Nebraska Football 2026: Can Matt Rhule Fix the Huskers?
Nebraska football enters the 2026 season facing mounting pressure to return to national prominence. Head coach Matt Rhule holds a 19-19 record after three seasons in Lincoln, and the program has not won more than seven games in nine straight seasons. With former star quarterback Dylan Raiola transferring to Oregon and a daunting Big Ten schedule ahead, the Huskers must solve their offensive line and red zone defensive struggles to compete with top-tier programs like Ohio State and rival Iowa.
Can Matt Rhule Restore Nebraska's Winning Tradition?
Matt Rhule got Nebraska back to bowl games, but that is the bare minimum in Lincoln. He was hired in 2023 to restore glory to one of college football's proudest programs. Instead, he holds a 19-19 record over three seasons, with a 10-17 mark in Big Ten play. Nebraska fans are eternally hopeful, but they are also running out of patience after nine straight seasons without more than seven wins. The Huskers are a dismal 26-54 in conference play during that span. Rhule's teams play hard and avoid penalties, but effort alone is not enough to win championships.
How Will the Huskers Replace Dylan Raiola?
The biggest storyline of the offseason was quarterback Dylan Raiola transferring to Oregon. Raiola was supposed to be the centerpiece of the rebuild. Before his injury, he completed 72% of his passes for 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Now, the job falls to either TJ Lateef or UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea. Lateef did a solid job in relief, but Colandrea brings starting experience and mobility. However, Colandrea threw 20 interceptions over two years at Virginia, so ball security will be a major focus for the new starter.
Can the Offensive Line Protect the Quarterback?
Nebraska football simply cannot have a dominant running game or a secure passing attack without a formidable front five. Last year, the offensive line ranked 115th in the nation in sacks allowed. That is completely unacceptable for a program historically known for pounding the rock. The coaching staff hit the transfer portal hard to fix this. Tree Babalade, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle from South Carolina, is an NFL-caliber addition at right tackle. He will pair with Elijah Pritchett on the left side. The interior also gets a boost from Iowa State transfer Brendan Block. If this group gels, the offense could take a major step forward.
The running game will look different without Emmett Johnson, who rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns before heading to the Kansas City Chiefs. Sophomore Isaiah Mozee has the size and speed to become the featured back, but he will need the revamped line to create running lanes.
Will the Defense Stop the Run and Close in the Red Zone?
Nebraska's defense was not terrible last year, but it had some baffling lapses. Most notably, the Huskers gave up 40 points to Iowa. They also finished dead last in the nation in red zone touchdown percentage, allowing opponents to score a touchdown on 79% of trips inside the 20-yard line. For comparison, Ohio State allowed touchdowns just 37% of the time. New defensive coordinator Rob Aurich comes over from San Diego State, where he built a brick-wall defense that ranked 11th nationally.
Aurich brings playmakers with him, including linebacker Owen Chambliss and safety Dwayne McDougle. Chambliss is the defensive player to watch after recording 110 tackles and four sacks last season. The Huskers must also generate a better pass rush, as returning ends Cameron Lenhardt and Williams Nwaneri combined for just 4.5 sacks in 2025. The run defense has to improve as well. Nebraska went 1-6 when allowing more than 175 rushing yards, and opponents averaged 4.8 yards per carry.
What is Nebraska's Path to a Winning Season?
The schedule sets up for a strong start. Nebraska could easily start 5-0 against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, and Maryland. Then the reality of the Big Ten sets in. The Huskers face Indiana, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Ohio State, and Iowa to close the year. Under Rhule, Nebraska has beaten only two teams that finished a season with more than seven wins. The Huskers are 0-10 against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, USC, and Indiana during his tenure. Even more concerning for the fan base, Rhule is 0-3 against Iowa.
The October 10 home game against Indiana is the biggest game of the year. If Nebraska wants to be taken seriously, they must prove they can beat the top tier of the conference. A 7-5 record seems likely, but college football needs the Huskers to be fantastic again. Whether Rhule can finally deliver that greatness remains the biggest question in Lincoln.
Who is Nebraska's starting quarterback in 2026?
The quarterback battle is between TJ Lateef and UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea. Colandrea brings more starting experience, but Lateef has familiarity with the system after stepping in for the injured Dylan Raiola last season.
What is Matt Rhule's record at Nebraska?
Matt Rhule is 19-19 overall and 10-17 in Big Ten play after three seasons as the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Who is the most important transfer for Nebraska?
Offensive tackle Tree Babalade from South Carolina is the most critical addition. The 330-pound lineman brings NFL potential to a position group that desperately needed help protecting the quarterback.