# Nebraska Prepares for Season Opener

> Nebraska's head coach Fred Hoiberg says the season is 'now, it's for real' after exhibition play.
- Title: Nebraska Prepares for Season Opener | Shortify
- Summary: Nebraska's head coach Fred Hoiberg says the season is 'now, it's for real' after exhibition play. Nebraska's head coach Fred Hoiberg states the season is…
- Keywords: nebraska, fred hoiberg, le moyne, exhibition play, basketball, nebraska cornhuskers, 2026-27 season, sam orme, braden frager, damon wilkinson, boden kapke, leo curtis
- Source: Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI — https://si.com/college/nebraska/basketball/fred-hoiberg-recaps-huskers-exhibition-slate-previews-opener-le-moyne-01m64ejkx5aw
- Published: 2026-10-29T20:41:38+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nebraska, fred hoiberg, le moyne, exhibition play, basketball, nebraska cornhuskers, 2026-27 season, sam orme, braden frager, damon wilkinson, boden kapke, leo curtis
## Season Begins
Nebraska will host Le Moyne Dolphins at Pinnacle Bank Arena for its first game of the 2026-27 season after going 1-2 in exhibition play.
## Hoiberg's Takeaways
Head coach Fred Hoiberg met with the media Thursday to discuss his takeaways from the preseason slate and the biggest keys to success for the Huskers this year.
## Mistakes Matter
Hoiberg knows mistakes will matter more once the regular season begins, as Nebraska isn't without its flaws.
## Now, It's For Real
Hoiberg said, 'Now, it’s for real,' meaning this isn't 'Oh, we get to learn from this.'

> Now, it’s for real,” said Hoiberg. “This isn’t, 'Oh, we get to learn from this.’ You just can’t have any regrets; you can’t have any situations where we come back in where we didn’t execute the game plan and get stung that way.
## Learning Curve
Hoiberg emphasized that there will be a lot of learning lessons, especially in these earlier games.
## Sam Orme's Status
Belmont transfer Sam Orme, a 6-foot-10 senior, has been dealing with a hamstring/quad injury for several months.
## Orme's Stats
Orme averaged 12.7 points per game while shooting 56% from the field last season.
## Orme's Potential
Orme's ability to stretch the floor could give the Huskers another valuable weapon in the offense.
## Orme's Injury Concerns
Hoiberg isn't willing to rush Orme back into playing shape, as he's back to going full speed in non-contact practice portions this week.
## Orme's Return Timeline
Hoiberg will see how Orme is doing Saturday and decide if he's ready to play Monday or have another six days to prepare for the next game against Providence.
## Braden Frager's Performance
Lincoln native Braden Frager scored a team-high 28 points while adding 10 rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes against Kansas State.
## Frager's Impact
Hoiberg noted Frager's work on the glass impressed him most, as he recorded a double-double after challenging him earlier in the offseason.
## Other Transfers
Hoiberg is also looking to South Dakota State transfer Damon Wilkinson, Boston College transfer Boden Kapke, and sophomore big Leo Curtis to help on the boards.
## Team Strategy
Hoiberg emphasized the importance of having all three near-7-footers ready to contribute each night for Big Ten play.
## Key takeaway

Nebraska's head coach Fred Hoiberg states the season is 'now, it's for real' after exhibition play.