A Turnaround in the Making
The Nebraska Cornhuskers were once a powerhouse in college football, capturing five national titles, three of them in a four‑year span during the 1990s. After joining the Big Ten in 2010, the program experienced a roller‑coaster, posting only two double‑digit win seasons while enduring eight losing campaigns overall.
Matt Rhule took the reins before the 2023 season, bringing a reputation as a program builder who often sees his teams surge in the third year. His first year ended 5‑7, but the following two seasons improved to 7‑6 each, hinting at a gradual ascent.
Quarterback play has been the Achilles’ heel for Nebraska in recent years. Last season, the team struggled to find stability at the position, culminating in the transfer of Dylan Raiola to the Oregon Ducks. Enter Anthony Colandrea, a senior transfer from UNLV, who is expected to compete for the starting role.
Colandrea arrives with a career résumé that includes 7,542 passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 29 interceptions, complemented by 1,151 rushing yards and 12 scores. If he can elevate his performance, analysts believe the Cornhuskers could finally contend within the rugged Big Ten landscape.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly has gone a step further, forecasting a breakout season for Nebraska in 2026. Such optimism rests on the premise that Rhule’s third‑year pattern, combined with a more capable signal‑caller, will translate into more wins and a stronger conference standing.