Colin Rice Finds His Fit at Nebraska: A Rising Star Embracing the Huskers’ Culture and Future
When Colin Rice talks about his college decision, it’s not about flash or fame-it’s about family. The four-star wing out of Waukee Northwest (Iowa) wasn’t just looking for a basketball program.
He was looking for a home. And in Nebraska men’s basketball, he found exactly that.
“It started with the family aspect,” Rice said. “Just how awesome they were, how nice they were, and the trust in their basketball knowhow.” That trust-both in the coaching staff and the program’s vision-helped seal the deal for one of the Midwest’s top 2026 recruits.
Rice’s connection to Nebraska runs deeper than just a recruiting pitch. Pryce Sandfort, a fellow Waukee Northwest alum and close friend, played a key role in Rice’s confidence in the Huskers. But Rice made it clear-his interest in Nebraska came before Sandfort even entered the transfer portal.
“They were recruiting me so much longer,” Rice said. “Even when I was going to Iowa games to watch Pryce, I didn’t really want to be there. (Nebraska) was always home from the moment they offered me.”
It’s easy to see why Rice feels at home. The Huskers’ current success on the court has only reinforced his belief that he made the right call. Nebraska has been winning with a selfless, team-first style that mirrors the kind of game Rice thrives in.
“It’s a really unselfish program, and it’s awesome to see how much they are winning,” he said. “I want to say I was one of the first believers in this, which is really cool to be a part of.”
That belief was on full display Monday night, when Rice and his Waukee Northwest squad took the floor in Council Bluffs for the MLK Classic. It was the closest he’s played to his future home in Lincoln-and he made sure to leave a lasting impression.
In a thrilling 70-68 win over Millard North, Rice delivered a performance that had the gym buzzing. The 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward poured in 33 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three and 7-of-8 from the line. He scored 19 straight points for the Wolves between the third and fourth quarters and capped the night with a game-winning put-back on a missed free throw.
“It’s just basketball,” Rice said. “It helps when I get the ball.
When I get in those rhythms, I know I’ve got to score the ball. It was nice-I was able to go put all the work out on the floor and show everybody.”
And there were plenty of people watching. The crowd included fans from both schools, a contingent of Husker supporters, and two very important guests: Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg and assistant Nate Loenser. Their presence wasn’t lost on Rice.
“It means a ton,” he said. “It shows me how much they’re invested in me.
It shows me how the next four years are going to be. This is home, this is my family.”
Rice’s offensive game has taken a leap this season, and it’s not by accident. He’s put in the work, and it’s showing up in every facet of his game.
“It’s a testament to the work I put in,” he said. “It’s getting better and better.
The end goal is the end goal. I have a lot of big goals ahead of me, so I just keep working, and we’ll get better and better.”
The Huskers have a clear plan for Rice when he arrives on campus this summer. First step? Add muscle, get up to speed, and adjust to the faster pace of the college game.
“Obviously, just put on some weight, get ready to play at that level,” Rice said. “It’s a little faster, everything’s a little sped up, it’s a little more thinking, but hopefully I can adjust as fast as I can so I can get out there as quick as I can.”
Ranked No. 76 in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Rice brings a versatile offensive toolkit that fits seamlessly into Nebraska’s system. He can shoot it, handle it, and-perhaps most underrated-he can pass it. In a Huskers offense that thrives on multiple ball handlers and floor spacing, that kind of all-around game is exactly what they’re looking for.
“Just being able to have length and shoot the ball and put it on the floor when needed,” Rice said of his strengths. “Taking what the defense gives me and having a little bit of everything, knowing how to adjust in certain situations.”
Rice isn’t just another talented recruit. He’s a believer in what Nebraska is building-and he’s ready to be part of it.