The Nebraska Huskers are set to make a triumphant return to Kansas City this fall as they gear up for the prestigious **2025 Hall of Fame Classic**. This highly anticipated event will take place on **November 20-21** at the **T-Mobile Center**, marking the tournament’s **25th anniversary** in Kansas City [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Historic Opportunity
The Hall of Fame Classic is one of the most celebrated early-season college basketball tournaments, bringing together top programs to compete in a high-stakes, bracketed format. This year, Nebraska will face off against **Kansas State, Mississippi State, and New Mexico**, all of whom are eager to make their mark on the national stage [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
For the Huskers, this tournament represents more than just another set of games—it’s a chance to showcase their talent, test their roster against elite competition, and build momentum for the upcoming season. Nebraska last appeared in the event in **2018**, when they fell to **Texas Tech**, the eventual NCAA runner-up, in the championship game [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Nebraska’s Strengths Heading into the Tournament
The Huskers enter the **2025-26 season** with a strong foundation, returning **five letterwinners** from last year’s squad, which finished with a **21-14 record** [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Among the key returning players are **Berke Büyüktuncel and Sam Hoiberg**, both of whom played pivotal roles in Nebraska’s success. Additionally, **Connor Essegian**, who averaged **10.7 points per game** off the bench last season, is expected to be a major contributor [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
One of the most exciting developments for Nebraska is the addition of a **top-20 ranked transfer class**, which will bring fresh talent and depth to the roster [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Huskers are looking to build on their recent success, including their championship victory in the **College Basketball Crown postseason event** last season [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### The Competition
Nebraska will face stiff competition in Kansas City. **Kansas State**, making its first appearance in the event since **2021**, is known for its defensive intensity and disciplined play. **Mississippi State and New Mexico**, both of whom earned **NCAA Tournament bids** last season, will also be formidable opponents [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Huskers will need to rely on their **team chemistry, defensive prowess, and offensive efficiency** to navigate the tournament successfully. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, Nebraska has the potential to make a deep run and possibly claim the **Hall of Fame Classic title**.
### Looking Ahead
Beyond the tournament, Nebraska’s participation in the **Hall of Fame Classic** signals their ambition for the upcoming season. The Huskers are determined to **compete at the highest level**, and this event will serve as an early test of their championship aspirations.
Fans eagerly await the **matchups, game times, and broadcast details**, which will be announced in the coming months [A](https://huskers.com/news/2025/4/24/huskers-to-play-in-2025-hall-of-fame-classic?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJuS0xIUUc0Wm9kbk1iQThCRUxWU0EiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidk5paDR4OTRiYTFNd0RMSnk4VWhNIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaHVza2Vycy5jb21cL25ld3NcLzIwMjVcLzRcLzI0XC9odXNrZXJzLXRvLXBsYXktaW4tMjAyNS1oYWxsLW9mLWZhbWUtY2xhc3NpYyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Until then, Nebraska’s players and coaching staff will continue their preparations, knowing that **Kansas City awaits**.
Would you like me to refine any part or add more details?
