The prospect of a 24‑team College Football Playoff has sparked a re‑evaluation of non‑conference scheduling across the Power 4, with Nebraska among the schools considering tougher opponents outside their own conference.
Rivalries Revived
Nebraska’s traditional foes — Oklahoma and Colorado — remain on the radar, while the Huskers have also hinted at bringing Notre Dame and Miami into the fold, a move that would rekindle historic rivalries and draw national attention.
Fan Voices and Scheduling Realities
Yet the fan base is split; some alumni cherish easy victories that bolster bragging rights, while others argue that testing oneself against varied competition is essential for growth. In 2025 the Huskers faced Cincinnati, Akron and Houston Christian, a schedule that culminated in a dramatic last‑minute interception deciding the Cincinnati game. Looking ahead, the 2026 slate includes Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota, and the 2027 plan adds Northern Illinois, Miami (Ohio) and Northern Iowa.
The Athletic has highlighted that only 10 of the 136 FBS programs avoided FCS opponents in 2025, underscoring a league‑wide shift toward more diverse matchups. Historical context adds weight: Nebraska’s 49‑14 defeat at Oklahoma in 2022 and the 35‑31 thriller in the 1971 ‘Game of the Century’ illustrate the volatility of these contests. The recent 28‑10 win over Colorado in 2024 further cements the rivalry’s renewed relevance.
As the playoff expansion unfolds, the balance between preserving classic rivalries and embracing new challenges will shape not only Nebraska’s schedule but also the broader narrative of college football, influencing how teams, alumni and fans perceive success.
The evolving schedule reflects a broader ambition to test teams against diverse competition, a strategy that could redefine how playoff contenders earn their spots.