Nebraska Basketball to Face Kansas State in Exhibition
The Cornhuskers head to Grand Island on Monday to refine their rotation and strategy before the season opener.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Nebraska is set to play Kansas State in an exhibition game on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the BigIron Events Center in Grand Island. Coming off two exhibition losses, the team is looking to stabilize its performance after a historic 2025-26 Sweet 16 campaign.
Why it matters
The coaching staff is using high-stakes exhibition contests to identify specific weaknesses in rebounding and turnover prevention. Facing a challenging opponent like Kansas State allows the team to test its depth and overall rotation ahead of the regular season.
Cale Jacobsen has been a focal point early, logging 28.5 minutes per game across two contests. The team enters this matchup ranked No. 27 in the preseason polls, following a finish at No. 14 last year.
The players
Fred Hoiberg
He serves as the head coach for the Nebraska men's basketball program and previously coached in the NBA.
Cale Jacobsen
He is a key contributor for Nebraska who has played significant minutes during the current preseason.
Sam Orme
He is a 6-foot-10 player for the Cornhuskers who is currently working through a hamstring injury.
The details
Head coach Fred Hoiberg plans to use a deeper rotation for this exhibition, aiming to increase starter minutes as the team adjusts. The staff is managing the recovery of 6-foot-10 player Sam Orme, while attempting to improve defensive efficiency after an opponent hit 19 three-pointers in a previous game.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Fred Hoiberg met with the media.
Monday, October 26, 2026: Nebraska plays Kansas State in an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. CDT.
November 2, 2026: The team begins their regular season opening game.
Season Trajectory
Building on the momentum of the 2025-26 Sweet 16 appearance, the program is attempting to maintain its status as a top-tier contender despite a difficult preseason start. These games against major opponents are essential for stabilizing the rotation before Big Ten conference play begins.
Cale Jacobsen's heavy minute load suggests he will be a primary rotation piece in the regular season. The team's ability to limit opponent three-point shooting remains a key metric for fans watching the team's defensive progress.
The takeaway
The team must shore up its defensive perimeter to match the high expectations set by their previous top-15 national ranking. Focusing on fundamentals like rebounding and ball security will be the primary measure of success heading into the official season start.
What happens next
The Nebraska regular season is scheduled to open on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more coverage of the program, visit Lincoln Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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