Nebraska football kicked off its 2026 campaign with a commanding 49-21 triumph, turning the opening weekend into a showcase of offensive firepower and emerging talent.
Season Opener Highlights
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, making his debut under center, posted 275 passing yards and three touchdowns, steering the Huskers' attack with poise and mobility.
True freshman Jamal Rule added a rushing explosion of 122 yards and two touchdowns, complemented by a reception, while senior backs Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee each surpassed the 200‑yard mark on the ground, bolstering the rushing attack.
After entering the half‑time trailing by a single point, Nebraska erupted in the second half, scoring 35 points and converting a 73‑yard, 11‑play drive that featured a decisive fourth‑and‑one run by Rule for 13 yards.
Early penalties—nine for 65 yards—marred the first half, and special teams miscues persisted, but the team steadied, avoided turnovers, and displayed improved cohesion on both sides of the ball.
With a balanced attack and a defense that tightened up after the break, the Huskers left the opener with optimism for a season that promises continued growth and competitiveness.