Sam Hoiberg: The Heart and Hustle of Undefeated Nebraska
LINCOLN, January 24, 2026 – While star transfer Pryce Sandfort fills up the scoring column, the engine of the No. 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers’ historic 19-0 start might just be the 6-foot guard who began his career as a walk-on. Sam Hoiberg, the son of head coach Fred Hoiberg, is finally receiving national attention as the indispensable, do-everything linchpin for the nation’s last remaining unbeaten Power Four team.
The Ultimate Glue Guy
Listed at 6-foot and 180 pounds, Hoiberg doesn’t possess the prototypical size or raw athleticism of a college basketball star. Yet, his statistical impact and relentless energy have made him a favorite of opposing coaches and a nightmare for opponents. Michigan State’s Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo, who has a long-standing connection to the Hoiberg family, recently called him his “favorite Husker.”
“I watched him get 10 rebounds the other night. It’s a joke,” Izzo said of the guard. “There’s not a kid in the Big Ten or NCAA basketball that plays harder than that kid.”
Hoiberg’s play has earned him a spot on national lists of the sport’s most “underappreciated” players, alongside names from Duke, Arizona, and Gonzaga.
By The Numbers: Hoiberg’s Impact
| Statistic | Value (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Season Averages | 8.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 53.8% FG |
| National Assist-TO Rank | 3rd (5.4-to-1 ratio, min. 3 APG) |
| Elite Rebounding Company | One of two players 6’0″ or under averaging 5+ RPG |
| Recent Steak | At least one steal in 7 consecutive games |
| Career Steals | 129, 8 away from Nebraska’s Top 10 |
Catalyst in Historic Run
Hoiberg’s value was on full display in Nebraska’s most recent victory, a 76-66 win over Washington on January 21. He contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, helping the Huskers secure their 23rd consecutive win dating back to last season—the longest active streak in the country.
His rebounding prowess is particularly anomalous for his size. He is Nebraska’s top defensive rebounder and averages just slightly less than the team’s starting big men, Rienk Mast (6.2 RPG) and Berke Buyuktuncel (6.1 RPG). Against Ohio State earlier this month, he grabbed nine boards.
“The main thing is I feel like I want to get every loose ball and I’m going to do everything I can to get it,” Hoiberg said.
Road Test Ahead
The seventh-ranked Huskers (19-0, 8-0 Big Ten) take their perfect record on the road to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-9, 3-5) on Saturday, January 24. Tip-off from Williams Arena in Minneapolis is set for 11 AM CT on FS1. A victory would give Nebraska its first 9-0 conference start since the 1965-66 season.
The team may have to navigate the upcoming stretch without key freshman Braden Frager, who suffered an ankle injury against Washington. Coach Fred Hoiberg has emphasized a “next man up” mentality, a philosophy embodied all season by his son, Sam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sam Hoiberg’s height?
He is officially listed at 6-foot, 180 pounds in the Nebraska program, though his father, Coach Fred Hoiberg, has joked that he’s closer to 5-foot-11.
How is Nebraska ranked?
The Cornhuskers are ranked No. 7 in both the AP and Coaches polls, the highest ranking in program history. They are one of only three remaining undefeated teams in Division I, alongside Arizona and Miami (Ohio).
What is Nebraska’s record?
Nebraska is 19-0 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play. Their 19-0 start and 23-game winning streak (dating to last season) are both school records.