In the wake of a historic 2023-24 season, where the Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a 23-11 record and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014, Head Coach Fred Hoiberg faces a pivotal offseason. The challenge ahead involves navigating significant roster changes to maintain and elevate the program’s success in the 2025-26 season.
Departures and Gaps to Fill
The offseason commenced with notable departures that have left substantial gaps in the roster. Veteran forward Josiah Allick exhausted his eligibility, while freshman Matar Diop and junior Blaise Keita entered the transfer portal, depleting the team’s frontcourt depth. Additionally, the potential departure of starter Rienk Mast, who is contemplating his final year of eligibility, adds to the uncertainty. On the perimeter, the exits of sharpshooters Keisei Tominaga and C.J. Wilcher, along with point guard Jamarques Lawrence, have left voids in scoring and playmaking abilities.
Strategic Additions Through the Transfer Portal
In response to these departures, Hoiberg has been proactive in utilizing the transfer portal to rebuild the roster:
- Braxton Meah: The 7-foot-1 center transferred from Washington, bringing defensive prowess as a rim protector. Meah averaged 5.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season and was recognized on the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in 2022-23.
- Andrew Morgan: The 6-foot-10 forward from North Dakota State adds versatility to the frontcourt. Morgan averaged 12.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, with the coaching staff envisioning him facilitating offense from the high post.
- Connor Essegian: The former Wisconsin guard, known for his shooting accuracy, is expected to help fill the void left by departing perimeter players.
- Gavin Griffiths: The ex-Rutgers wing adds depth and athleticism to the roster, potentially enhancing both offensive and defensive schemes.
- Rollie Worster: The former Utah guard brings experience and ball-handling skills, which are crucial for orchestrating the offense in the upcoming season.
Recruiting and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Nebraska secured a commitment from in-state star Braden Frager, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Lincoln Southwest. Frager, who chose Nebraska over offers from Creighton, Iowa, and Iowa State, among others, is the first commitment for the 2025 recruiting class. His decision reflects a belief in the program’s upward trajectory under Hoiberg’s leadership.
Hoiberg’s Vision and the Road Ahead
Fred Hoiberg’s tenure at Nebraska has been marked by a methodical approach to building a competitive program. His strategy of leveraging the transfer portal to infuse experienced talent paid dividends in the recent successful season. The upcoming 2025-26 season presents an opportunity to solidify Nebraska’s status in collegiate basketball. However, the integration of new players and the development of team chemistry will be critical factors determining the Huskers’ success.
As the offseason progresses, the focus will be on how these new additions adapt to Hoiberg’s system and whether they can replicate or surpass the achievements of their predecessors. The Nebraska fan base remains hopeful that the strategic roster moves will translate into sustained success on the court.
