Nebraska's football program is gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, with Big Ten Media Days scheduled for July 28‑30 in Lincoln. The buzz around the Huskers centers on three interlocking storylines that could determine whether the team finally breaks through the ceiling of back‑to‑back 7‑6 records.
Quarterback Battle Emerges
At the heart of the conversation is the quarterback position, now wide open after Dylan Raiola’s transfer to Oregon. True freshman TJ Lateef stepped into the starting role for the final four games of last season, showing poise under pressure, while transfer Anthony Colandrea, the 2025 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year from UNLV, is expected to headline the depth chart as fall camp begins. Colandrea’s Power Four pedigree at Virginia adds a layer of experience that coaches hope will translate into consistent play.
Protecting the Pocket
The offensive line, which allowed 66 sacks over the past two seasons, will be rebuilt under new line coach Geep Wade, who arrives from Georgia Tech. Wade’s reputation for developing sturdy fronts gives the staff a clear plan to shield the quarterback and open running lanes, a necessity as the team replaces All‑American running back Emmett Johnson.
A Revamped Defense
Defensively, the Huskers hope to sustain the momentum of a secondary that ranked third in the Big Ten in pass defense last year. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich, formerly at San Diego State, brings an aggressive 4‑2‑5 scheme that helped his previous team finish 11th nationally in total defense. Aurich’s unit will look to improve on a 22‑sack season and tighten up a rush defense that placed 16th in the conference.
All of these developments will be put to the test in marquee matchups against Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana, games that could define the Huskers’ trajectory in the Big Ten. With the coaching staff, player roster and scheme all in flux, the upcoming media days will provide the first public glimpse of how the pieces fit together as the 2026 campaign looms.