Nebraska's Historic Streak Ends in Devastating Loss to Michigan

Midnight Strikes: The End of an Era

In a thrilling showdown, Nebraska's remarkable 24-game winning streak came to a gut-wrenching halt on January 27, 2026, against the powerhouse Wolverines. This loss not only marks the end of the longest winning streak in Division I basketball since Kentucky's legendary 38-0 run but also serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in college sports.

​As I watched the game unfold at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, emotions ran high. Nebraska, a team that fought against all odds—despite missing star players—had led for much of the contest. But as Sam Hoiberg poignantly pointed out, beating a team like Michigan demands near perfection. Unfortunately, the Cornhuskers faltered at a crucial moment, failing to score in the final 3:20 and missing their last five shots.

“To beat Michigan, you have to play almost perfect, and we had a lapse at the end,” said Sam Hoiberg.

Resilience Amidsetbacks

It's important to acknowledge that Nebraska marched into this game not at full strength. Guard Rienk Mast sat out with an illness, while double-digit scorer Braden Frager was sidelined again due to an ankle injury. Yet coach Fred Hoiberg's squad still managed to perform admirably, demonstrating grit and determination against a formidable opponent.

“I give our guys a lot of credit for the fight they showed in the game from start to finish,” Hoiberg remarked post-game. His faith in the team remains unshaken, despite the setback. The overriding message? This loss serves as a valuable lesson, reinforcing that the Cornhuskers can compete at the highest level.

Charting New Territories

The streak had been a fairy tale for Nebraska fans—a nation astounded as a team with a modest basketball pedigree rose to national prominence, climbing to a historic No. 5 ranking in the AP Top 25. Once the final whistle blew, however, the focus shifted to what lies ahead. Nebraska's best start to a season at 20-1 is remarkable, but now, they face critical decisions that will define their season.

Historical Context: Facing the Odds

It's important to put this achievement into perspective. The Huskers have never won an NCAA tournament game, and their last regular season conference title dates all the way back to 1950. They've historically struggled in the competitive landscape of college basketball. Yet, they had managed to capture college basketball's collective imagination during this astonishing run.

Hoiberg's leadership has revitalized a program that, until recently, had lingered in the shadows. Winning 80 games and bringing home multiple victories against ranked teams can't be underestimated—they've proven their capability to compete.

The Road Ahead: Regroup and Intensify

With the unenviable task of regrouping, Nebraska's next game against No. 9 Illinois will serve as a litmus test for resilience and determination. Hoiberg's troops have already shown their ability to come back from double-digit deficits, so the expectation will be for them to find their footing once again.

Bright Futures and Unfinished Business

This single loss changes nothing in the grand scope. As the notion of a league title still looms and the opportunity to eradicate that painful NCAA tournament drought remains, Nebraska's players must view this as simply a bump on an otherwise promising road. The spirit and heartbeat of this team underscore their potential to reshape their narrative.

Nebraska has room to grow, and this loss could be the catalyst for a more profound resolve among the players. As fans, coaches, and players reflect, one undeniable truth stands out: Nebraska is no longer a team to overlook.