Nebraska basketball fans might be feeling a bit of a sting after the Huskers slipped out of the Top 10, thanks to a tough loss against the Iowa Hawkeyes. But don't hang your heads too low-dropping just three spots to No. 12 in the latest AP Top 25 suggests there's still plenty of belief in Fred Hoiberg's squad. The Huskers' commanding 20-point victory over Penn State certainly helped soften the blow.
The AP voters seem to recognize Nebraska's potential, keeping them in the mix alongside other Big Ten powerhouses. Michigan, after a setback against Duke, now sits at No. 3, while Purdue and Illinois hold strong at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. Just a step behind Nebraska, Michigan State takes the No. 13 spot, despite some recent struggles.
Looking ahead, Nebraska has a golden opportunity to climb back into the Top 10. They face Maryland on Tuesday night, a game that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Following that, the Huskers hit the road for a West Coast showdown with UCLA and USC. Neither team is ranked, but both are sitting at a solid 18-9 and are fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives.
The regular season wraps up with a chance for redemption against Iowa. If Nebraska can navigate this stretch with a 3-1 record, they'll likely be sitting pretty as they head into the Big Ten tournament. The path back to the top is clear, and the Huskers have the talent to make it happen.