Cornhuskers Eyeing a Return to Prominence

After a 6-2 start had Nebraska looking like a Big Ten contender once again, a devastating season-ending injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola derailed the Cornhuskers' playoff hopes. With Raiola now at Oregon, Nebraska enters 2026 determined to prove the program's ascendancy will continue. Rhule and his staff attacked the offseason by reshaping the roster through the transfer portal and recruiting, hoping the revamped group can return the Cornhuskers to the Big Ten title conversation. 

Rhule was adamant that although he helps shape the roster, winning is done by the athletes. 

“I believe that players win games,” Rhule said at Big Ten Football Media Days presented by Discover. “I think we're third in the Big Ten in terms of experience.” 

Rhule enters his fourth season at Nebraska with a 19-19 record through his first three years, an even mark that reflects the steady but unfinished rebuild of one of college football's most storied programs. After finishing 5-7 in his debut season, Rhule has guided the Cornhuskers to back-to-back 7-6 campaigns, splitting their two bowl appearances with one win and one loss. 

Now, expectations have shifted beyond simply returning to postseason play. Despite the departure of several key contributors, Rhule believes the standard in Lincoln has not changed. As the roster continues to evolve through recruiting and the transfer portal, he emphasized that Nebraska's goal remains the same: competing for championships and winning football games. Year four could ultimately serve as the defining season in determining whether Rhule's long-term vision is beginning to take hold. 

“We didn't come to Nebraska to go 7-6,” Rhule said. “We came to compete for [the national championship].” 

Colandrea Takes over at Quarterback

After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Virginia, senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea broke out in 2025 after transferring to UNLV. The veteran signal-caller led the Mountain West with 3,459 passing yards while throwing 23 touchdown passes, establishing himself as one of the nation's most productive quarterbacks. Colandrea also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns to help fuel the Rebels' offense. 

Now tasked with replacing Raiola, Colandrea arrives in Lincoln with high expectations and plenty of experience. His playmaking ability both through the air and on the ground gives Nebraska's offense a different dynamic, and teammates have already expressed excitement about what the transfer can bring as the Cornhuskers begin a new chapter under center. 

Senior tight end Luke Lindenmeyer had high praise for Colandrea as he looks to improve upon a career high 29-catch and 312-yard campaign. 

“He's very dynamic,” Lindenmeyer said. “He takes control of the huddle. He's not afraid to tell a receiver, a tight-end, or o-lineman if they're short or if they messed up a play…he commands the huddle.” 

Rhule also complimented Colandrea, telling assistant coaches after hosting three portal quarterbacks they would know who they would take in “five minutes”. Colandrea ended up being the answer as Rhule admitted the senior quarterback had the “it” factor. 

“He’s got some swagger and some juice,” Rhule said. “I was like, that’s our guy.” 

Tenacious D

Nebraska’s defense, which ranked 13^th in the Big Ten last year in points per game allowed last year, looks to better compliment the offense under the direction of new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich.   

The 2025 Broyles Award nominee signed a three-year contract after leading San Diego State to a historic defensive season. The Aztecs ranked sixth nationally, allowing just 15.4 points per game and posted three shutouts. Aurich will take Nebraska’s scheme over, with his 4-2-5 look.  

Returning cornerback Andrew Marshall says Aurich’s defense will be a tough one to face. 

“As a defense, [we’re] tenacious, relentless,” Marshall said. “Know that we're coming after you, play in and play out. From the first play of the first quarter to the last play of the fourth quarter... we're gonna attack you, and you're gonna feel us.” 

Marshall finished with 45 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception in his first season with Nebraska. Marshall will return to a defense that added a variety of talent via high school, adding five-star cornerback Danny Odem III, who will join the veteran Marshall in the cornerback room. 

Marshall praised Odem III and is excited to play with the talented freshman in 2026. 

“I feel like, for him, he's done a great job,” Marshall said. “He's a natural. Everybody knows he's a natural.” 

With a dedicated coaching staff and incoming talent, Nebraska will look to return to prominence. 

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