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A legal storm turned into yet another fiasco after a student appeared to hold his phone near Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg’s face.
Students and Iowa Hawkeyes fans rushed the field after their 57-52 victory over the ninth-ranked Cornhuskers, and things changed when Hoiberg appeared to snatch a phone from the hand of a student, who appeared to be recording video.
The student ended up in the handshake line between players and coaches and was led away by another Iowa staff member.
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Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch celebrates with fans after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on February 17, 2026, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthieu Holst/Getty Images)
Iowa apologized, saying the fan “gained access to the field through a restricted area, directly confronting Coach Hoiberg and putting Nebraska players, coaches and staff in a reactive situation.”
“We apologize for this incident and will conduct a review of our procedures and safety measures to determine what adjustments may be necessary to further strengthen our protocols and help prevent similar incidents in the future,” the school added.
Forward Alvaro Folgueiras of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with fans after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on February 17, 2026, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthieu Holst/Getty Images)
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The Big Ten said it had discussed the situation with both schools and would not take any disciplinary action against Hoiberg. The conference said it appreciated Iowa’s efforts to address postgame safety protocols.
Nebraska did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Although Iowa was unranked, the Hawkeyes were actually 1.5-point favorites in the contest.
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts to an official’s call during a Big Ten Conference basketball game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Feb. 17, 2026, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Big Ten does not impose fines during legal storms, but could fine schools if appropriate measures are not taken to ensure safety.
