Shocking Season-Ending Twist: How Connor Essegian’s Latest Blow Could Shake Wisconsin Basketball’s Future

Connor Essegian, a name that’s been turning heads since his days with the Wisconsin Badgers, now finds himself sidelined at Nebraska after an ankle injury during the November 25 clash with Winthrop. It’s a crushing blow—the kind that shakes a player’s spirit and a team’s momentum alike. Essegian’s decision to seek a medical redshirt speaks volumes about his determination to bounce back and make every moment count in his remaining college career. Even as he faces this setback, his message resonates—he’s with his teammates in every step, fueling their drive to carve out history this season. Now in his sophomore year with Nebraska, Essegian had started strong, showing promise with consistent play and a solid scoring average. His journey from Wisconsin’s courts to leading three-point shooter at Nebraska last season adds layers to this story—a tale of grit, transition, and unyielding hope. With the Cornhuskers riding an impressive winning streak and team momentum high, the loss of a key player like Essegian will sting, yet the season is far from over. Here’s to watching how this chapter unfolds — with heart and hustle. LEARN MORE

Former Wisconsin Badgers basketball player Connor Essegian, now with Nebraska, said he’ll apply for a medical redshirt after he suffered an ankle injury against Winthrop on Nov. 25 that will cost him the rest of the season.

“It hurts me to know that I will not be on the court to help our team, but I will be there every step of the way off of it,” Essegian posted Nov. 29. “We still have history to make this year, so let’s get it done. I am fully trusting what the Lord has in store for me and this team. His plan always prevails and outweighs our own.”

Essegian, in his second year with Nebraska, has played in all seven games this season and is averaging 5.4 points per game for the undefeated Cornhuskers. Last year, he averaged 10.7 points and led the Huskers with 78 three-pointers.

Essegian played the two seasons before that at Wisconsin, appearing in 68 games and scoring 7.6 points per game. As a freshman, he started 19 contests and played 27.4 minutes per game, a volume that dropped down to 7.3 minutes off the bench in his sophomore season.

More: Connor Essegian says he’ll leave the Wisconsin basketball program and plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal

He’s a senior this year with Nebraska, which has won 11 straight games dating to last season, the fourth time in program history Nebraska has won that many in a row. The Huskers closed last season with four wins in the College Basketball Crown postseason tournament. Nebraska is averaging 86.6 points per game this season.

More: How are ex-Wisconsin basketball players doing with their new teams?