The Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team has unveiled a carefully crafted non-conference schedule for the 2025 season, aimed at building early momentum and boosting their NCAA Tournament resume. With a blend of competitive matchups, strategic neutral-site showdowns, and valuable early tests, head coach Fred Hoiberg is positioning the Huskers for a smoother road to March Madness.
Highlighting the slate is a high-profile neutral-site clash against the Oklahoma Sooners, a contest that offers both a challenging opponent and the potential for a résumé-defining win. Oklahoma, a Big 12 staple, has consistently hovered around the NCAA Tournament bubble in recent years, making this an early measuring stick for Nebraska’s tournament ambitions.
Before that, the Cornhuskers will host an exhibition against BYU — a program known for its tough, physical play and tactical discipline. While the game won’t count toward their regular season record, it promises to be a revealing test of Nebraska’s offseason development and roster chemistry. For a team that’s still integrating new transfers and returning talent, the BYU exhibition offers an invaluable warm-up against a Power Five-caliber opponent.
Another cornerstone of the non-conference schedule is Nebraska’s participation in the Hall of Fame Classic, a multi-team event that often features mid-tier power conference squads and strong mid-major programs. These games offer critical opportunities to face teams of similar caliber in a tournament-like setting, simulating the pressure and pace of March.
The strategy behind this schedule is clear: blend competitive matchups with opportunities for growth while avoiding overly punishing early-season losses. Hoiberg’s squad has faced criticism in past seasons for weak non-conference scheduling that failed to prepare them for Big Ten play or impress the NCAA selection committee.
This season, however, Nebraska appears to be shifting gears. With a more balanced and revealing slate, the Huskers are not only aiming to rack up early wins but also to prove their legitimacy on a national stage. If they can capitalize on this schedule, Nebraska may find itself dancing in March for the first time in over a decade.
