Fred Hoiberg Leads Nebraska to Historic 14-0 Start: A Dream Season in Lincoln

On January 3, 2026, college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) highlighted Fred Hoiberg as a prime candidate for National Coach of the Year after Nebraska’s men’s basketball team achieved an unprecedented 14-0 start. Posting at 04:05 UTC, Rothstein emphasized:

“Many coaches at the top of college hoops are doing incredible jobs this season, but any conversation about the National Coach of the Year up to this point has to include Fred Hoiberg… Nebraska is doing things that it's NEVER done before.”

Many coaches at the top of college hoops are doing incredible jobs this season, but any conversation about the National Coach of the Year up to this point has to include Fred Hoiberg.

Why?

Nebraska is doing things that it's NEVER done before.

14-0.

A dream season in Lincoln.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 3, 2026

Why This Matters

Nebraska has long struggled to gain national prominence in men’s basketball. With a 130-season history recording 1,612 wins and 1,473 losses (.523 W-L%), sustained excellence has been rare. A 14-0 start in the Big Ten Conference, one of college basketball’s toughest leagues, marks a dramatic turnaround. It signals a program transformation under Hoiberg’s leadership, blending strategy, player development, and momentum building.

Fan Reactions

Reactions to Rothstein’s tweet ranged from celebratory to skeptical:

• Positive & Supportive:
  @402OverUnder: “Fred Hoiberg. Money in The Bank.”
  @NebraskaCubbie: “Potential bubble team let’s go!”
  Fans are celebrating Hoiberg’s strategic mastery and seeing Nebraska as a serious NCAA tournament contender.
• Skeptical or Questioning:
  @HuskerPhil11: “Bubble team?”
  Some doubt whether a 14-0 start guarantees long-term success, reflecting past struggles for consistency.
• Humorous & Lighthearted:
  @HuskerGI: “I can’t wait for that open bar in Lincoln.”
  Memes and playful comments reveal fans’ excitement and optimism.

Opinion & Future Expectations

Hoiberg’s success blends strategic coaching, player development, and momentum building. If Nebraska maintains this trajectory, a deep NCAA Tournament run is possible. Challenges remain: sustaining performance against elite teams and managing expectations as pressure mounts. However, the combination of historic achievement and fan enthusiasm gives Lincoln a rare sense of optimism amid Big Ten unpredictability.

This moment also signals something bigger: Nebraska basketball, often overlooked nationally, is now commanding attention. If Hoiberg continues to innovate and inspire, the Cornhuskers could redefine their legacy.

Summary

Fred Hoiberg has turned Nebraska into a national story with a 14-0 start. Fans are energized, skeptics cautious, but the trajectory points to historic possibilities for the program. Nebraska’s journey reflects how determination, strategy, and leadership can transform perceived underdogs into contenders.