Pryce Sandfort is heating up at just the right time, and the rest of the Big Ten is starting to take notice.
The Nebraska junior forward was named Big Ten Co-Player of the Week after delivering a pair of standout performances that helped the Huskers go 2-0, including a statement road win over a top-15 opponent. Sandfort averaged 23 points per game on a scorching 64% shooting clip, and he wasn’t just doing damage inside - he knocked down 47% of his threes, showcasing the kind of inside-out scoring versatility that makes him a matchup nightmare.
Let’s start with the headliner: Sandfort’s career night at No. 13 Illinois.
He dropped 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, including six triples, tying his career high from deep. And he wasn’t just filling up the stat sheet - he set the tone early and often.
Sandfort poured in 26 of those points before halftime, including Nebraska’s first 15 points of the game. That first-half explosion was more than just impressive - it was historic.
His 26-point half ranks as the fourth-highest by any power conference player this season.
And while the Illinois game grabbed the headlines, Sandfort was just as efficient in Nebraska’s 90-60 blowout win over Wisconsin earlier in the week. He added 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting as the Huskers rolled to their largest margin of victory ever in the series. That win also pushed Nebraska’s season-opening win streak to 11 and extended their total win count to 15 - both school records.
Sandfort’s big week didn’t just earn him conference recognition. He was also named Dick Vitale’s National Player of the Week, adding some national shine to his breakout stretch.
And it wasn’t just about individual accolades - Nebraska as a team is turning heads. The Huskers were named Team of the Week by both Andy Katz and the Field of 68, and they climbed to No. 15 in both the AP and Coaches polls on Monday.
That’s the highest AP ranking Nebraska has seen since 1991 - a clear sign that something special is brewing in Lincoln.
Sandfort shared the Big Ten honor with Indiana’s Lamar Wilkerson, but there’s no doubt who stole the spotlight this week.
Next up for the red-hot Huskers: a Sunday night home matchup against North Dakota. With momentum, rankings, and fan excitement all trending up, Pinnacle Bank Arena is shaping up to be electric.