Imagine a powerhouse team suddenly losing its heart and soul— that's the dramatic shift facing the Nebraska women's basketball squad as they prepare for the 2025–26 season without the legendary Alexis Markowski. Her departure leaves a gaping hole in the frontcourt, but here's where it gets intriguing: how will the Huskers adapt and redefine their game? Let's dive into the details and explore what this means for Nebraska's future on the court.
Last season, Nebraska finished with a respectable 21–12 overall record and a 10–8 mark in Big Ten conference games. They had a strong run through the regular season, only to stumble in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, where they were edged out by Louisville in a close 63–58 loss. Despite a valiant late comeback, the team couldn't close the gap. Markowski, paired with rookie point guard Britt Prince, contributed 26 points between them. On the whole, Nebraska shot 23 out of 52 from the field, 8 out of 20 from beyond the arc, and 4 out of 8 from the free-throw line. For beginners wondering about these stats, the field goal percentage shows how often shots went in, while three-pointers and free throws highlight shooting efficiency—key indicators of a team's offensive prowess.
Markowski's impact on Nebraska basketball is nothing short of legendary. Hailing from Lincoln Pius X, she became the first player in school history to earn All-Big Ten honors four times. She kicked off her career as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2021, and in her final season as a senior, she averaged an impressive 14.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, shooting 46.7% from the floor. Her name is etched into countless Nebraska records, and her reliability on both offense and defense made her a foundational pillar for Coach Amy Williams' program. Losing her presence in the paint— that's the area near the basket where big players dominate—means Nebraska will need to rethink their scoring and rebounding tactics. But here's the part most people miss: this could be an opportunity for untapped talent to shine, sparking debates among fans about whether rebuilding is a setback or a fresh start.
Among the returning players, the spotlight is on Natalie Potts, who was named the 2024 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. This 6-foot-2 redshirt sophomore was performing at an all-conference elite level before a season-ending knee injury derailed her early in the 2024–25 season. In her first four games as a sophomore, she led the team with 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds, showcasing remarkable efficiency by shooting nearly 70% from the field and a stunning 72.7% from three-point range. Her ability to stretch the floor with long-range shots could be a game-changer for Nebraska's offense.
In the offseason, Nebraska brought in Eliza Maupin, who adds instant experience and defensive strength at the forward and center positions. Over three seasons with the Wildcats, she was a solid force inside, converting 62.3% of her field goals. During her junior year, she averaged 3.9 points and 2.8 rebounds, while setting personal bests in assists (29) and blocks (17). For those new to basketball, assists are passes that lead to scores, and blocks are defensive stops that prevent opponents' shots—Maupin's stats highlight her well-rounded contributions.
Junior Jessica Petrie, a member of the Australian National Program, has proven her worth as well. She played in 33 games with 23 starts, averaging 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds. Petrie excels in high-pressure situations, as seen in her Big Ten Tournament performance where she upped her averages to 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds, shooting 63.2% from the field. Her clutch play could be vital in tight games.
Petra Bozan, entering her sophomore year, has versatility, playing both forward and center. As a freshman, she averaged 5.3 points and 2.8 rebounds, shooting 51.8% from the field. Meanwhile, Amiah Hargrove is a dynamic sophomore who can switch between guard and forward roles. She brings a mix of height, speed, and shooting skills, having averaged 4.7 points and 3.7 rebounds as a rookie while hitting 48.5% from three-point territory. Hargrove's adaptability might just be the secret weapon Nebraska needs.
Now, stepping into a leadership role is Britt Prince, the local standout who dazzled as a freshman. Her composure and exceptional ball-handling skills earned her All-Big Ten honorable mention and the Nebraska Female Freshman Athlete of the Year award. Coach Amy Williams has praised the influence of new graduate assistant Marissa Kastanek, a former NC State star and international professional, who pushes Prince with daily one-on-one challenges. This mentorship could be key as Prince takes charge on the court and guides the revamped Huskers. And this is where it gets controversial: some argue that relying on a young player like Prince for leadership might be risky, while others see it as a bold move to foster growth. What do you think—could this young core lead Nebraska to new heights, or is it setting them up for a rough transition?
Guard Callin Hake is gearing up for her final season, aiming to end on a high note. Teammates and coaches commend her consistent leadership and upbeat energy in the locker room. Last year, she was second on the team in three-point attempts with 109, showing her willingness to take shots from deep.
Coach Williams, in her 10th season at the helm, boasts a 158–123 record at Nebraska. She's guided the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths and is focused on strengthening that momentum. The Huskers added five new players in the offseason, including four transfers, to enhance depth and experience. This influx of talent could help bridge the gap left by Markowski, but here's the twist: critics might say that transfers don't always mesh seamlessly, potentially disrupting team chemistry. Is this a smart strategy for Nebraska, or could it lead to more challenges?
The 2025–26 season kicks off with an exhibition match against Mount Marty on October 24 at 8 p.m. CDT at Pinnacle Bank Arena, setting the stage for a year of transformation and possibilities in Lincoln. As Nebraska navigates this new chapter, fans are buzzing with excitement and skepticism alike.
What are your thoughts on Nebraska's rebuild? Do you believe they can overcome Markowski's absence and build something even stronger, or is this a recipe for a down year? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss! And don't forget to stay in the loop on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI (https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/), subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@huskermax1183), and checking HuskerMax.com (https://www.huskermax.com/) daily.
