ESPN Projects Nebraska Football for Another Bowl Season, But Big Ten Path Remains Tough

ESPN's College Football Power Index (FPI) projects the Nebraska Cornhuskers for a 6.7-win season in 2026, placing them 30th nationally but only ninth in the loaded Big Ten conference. The projection suggests Matt Rhule's team is on track for a third straight bowl appearance, though a brutal schedule featuring Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana could test those hopes.

The FPI gives Nebraska a 74.5% chance of reaching six wins, the threshold for bowl eligibility. The Huskers are projected for 5.3 losses, with a 0.0% chance of running the table. Their odds of winning the Big Ten stand at 0.7%, and their path to the College Football Playoff is rated at 7.3%.

How Does Nebraska's Schedule Compare?

Nebraska's strength of schedule ranks 20th in the country. Four Big Ten teams face tougher slates: Ohio State (8th), Michigan (16th), Northwestern (17th), and USC (19th). Key road games include trips to Oregon (Oct. 17) and Iowa (Nov. 27), while Ohio State visits Lincoln on Nov. 21.

FPI ranks Nebraska's opponents as follows: Ohio State (1st), Oregon (4th), Indiana (6th), USC (13th), Michigan (15th), Penn State (17th), Iowa (25th), Washington (26th), Illinois (38th), Wisconsin (43rd), Northwestern (60th), Maryland (61st), Minnesota (63rd), UCLA (64th), Michigan State (65th), Rutgers (67th), and Purdue (71st).

What Do the Win Projections Mean for Rhule's Program?

ESPN's projection aligns with Bet MGM's over/under of 6.5 wins. The Huskers finished 7-6 in each of the last two seasons, and a similar record would mark steady progress under Rhule. Eight wins, however, may be a stretch given the schedule.

New quarterback Anthony Colandrea will lead the offense behind a retooled line anchored by center Justin Evans, with new offensive line coach Geep Wade. Defensively, Rob Aurich takes over as coordinator after a strong run at San Diego State.

Nebraska ranked 44th in FPI after the 2025 regular season. The 30th-place preseason ranking represents a notable improvement. The Huskers' FPI ratings last season fluctuated from 21st early on to 44th by year's end.

What Are the National Title Odds?

Ohio State leads the nation with a 17.1% chance to win the national championship, followed by Texas (13.2%), Notre Dame (10.5%), Oregon (9.8%), and Georgia (9.0%). FPI gives the top 59 teams at least a theoretical chance at the title game, including No. 59 San Diego State of the Pac-12.

For Nebraska, the odds are slim: 0.4% to reach the national championship game and 0.1% to win it all.

What This Means for Iowa Fans

For Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes rank 25th in FPI, five spots ahead of Nebraska. The two rivals meet Nov. 27 at Kinnick Stadium, a game that could have bowl implications for both sides. Iowa's schedule ranks 17th in difficulty, slightly tougher than Nebraska's 20th.

The Cy-Hawk rivalry with Iowa State also looms large for Iowa, though FPI rankings for the Cyclones were not included in this release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Nebraska make a bowl game in 2026?

ESPN's FPI gives the Huskers a 74.5% chance of reaching six wins, making a bowl appearance likely. The projection of 6.7 wins suggests a third straight bowl trip for Matt Rhule's program.

How does Nebraska's schedule compare to Iowa's?

Nebraska's schedule ranks 20th nationally in difficulty, while Iowa's ranks 17th. Both teams face challenging Big Ten schedules, but Iowa's is slightly tougher.

What are Nebraska's chances of winning the Big Ten?

FPI gives the Huskers a 0.7% chance of winning the Big Ten title. Ohio State (1st), Oregon (4th), and Indiana (6th) are among the top contenders in the conference.