Hoiberg Stays Upbeat After Nebraska's First Loss: 'We Can Compete With Anyone'

College Sports · By Sarah Mitchell · January 28, 2026
Hoiberg Stays Upbeat After Nebraska's First Loss: 'We Can Compete With Anyone'

Nebraska men's basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg is maintaining a positive outlook following his team's first loss of the season to Michigan. The defeat, while disappointing for the previously unbeaten Cornhuskers, has not dampened Hoiberg's belief in his squad's potential to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

Hoiberg emphasized the strides Nebraska has made this season, pointing to the team's strong start as evidence of their ability to go toe-to-toe with top programs across the country. The coach's confidence comes in the wake of a hard-fought game against Michigan, which handed the Cornhuskers their first loss after a promising run of victories.

While the loss may have ended the perfect record, Hoiberg sees the result as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. He remains focused on building resilience and preparing the team for the challenges ahead in the highly competitive college basketball landscape. The coach has stressed the importance of maintaining perspective, recognizing both the progress made and the work still to be done as Nebraska continues through conference play.

  • Nebraska started the season undefeated before the Michigan game
  • The loss marked their first setback of the campaign
  • Hoiberg is emphasizing team growth and national competitiveness moving forward

With the Big Ten schedule intensifying and postseason aspirations within reach, Nebraska's response to adversity will be closely watched. Hoiberg's message is clear: despite the loss, the Cornhuskers have shown they belong among the nation's elite.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN College Sports