Nebraska Basketball to Face Oklahoma at Sanford Pentagon in Anticipated Non-Conference Showdown to Elevate 2025-26 Season Profile

Nebraska men’s basketball officially announced that it will face the University of Oklahoma at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during the 2025-26 non-conference slate. The highly anticipated matchup, scheduled for a yet-to-be-determined date in the early part of the season, adds a layer of intrigue and excitement for fans of both programs as they continue their respective climbs in college basketball’s competitive landscape.

The neutral-site clash between Nebraska and Oklahoma brings together two Power Five programs with passionate fanbases, ambitious coaches, and a shared desire to elevate their status within the national picture. For Nebraska, often dubbed “Nebrasketball” by its faithful, this game represents more than just a solid early-season test — it’s a barometer for the program’s growing aspirations under head coach Fred Hoiberg. For Oklahoma, it’s a chance to showcase a new-look roster and prove themselves against Big Ten competition.

The Sanford Pentagon, a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of Sioux Falls, has increasingly become a hub for marquee college basketball matchups. With its intimate yet professional environment and a seating capacity just over 3,000, the venue offers a unique experience for fans and players alike. Over the years, the Pentagon has hosted programs like Baylor, Gonzaga, Iowa, and Creighton — now, Nebraska and Oklahoma add their names to that list.

For Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers, the matchup provides an early opportunity to test the cohesion of a retooled roster. The 2025 offseason has already brought significant roster turnover, as is the norm in the transfer portal era. But after reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2024 for the first time in a decade, and narrowly missing a return in 2025, Hoiberg’s squad is expected to feature a promising blend of returning veterans, impact transfers, and a few highly-touted freshmen.

Nebraska’s backcourt should be a focal point once again. While the official roster for the 2025-26 season is still in flux, sources close to the program indicate a deep guard rotation headlined by returning starter Brice Williams and transfer acquisition TJ Johnson from the SEC. Williams emerged as a versatile two-way player during the 2024-25 campaign, providing the Huskers with floor spacing, defensive grit, and leadership. Johnson, meanwhile, is expected to bring a scoring punch and athleticism that could transform the tempo of Nebraska’s offense.

Down low, Nebraska will likely lean on sophomore forward Isaac Traudt, who redshirted his freshman year but came into his own last season as a stretch-four with a reliable outside shot. Complementing him in the post could be Jamarion Sharp, a towering rim protector who transferred in from Western Kentucky two seasons prior and made headlines with his shot-blocking ability. Sharp’s length and presence inside could be crucial against Oklahoma’s bigs, especially given the Sooners’ traditional emphasis on rebounding and interior play.

The matchup also serves as an early test for Nebraska’s defensive identity, something Hoiberg has worked to reshape over his tenure in Lincoln. After fielding one of the nation’s most porous defenses during his first two seasons, the Huskers have become a more formidable unit thanks to increased size, improved perimeter communication, and an emphasis on defending without fouling. If Nebraska can slow down Oklahoma’s transition attack and control the glass, the Pentagon game could become a statement win.

From the Oklahoma perspective, the game represents an opportunity to further acclimate to new head coach Ryan Humphrey’s system. After taking over for Porter Moser following the 2024-25 season, Humphrey has infused the program with energy, recruiting savvy, and a defensive-minded philosophy. A former Notre Dame standout and long-time assistant with experience at the NBA and collegiate levels, Humphrey has already generated optimism in Norman for a turnaround campaign.

Though the Sooners fell short of an NCAA Tournament berth in 2025, they did notch several notable wins in Big 12 play and demonstrated growth down the stretch. A return to the postseason is the expectation heading into 2025-26, and matchups like the one against Nebraska will be critical for building a résumé worthy of consideration in March.

Oklahoma’s roster also features intriguing talent. The backcourt will be paced by sophomore phenom Elijah George, a high-IQ playmaker who flashed star potential last season. George’s ability to break down defenses, distribute in the half court, and hit timely jumpers makes him a matchup problem. Alongside him is combo guard Dre Harrell, a three-level scorer and aggressive defender who gives Oklahoma balance on both ends.

In the frontcourt, Oklahoma will rely on a trio of athletic forwards — most notably, Marcus McBride, a high-motor rebounder with NBA potential, and Kelton Ridgeway, a 6-foot-9 swing forward who transferred in from the Pac-12. Ridgeway’s ability to stretch the floor with his outside shot while also guarding multiple positions makes him a potential x-factor against Nebraska’s hybrid forwards.

The Sooners’ identity under Humphrey will likely revolve around defensive intensity and rebounding, both of which could decide the game in Sioux Falls. If Oklahoma can limit Nebraska’s second-chance opportunities and push the pace off turnovers, they could gain the upper hand early. However, should Nebraska dictate the tempo and slow the game to a half-court battle, the outcome may favor the Big Ten program.

Playing at the Sanford Pentagon brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. While neither team will have true home-court advantage, Nebraska may have a slight edge given the game’s geographic proximity to Lincoln. Sioux Falls is a manageable drive for Cornhusker fans, and the growing support for Hoiberg’s program means red may be the dominant color in the stands.

The venue’s history also adds an element of prestige. Since opening in 2013, the Sanford Pentagon has been a site where top-tier programs come to test themselves. The facility’s hardwood, dubbed “Heritage Court,” pays homage to classic gymnasiums of basketball’s early days, with vintage aesthetics combined with modern amenities. Coaches routinely praise the Pentagon for its atmosphere and hospitality, making it an ideal setting for a high-level non-conference showdown.

The Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry, while more storied on the football field, also carries weight on the hardwood. The programs have met 138 times historically, with Oklahoma holding a narrow edge in the all-time series. Their last meeting came during the 2010-11 season when both schools were still members of the Big 12. Since then, realignment has separated the two, but matchups like this one help rekindle old conference ties and create fresh storylines for a new generation of fans.

For Nebraska, the game is also a continuation of a scheduling philosophy that seeks to challenge the team early and often. Hoiberg has long emphasized the value of testing his team in non-conference play — whether through neutral-site games, early tournaments, or true road contests — as a way to build cohesion and earn respect in the national rankings. A win over a major-conference opponent like Oklahoma, especially in a high-visibility venue like the Pentagon, could pay dividends come Selection Sunday.

Moreover, the game fits neatly into Nebraska’s broader strategy of expanding its brand regionally. With recruiting efforts increasingly stretching beyond the Midwest, playing games in neutral but fan-accessible sites like Sioux Falls gives the program additional exposure. It’s also a chance to reward fans outside Lincoln with a high-quality matchup in their own backyard.

Oklahoma, too, benefits from the spotlight. As they transition under a new coaching staff and seek to reestablish themselves as consistent contenders in the Big 12, non-conference wins over Big Ten opponents are especially valuable. It’s also a showcase opportunity for their young core, particularly in a setting that simulates postseason intensity.

While there is still plenty of offseason to go before the 2025-26 schedule officially tips off, this announcement has already sparked excitement among college basketball enthusiasts. The Sanford Pentagon matchup between Nebraska and Oklahoma is expected to be televised nationally, with networks eager to highlight early-season contests featuring major programs. Tipoff time and broadcast details will be released closer to the start of the season.

In a landscape where high-stakes, non-conference games increasingly define teams’ tournament outlooks, this one stands out. It’s not just a game — it’s a proving ground. Two proud programs. Two fanbases hungry for March relevance. One court in Sioux Falls.

As the countdown to the 2025-26 season continues, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Sanford Pentagon when Nebraska and Oklahoma step onto the floor.