Big news out of Lincoln for Nebraska basketball fans: the Cornhuskers' electric sixth man, Braden Frager, is running it back. The program made the exciting announcement official on social media Thursday, confirming the star freshman will return for the 2026-27 season.

This is a massive win for Head Coach Fred Hoiberg's squad. Frager wasn't just a contributor off the pine; he was the sparkplug, earning the prestigious Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award. The forward made an immediate impact, averaging 11.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while showcasing a clutch gene that Husker fans will remember for years.

Speaking of clutch, Frager's season was defined by one iconic moment: a cold-blooded game-winner with 2.2 seconds left to sink Vanderbilt in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That play alone cemented his legacy as a player built for big moments, a trait every contender needs.

For a team looking to build on its tournament success, securing a foundational piece like Frager is the perfect first step. His return provides stability, scoring punch, and veteran leadership for a team that will now aggressively attack the transfer portal to fill out its roster. The future in Lincoln just got a whole lot brighter, and the energy in Pinnacle Bank Arena next season will be electric.