Nebraska’s 2026 football season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with a schedule that pits the Cornhuskers against five nationally ranked opponents right from the start.
The slate includes matchups with Ohio State, Oregon, Iowa, Indiana and Washington, and is compressed by a single off week and two Friday road trips that will limit recovery and preparation time.
Quarterback questions loom
Anthony Colandrea is expected to take over from Jeff Sims, but his history of fumbles and interceptions has raised doubts about his ability to protect the ball. The transition comes at a time when the program is already grappling with a turnover margin that sits at a national worst of minus ninety‑six since 2000.
Running back depth in question
Emmett Johnson’s breakout production left fewer carries for the rest of the backfield, and the lack of proven alternatives adds another layer of uncertainty to the offense.
Defensively, coordinator Rob Aurich’s unit showed improvement in 2025 but struggled to generate takeaways, recording fewer than twenty all season for the first time since 2019.
The team’s in‑game adjustments have also drawn criticism; while Nebraska often starts strong, third‑quarter lapses have frequently turned into decisive losses.
Coaching under fire
Matt Rhule’s tenure has become divisive, with pundits questioning his play‑calling, timeout management and the limited roster continuity that leaves only six players from the Scott Frost era still on the roster.
The so‑called “Bad Vibes Offseason” reflects a fan base that has moved from optimism to a cautious, almost resigned outlook, aware that the upcoming schedule could test the limits of the current rebuild.