LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska football opened its 2026 season with a 49-21 victory over Ohio University, but the first half was anything but pretty. The Huskers led by just one point at halftime after a series of self-inflicted mistakes in sweltering conditions that sent many fans heading for the exits early.
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea showed off a vertical passing game that Nebraska fans have been waiting to see, connecting with receivers downfield throughout the afternoon. But the Huskers also struggled with penalties and containment of Ohio quarterback Nick Poulos, raising concerns that echoed last year's season-opening struggles against Cincinnati.
The second half told a different story. Nebraska pulled away, covered the spread, and gave head coach Matt Rhule a solid opening win. While season openers are rarely clean, the Huskers' ability to adjust after halftime was the most encouraging sign of the day.
Freshman Jamal Rule Emerges as Star in Backfield
The biggest surprise of the day came from true freshman running back Jamal Rule, who rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt. Rule also added two receptions for 47 yards and another score through the air.
Isaiah Mozee started the game at I-back but may find himself lower on the depth chart next week. Mekhi Nelson contributed 64 rushing yards and a touchdown, plus a 51-yard touchdown reception that showcased the new dimension Colandrea brings to the offense.
Quarterback Play Highlights Offensive Improvement
Colandrea's ability to push the ball downfield changed the entire offensive dynamic. Multiple times he found Nelson in the flat, a wrinkle that adds flexibility to the Nebraska attack. However, Colandrea also had several passes batted down at the line of scrimmage, a concern with bigger Big Ten defensive lines on the schedule.
Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer looked sharp as a possession receiver, and Jacory Barney appears poised for a breakout season. Carter Nelson struggled, however, whiffing on a block that led to a sack of Colandrea.
Defense Shows Promise Despite Early Miscues
The defensive line held Ohio in check on the ground all game, limiting the Bobcats to minimal rushing production outside of quarterback scrambles. Riley Van Poppel returned to form after a quiet 2025 season, and Jahsear Whittington showed flashes of playmaking ability.
Linebacker Vincent Shavers had a solid outing, and Dexter Foster recorded three quarterback hurries. The secondary settled down after a rough opening play, when Jeremiah Charles was caught out of position on a 68-yard touchdown. After that first drive, Ohio completed just 12 of its final 30 passes for 92 yards.
Jamir Conn led the Blackshirts with eight tackles, while Donovan Jones was the team's best pass defender on the day.
Special Teams Remains a Concern
Special teams were the low point of the afternoon. Nyziah Hunter's ill-advised kickoff return that reversed field left Nebraska starting at its own eight-yard line, and an offsides penalty on a kickoff added to the frustration. Rhule has long favored aggressive return play, but the risk is not paying off.
Overall, the Huskers earned a B grade for the opener. It was not a flawless performance, but Nebraska did what it needed to do and showed significant improvement in the second half.
Elsewhere in College Football
Around the Big Ten, Ohio State rolled past Ball State 56-3, Iowa shut out Northern Illinois 40-0, and Penn State blanked Marshall 45-0. Northwestern edged South Dakota State 34-18, while Michigan needed an official review to escape Western Michigan 13-12.
The Michigan game raised questions about the Big Ten's Hawk-Eye replay system, which appeared to disagree with NBC's broadcast replays on a crucial call. The discrepancy of roughly half a second between the two systems is concerning for the integrity of the game.
Rutgers faces a brutal stretch against Boston College, Southern Cal, and Indiana, and could be in trouble if they cannot find wins soon. Clemson fell to the Lane Train, and UCLA looked strong under their new coaching staff.
Nebraska fans will learn much more about this team in October, but for now, a season-opening win over a MAC opponent is a step in the right direction.