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Why Nebraska Basketball needs the Big East to improve in 2026-27 and how it benefits

ByTristan Freeman
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Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Coming off a historic campaign that marked their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance, Nebraska Basketball is looking to keep the momentum. Recently, the program released its non-conference schedule, featuring a trio of elite exhibition matchups and several high-major opponents after November.

Here’s a look at the top foes that the Cornhuskers will be dealing with before Big Ten play.

1. At Missouri Tigers

While there are multiple good teams in the mix, the one with the most potential for the Cornhuskers to face is Missouri. They have a pair of incoming five-star freshman prospects in Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant, along with potentially returning star big man Mark Mitchell, pending eligibility. With the game being on the road, it’s clearly the top matchup for the Cornhuskers.

2. Neutral vs Providence Friars

Providence added 10+ transfers this offseason under new head Bryan Hodgson. Among the notable players to watch includes Malik Mack (Georgetown), Miles Byrd (San Diego State), and Devin Vanterpool (Florida Atlantic). Expectations are high for the Friars and it could be a Quad 1 battle for Nebraska at the end of the season. 

3. At Creighton Bluejays

The annual rivalry battle is always a tough one for Nebraska but Creighton is in a transition process as a program, as longtime coach Greg McDermott has retired. New coach Alan Huss has a rebuilt roster, led by South Florida transfer Wes Enis, along with former Providence big man, Oswin Erhunwunse. It’s a roster that’s better than last year’s but we’ll see if the coaching change affects how competitive they are. 

4. Neutral vs Butler Bulldogs (in Chicago)

Butler is another program in the Big East with a coaching change, with Ronald Nored taking over. It’s a young roster overall with most of the players underclassmen, but former Kansas forward Samis Calderon could be a breakout player to watch. 

5. Vs Boise State Broncos (in Sioux Falls)

The Broncos have consistently been a top-100 program in the Coach Leon Rice era and after some roster changes, should be a threat again. Demari Wheeler-Thomas (North Dakota State), and former Campbell forward Dovydas Butka are two key newcomers for Boise State, with this neutral site battle not expected to be easy for the Cornhuskers at all.

Few high-major college basketball programs are as tough as Arizona Basketball. Last year, they opened the season against the Florida Gators, winning 93-87. The Wildcats went on to go unbeaten in the non-conference, beating four other ranked opponents at the time (UConn, UCLA, Arizona, Auburn). 

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