When Fred Hoiberg signed Jacob Lanier to the Nebraska basketball program, he knew he got one of the best players in the class. Earlier this week, the 4-star guard showed just what kind of talent he'll bring to Lincoln as he helped his Parkview High School to the Arkansas State Semifinals.
Lanier was named the MVP of his team's 73-46 win over West Memphis to move to the next round. He was named the MVP thanks to his eye-popping 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Lanier was a heck of a recruiting win for Nebraska, which was able to most notably steal him away from the in-state Arkansas Razorbacks. The 247Sports Composite has the guard as the No. 2 player in the state, the No. 14 player at his position, and the No. 96 player overall. Rivals Industry Rankings have him as the No. 2 player in the state, the No. 25 shooting guard in the class, and the No. 107 player overall.
🔴🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/SEvSRXJKGA
— Jacob Lanier (@IamJacob2026) March 7, 2026
Jacob Lanier's 35-point MVP performance shows Nebraska basketball landed a special talent
Lanier began his high school career at Maumelle High School, earning all-state honors as a freshman and sophomore, as he averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game as a freshman. He played for Gulf Coast Blue Chips on the UAA Circuit this spring, earning first-team honors for the circuit as he averaged 17.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Lanier was the MVP of the2024 Pangos All-American Camp Top 30 all-star game and attended the 2024 USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team April minicamp.
Lanier's squad plays Benton on Saturday with a trip to the state finals on the line. Should the Nebraska basketball signee's team win on Saturday, they'll take on the winner of Marion vs No. 1 ranked Farmington in the championship game next Saturday.