Nebraska’s men’s basketball program is gearing up for a packed preseason, with a trio of exhibition contests slated before the regular season begins. The schedule promises early tests that will help shape the team’s chemistry and gauge the impact of key returnees.
A busy preseason roadmap
The first contest arrives on October 9 when the Huskers travel to face Saint Louis, followed by a home game against BYU on October 16. The final preseason appearance will be on October 26, when Nebraska hosts Kansas State in Grand Island, marking the third exhibition game of the year.
Adding to the excitement, several notable players who missed much of last season are slated to return. Pryce Sandfort, Braden Frager and Connor Essegian are expected to be fully available after recovering from previous injuries, giving the coaching staff a deeper roster to experiment with.
Returning talent and injury context
Connor Essegian, who missed the majority of the previous campaign due to an ankle injury, is now back in full health. His presence, alongside Sandfort and Frager, is anticipated to bolster the team’s perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. The coaching staff, led by head coach Fred Hoiberg and assistant Casey Alexander, has emphasized integrating these players into the offensive schemes while maintaining defensive intensity.
The exhibition schedule also reflects a broader policy change for the 2026‑27 season, which permits schools to play up to three preseason games. This flexibility allows Nebraska to fine‑tune its lineup against a variety of opponents before entering conference play.
Beyond the on‑court action, the games provide an opportunity for community engagement, with the Grand Island matchup offering a chance for local fans to experience Big Ten basketball up close. The events are expected to draw significant attendance and generate enthusiasm as the program moves toward the official start of the season.