The storm on the court becomes frantic when the coach hits a fan’s phone; School apologizes for forcing ‘reactive situation’

A storm on the court turned into an additional fiasco after a student appeared to put his phone near Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg’s face.

Iowa Hawkeyes students and fans rushed onto the court after their 57-52 victory over the ninth-ranked Cornhuskers, and things changed when Hoiberg appeared to rip a phone out of the hand of a student, who appeared to be recording a video.

The student stepped into the handshake line between players and coaches and was quickly whisked away by another Iowa staff member.

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Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch celebrates with fans after the matchup 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 “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.

Iowa Hawkeyes forward Alvaro Folgueiras celebrates with fans after the matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on February 17, 2026 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

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The Big Ten said it discussed the situation with both schools and would not take 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.

Even though Iowa was unranked, the Hawkeyes were actually 1.5-point favorites in the contest.

Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg reacts to a foul by an official 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)

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The Big Ten does not impose fines for a judicial firestorm, but could fine schools if proper steps are not taken to provide safety.

The News contributed to this report.

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