A Historic Opening
Le Moyne College will step onto the court in Lincoln on November 2, kicking off the 2026-27 men's basketball season with a game against the University of Nebraska. The matchup represents the Dolphins' first-ever meeting with a Big Ten program and their inaugural contest on Nebraska soil.
The game also marks the second time in recent memory that Le Moyne has faced a Big Ten opponent, having last played such a team in 2023. For the Cornhuskers, the contest is part of a non‑conference slate that will be fully revealed in the coming weeks.
Roster Overhaul and Expectations
Last season the Dolphins finished with a 15‑17 record, returning two letterwinners and a redshirt from that squad. This offseason the team added ten transfers and three freshmen, reshaping the roster with the aim of climbing back toward contention.
Nebraska, fresh off a 28‑7 campaign that included a Sweet Sixteen appearance, will field a squad that returns seven key players. Under head coach Fred Hoiberg, the Huskers are looking to build on their 15‑5 Big Ten record and maintain the momentum generated by a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Key Players to Watch
Among the returning Huskers, senior guard Pryce Sandfort stands out as the team's leading scorer, averaging 18.1 points per game and earning All‑Big Ten First Team honors. Freshman guard Braden Frager, who contributed 11.8 points per game last season, was recognized as the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
The blend of experienced returnees and new additions sets the stage for a competitive debut, with both programs eager to test their early‑season chemistry.