NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
A court storm turned into an additional fiasco after a student appeared to put his phone close to Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg’s face.
Iowa Hawkeyes students and fans rushed the court after their 57-52 win over the ninth-ranked Cornhuskers, and things took a turn when Hoiberg appeared to slap a phone out of the hand of a student who appeared to be recording a video.
The student got into the handshake line between players and coaches and was led away by another Iowa staffer.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
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. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Iowa issued an apology, saying the fan “accessed the field through a restricted area, directly confronted Coach Hoiberg and put Nebraska players, coaches and staff in a reactive situation.”
“We apologize for this incident and will conduct a review of our procedures and safeguards to determine what adjustments may be necessary to further strengthen our protocols and help prevent similar incidents in the future,” the school added.
Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras celebrates with fans after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on February 17, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER, 18, DEAD TWO DAYS AFTER BROKEN DURING TRAINING
The Big Ten said it discussed the situation with both schools and would not take any disciplinary action against Hoiberg. The conference said it appreciates Iowa’s efforts to address postgame safety protocols.
Nebraska did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Despite Iowa not being ranked, the Hawkeyes were actually 1.5-point favorites in the contest.
Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts to an official’s foul call during a Big Ten Conference basketball game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Iowa Hawkeyes on February 17, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Big Ten does not issue fines for a court storm, but can fine schools if adequate measures are not taken to create safety.
