
2026 Big Ten Football Forecast: Championship Contenders and Record Projections
Projected win‑loss records reveal a handful of teams eyeing national titles, while several programs face steep challenges, setting the stage for a dramatic season.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Anthony Colandrea across Football, Baseball.

Projected win‑loss records reveal a handful of teams eyeing national titles, while several programs face steep challenges, setting the stage for a dramatic season.

ESPN's College Football Power Index places Nebraska at 30th for 2026, projecting a 6.7‑win season and a 7.3% chance of a playoff berth, while new leadership fuels cautious optimism.

EA Sports' upcoming College Football 27 has generated buzz with its latest roster ratings, highlighting Iowa's strengths while flagging quarterback development as a key storyline

The United States is set to observe its 250th birthday on July 4, a milestone that historically drew massive parades, fireworks and corporate tie‑ins. This year, however, the fanfare feels more restrained, with many Americans treating the anniversary as just another summer holiday.
From Oregon's electric atmosphere to Michigan State's daunting trek, the author weighs the travel, stadium experience and local attractions that could shape Nebraska's road adventures next season.

An exploration of how Nebraska's 2026 away football schedule stacks up for a road‑trip adventure, weighing travel logistics, stadium vibes, and nearby attractions.

EA Sports College Football 27 will launch on Xbox, PC and PS5, with Nebraska's overall rating of 83 placing the Huskers 24th. Standout offensive players include center Justin Evans and receivers Jacory Barney and Nyziah Hunter, while linebacker Owen Chambliss leads a defense that still lacks elite depth.

Nebraska’s football program may be thin on preseason All‑American recognitions, but one name is already making headlines. Jacory Barney, a wide receiver who has already shown flashes of explosiveness on special teams, was singled out by analyst Phil Steele as one of the nation’s top punt returners for the upcoming 2026 season. In his first year with the Huskers he recorded 55 receptions for 447 yards and added three punt returns and 14 kickoff returns that combined for 298 yards, highlighting his versatility on offense and special teams. The departure of longtime coordinator Mike Ekeler has left a void in Nebraska’s special‑teams unit, creating both uncertainty and an unexpected opening for fresh talent. Barney’s blend of receiving skill and return prowess gives the Huskers a dual‑threat weapon that could reshape field‑position battles. Coach Matt Rhule, who took the helm at Nebraska, has emphasized the importance of special‑team execution as a catalyst for overall momentum, and he sees Barney as a cornerstone of that strategy. If the young playmaker can translate his preseason promise into consistent production, the Huskers may find the spark they need to climb back into contention.

The Huskers face a demanding schedule, with best‑case, worst‑case and most likely scenarios outlined, while key offensive and defensive improvements could determine their postseason fate.

EA Sports’ upcoming College Football 27 places Nebraska’s program as a fringe contender, highlighting its revised rating and roster shifts ahead of the 2026 season.

The NCAA’s new 5‑for‑5 eligibility rule gives Nebraska athletes up to five years to play five seasons, reshaping roster strategies across volleyball, football, basketball and more.

The 2026 slate for Penn State sidesteps several recent powerhouses, giving the Nittany Lions a comparatively gentle path through the conference.

A look at the rising stars on Tony Elliott's staff and the impact they are having on the Cavaliers' offense and defense

Since taking the helm in 2022, Tony Elliott has turned his program into a pipeline for both NFL prospects and All‑ACC standouts, shaping a roster that blends raw talent with polished execution.

In a recent interview, former Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch discussed the program's historic moments, the impact of head coach Matt Rhule, and the upcoming quarterback competition as the Cornhuskers look to build on recent progress.

With a fresh quarterback and a revamped staff, Nebraska aims to improve on a 7‑6 record, but a porous run defense and key departures present significant challenges.

Wisconsin's offseason activity, from portal acquisitions to staff enhancements, positions the program to outperform expectations ahead of rivals like Northwestern, UCLA, and Nebraska.
After a 7-6 finish in 2025 and a Las Vegas Bowl loss to Utah, the Cornhuskers aim to break new ground with a revamped staff, key recruits and a challenging slate that includes matchups against Michigan State, Oregon and Ohio State.

Anthony Colandrea’s impressive 2025 performance at UNLV has placed him second only to Ohio State’s Julian Sayin in PFF ratings, sparking optimism and scrutiny as Nebraska prepares for a pivotal 2026 season.

Power‑rating models predict Stanford, UNLV and Nevada as early favorites, while betting platforms and broadcast partners prepare for a busy opening stretch.

Big Ten coaches weigh in on Nebraska's quarterback shifts and staff changes ahead of the 2026 season opener.

A look at Nebraska's historic pedigree, recent coaching changes, and the arrival of transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea as the Cornhuskers aim for a 2026 breakthrough.

CBS Sports' latest Power Four preseason poll places Nebraska's head coach Matt Rhule at No. 37, highlighting ongoing concerns about his Big Ten record while the team embraces several new coordinators and a reshaped quarterback room.

Larry the Cable Guy discusses the pressures on coach Matt Rhule, the need for a distinct identity, and the optimism that Nebraska can return to high‑level competition.