Iowa forward Cooper Koch spent the majority of the NCAA Tournament displaying that sportsmanship isn't something he takes very seriously. That's why, despite Nebraska basketball not being able to exact its own revenge on Koch for his behavior after the Hawkeyes bounced the Huskers from the Sweet 16, NU fans didn't feel a great deal of pity for him after Illinois chased Koch's team from the Elite 8.
Understandably, Koch enjoyed the win over Nebraska more than most, considering how bitter rivals his team and the Huskers have become over the years. Still, he could have shown a bit of class and poise after the 77-71 victory on Thursday night. He very much did not. Instead, he chose to prance up the sideline in the final seconds of the third showdown of the seas, waving goodbye to Nebraska fans and yelling a sarcastic "Go Big Red" to the crowd.
That was hardly the first time Cooper Koch showed he's a poor winner. Before playing Nebraska, the Hawkeyes had to upset the Florida Gators in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. When they did notch the victory, Koch could be seen doing the "Gator Chomp" in the handshake line.
Go Big Red https://t.co/PA6pJs83Ya pic.twitter.com/SEoih27tp2
— Husker Hoops Central (@HuskerHC) March 29, 2026
Cooper Koch’s taunts gave Nebraska basketball fans little reason to sympathize after Iowa’s Elite 8 loss
That might have even been the reason the "Final Boss" a very muscle-bound Florida fan, attended the Sweet 16 wearing a Husker jersey. Unfortunately, the Final Boss seemed to jinx NU, and then when he wore an Iowa jersey in the Elite 8, Illinois beat Koch's team 71-59.
When pictures of Koch looking tearful after Iowa's loss on Saturday night surfaced on social media, Husker fans didn't feel bad for him. Karma apparently got to the young player eventually. Perhaps next time, he'll learn to show a little class when the Hawkeyes win a big game.
Assuming that Cooper Koch sticks around Iowa City for the 2026 season, it's a safe bet that Nebraska will want to see if he can handle losing a game against the Huskers better than he handled a big win.