In a move that significantly bolsters the outlook for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, standout forward Pryce Sandfort puts off NBA aspirations to return to the university for another season. The announcement, made via the school’s official X account on Monday, April 13, 2026, confirms that the 3-point shooting specialist will remain in Lincoln to continue his collegiate career after weighing the possibility of entering the professional draft according to ESPN.
Sandfort’s decision comes on the heels of a historic run for the Nebraska program. The forward played a pivotal role in leading the Cornhuskers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament win and a subsequent appearance in the Sweet 16. His presence in the lineup provided a critical offensive spark, characterized by elite perimeter shooting and a high-volume scoring ability that transformed the team’s dynamic during the 2025-26 campaign.
The decision to return to school was not made lightly, as Sandfort reportedly drew significant interest from NBA teams. However, the 21-year-old athlete has opted to “bet on himself,” choosing to refine his game and solidify his legacy within the Big Ten Conference before transitioning to the professional ranks.
A Record-Breaking Season in Lincoln
Sandfort’s tenure at Nebraska has been nothing short of prolific. During the 2025-26 season, he started all 35 games and emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging 18.1 points per game per the Nebraska Athletics roster. His impact was most evident from beyond the arc, where he set a new program record by sinking 129 3-pointers in a single season.
This shooting volume placed him first in the Big Ten and fourth nationally with an average of 3.69 3-pointers per game. His efficiency remained high despite the volume, shooting 42 percent (specifically .416) from 3-point range. Sandfort contributed 4.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, although maintaining a field goal percentage of .477, ranking him 11th in the Big Ten via Nebraska Basketball stats.
His individual brilliance was recognized through a series of prestigious accolades in 2026, including:
- First-Team All-Big Ten (Coaches) and Second-Team All-Big Ten (Media)
- Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Late-Season Team
- NCAA Tournament All-South Regional Team
- NABC First-Team All Central District
- Lute Olson Award Finalist
The Path to the Cornhuskers: From Waukee to Lincoln
Sandfort’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of Nebraska basketball began in Waukee, Iowa. A standout high school athlete, he attended Waukee High School for two years, where he won a state title as a sophomore. He later moved to Waukee Northwest High School for his junior and senior years, where he excelled in both basketball and golf according to Wikipedia.
His high school statistics were dominant; as a junior, he averaged 26.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, and as a senior, he averaged 24.9 points and 11 rebounds. These performances earned him the title of 2023 Iowa Mr. Basketball. Despite being a three-star prospect ranked No. 135 nationally by 247 Sports, Sandfort initially committed to the University of Iowa, choosing them over offers from Nebraska, Clemson, Drake, Seton Hall, and Washington State via Wikipedia.
After two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes—where he evolved from a bench player averaging 2.3 points as a freshman to a sophomore averaging 8.8 points—Sandfort entered the transfer portal following the firing of coach Fran McCaffery. His subsequent transfer to Nebraska proved to be the catalyst for his breakout as a premier collegiate scorer.
Coaching Perspective and Future Outlook
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg expressed strong support for Sandfort’s decision to return, highlighting the athlete’s maturity and desire for further growth. Hoiberg noted that Sandfort feels there is “unfinished business” after the recent season and wants to place himself in the best possible position for a long-term professional career via ESPN.
By returning for another year, Sandfort aims to further solidify his legacy in Lincoln while continuing to lead a program that has recently broken through the NCAA Tournament ceiling. For the Cornhuskers, retaining a player of Sandfort’s caliber—especially one who holds the program record for 3-pointers—provides a massive tactical advantage heading into the next Big Ten season.
Key Statistical Impact (2025-26 Season)
| Metric | Stat/Rank | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 18.1 | Team Lead |
| Total 3-Pointers | 129 | Program Record |
| 3-PT Percentage | 41.6% | 4th Nationally |
| Games Started | 35 | All Games |
With Sandfort returning, the Nebraska Cornhuskers maintain one of the most dangerous perimeter threats in the country. The focus now shifts to the offseason training and the recruitment of supporting talent to complement Sandfort’s scoring prowess.
The next official update regarding the Cornhuskers’ roster and scheduling will be released by the university’s athletic department as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Sandfort’s decision in the comments below.