Fred Hoiberg might already have the inside track to land this 2026 rising star

Nebraska basketball is pushing hard for a talented 2026 wing and one familiar face on the roster could give them an edge in this early recruitment.
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg walks onto the court
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Fred Hoiberg walks onto the court | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The Nebraska basketball team just started its offseason a few weeks ago but it looks like Fred Hoiberg is hitting the ground running recruiting wise. The Huskers have added quite a few transfer portal targets, now they’re moving towards landing one of the more talented small forwards in the 2026 class.

Not only are they making some serious progress on landing Colin Rice, but they might have a secret weapon in getting his commitment. The added irony is that one of Nebraska’s transfer portal adds is the secret weapon for Rice.

Nebraska basketball turns up the heat on 2026 SF Colin Rice with help from familiar face

Earlier this week, Rice reported he’d officially received an offer from the Nebraska basketball team. And not long after he made the announcement, new Husker Pryce Sandfort made it clear he’s fully behind the recruitment.

As it turns out, Sandfort and Rice attended the same high school. Sandford starred and Rice continues to star at Waukee Northwest out of Waukee, Iowa. The two players could have quite a bit to talk about should they both end up on the Huskers roster.

And at least for now, it looks like Rice and Sandfort could have the same alma maters in both high school and college. Rice has been projected to pick the Nebraska Cornhuskers when he does commit. 

Rice is currently a 3-star small forward who is considered the No. 59 player at his position and the No. 3 player in the state of Iowa in the 2026 class. At the moment, it looks like he is leaning towards the Nebraska basketball team after the May 1 offer.

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