There’s a new name lighting up the 2026 recruiting boards—and he’s headed to Lincoln.
In what could be one of the most underrated recruiting victories of the cycle, Nebraska men’s basketball has landed a crucial commitment from four-star wing Collin Rice, a 6-foot-7 Swiss Army knife out of Waukee, Iowa. Rated No. 129 overall in the latest 247Sports rankings, Rice brings more than just a long frame and athletic versatility to Fred Hoiberg’s evolving roster—he brings credibility, upside, and momentum.
This isn’t just another addition. This is a blueprint.
Who Is Collin Rice?
If you haven’t heard of Collin Rice yet, that’s about to change. The rangy forward from Iowa is part of a growing wave of Midwestern prospects redefining what it means to be a modern wing. At 6-7, Rice offers a tantalizing blend of positional size, shooting touch, fluidity in transition, and defensive instincts. He’s the kind of prospect who can comfortably guard three positions and hit contested shots in rhythm—and who only seems to be scratching the surface of his potential.
Waukee, his high school, has quietly become a factory for next-level talent, and Rice is the latest prototype. A tireless worker, Rice has steadily climbed the recruiting ranks thanks to his performance on the AAU circuit and a string of high-efficiency outings during his junior season. He averaged double-digit scoring while shooting north of 40% from beyond the arc and showcasing a deadly midrange pull-up that’s already college-ready.
But it’s not just the stats that have evaluators buzzing—it’s the feel. The IQ. The body control. The way he finds cutting lanes before the defense even reacts. Rice has that rare combination of patience and aggression, the kind of mental balance that makes elite wings at the next level.
Why Nebraska? Why Now?
Let’s not pretend Nebraska has traditionally been a blue-blood basketball destination. But the narrative is changing—and Collin Rice just put an exclamation point on it.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg has quietly retooled the program with precision, targeting high-upside prospects who aren’t afraid to buy into a long-term vision. The commitment from Rice proves one thing loud and clear: top-tier talent is listening.
Rice had interest from other Power Five schools—Big Ten rivals included—but chose Nebraska. Why?
Opportunity meets identity. In Lincoln, he’s not just another cog in a machine. He’s a centerpiece. Hoiberg’s pace-and-space system is tailor-made for Rice’s skill set. The freedom to shoot. The emphasis on length and spacing. The chance to develop into a two-way impact player without being overshadowed by a one-and-done culture.
Rice’s commitment is not just a signal to fans—it’s a message to other top recruits: Nebraska is open for business.
The Big Ten Impact
With the Big Ten entering a new era of positional versatility and hybrid skill sets, Collin Rice may be arriving at the perfect time. Programs like Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois have long dominated the wing battles in the conference. Nebraska, often an outsider in the arms race, now has a legitimate chess piece that can shift matchups and influence tempo.
Against bruising Big Ten defenders, Rice’s smooth footwork and three-level scoring will be a nightmare to contain. He has the height to shoot over smaller guards, the handle to create space against slower forwards, and the athleticism to finish through contact.
Defensively, he’s no slouch either. His length allows him to clog passing lanes, and his lateral quickness means he can switch across multiple positions—something that’s becoming non-negotiable in modern Big Ten play.
More Than a Recruit—A Culture Shift
Landing a top-130 player like Collin Rice is about more than just rankings. It’s about changing perception.
For years, Nebraska has been knocking on the door, trying to convince elite talent to take a chance on Lincoln. Rice just did. And if he thrives, others will follow. You don’t build a contender overnight—but you do it one cornerstone at a time.
This is the kind of commitment that opens doors, reenergizes a fanbase, and gives Hoiberg and his staff real leverage on the recruiting trail.
What’s Next for Nebraska?
With Rice on board, Nebraska now has a foundation for a potentially explosive 2026 class. He’s the kind of wing you can build around, and his presence alone could lure additional playmakers or bigs looking to join a rising program with a vision.
And for Hoiberg, this may be his most important recruiting win since taking the helm.
Final Word: Keep Your Eyes on Collin Rice
Collin Rice isn’t the flashiest name in the class. But that might not last long. Once he gets to Nebraska, don’t be surprised if he outplays his ranking and becomes a household name across the Big Ten.
He’s got the frame. He’s got the skill. And now, he’s got the spotlight.
Nebraska basketball just got a whole lot more dangerous.
Stay tuned as the Cornhuskers continue building their 2026 class—and as Collin Rice turns heads across the Midwest and beyond.
