on No. 15 Utah in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.
The final score was Utah 44, Nebraska 22.
It started out so promisingly. Nebraska actually led 14-7 after the first quarter. For a moment, it felt like Matt Rhule’s squad was going to pull off a signature upset to end the season. But Utah’s quarterback, Devon Dampier, went absolutely nuclear. He accounted for five total touchdowns, racking up 310 yards in the air and another 148 on the ground.
Nebraska’s defense, which had been solid for much of the year, just didn't have an answer for that kind of dual-threat athleticism. The Huskers finished the season 7-6. While a winning record and a bowl appearance is progress, that final score left a bit of a sour taste in the mouths of the Big Red faithful.
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Key Stats from the Las Vegas Bowl:
- Total Yards: Utah 535, Nebraska 343
- Turnovers: Nebraska 1, Utah 0
- Nebraska Top Performer: Mekhi Nelson (136 total yards, 1 TD)
The Gymnastics Score: A Tough Road Trip
Wait, there’s more. If you’re a fan of the "Big Red" across all platforms, the gymnastics team also had a major showdown on January 17. They traveled to Los Angeles to face No. 9 UCLA in their Big Ten opener.
The score was UCLA 197.325, Nebraska 195.250.
UCLA is a powerhouse, and Jordan Chiles was in peak form, even scoring a perfect 10 on vault. Nebraska put up a respectable fight, but you just can't give up that much ground to a top-10 team on the road.
Why the Basketball Score is Dominating the Conversation
The reason why everyone is buzzing about the 77-58 win over Northwestern isn't just the score—it's the context. Nebraska is currently tied for the best start by a Big Ten team since Ohio State went 24-0 back in the 2010-11 season.
They are playing a brand of basketball that is fast, efficient, and honestly, just fun to watch. Earlier in the week, on January 13, they beat Oregon 90-55. A 35-point win over a quality opponent? That doesn't happen by accident.
People are starting to realize that Fred Hoiberg has built something sustainable. The blend of veteran leadership from guys like Rienk Mast and the sheer scoring ability of the Sandfort/Frager duo is making Nebraska a legitimate threat to win the Big Ten and make a deep run in March.
What’s Next for Nebraska Fans?
If you’re tracking the score for the nebraska game, your calendar is about to get very busy. The basketball team is the main attraction right now, and every game feels like an event.
- Watch the Rankings: With the 18-0 start, expect Nebraska to climb even higher in the AP Top 25. They are already at No. 8, and a few more wins could see them in the top five.
- Football Recruiting: Even though the season is over, the "score" in the recruiting world is vital. Keep an eye on the transfer portal, as Matt Rhule is expected to be aggressive in fixing the defensive gaps exposed by Utah.
- Home Games: If you can get tickets to Pinnacle Bank Arena, do it. The atmosphere right now is reportedly the best it has been since the building opened.
The scores tell us that Nebraska is no longer just a "football school" in transition. It's a multi-sport program that is finally finding its footing in the modern Big Ten. Whether it's 77-58 on the hardwood or 22-44 on the gridiron, the numbers show a program that is undeniably relevant again.
Keep an eye on the basketball schedule for their next matchup, as the target on their back only gets bigger with every win. You should definitely check the local listings for the next Big Ten Network broadcast to see if this undefeated streak can survive the upcoming gauntlet of February.