Nebraska Football 2026: Can Rhule Beat Iowa and Save His Job?
Nebraska enters the 2026 season staring at a familiar problem. The Huskers have gone nine straight seasons without winning more than seven games, and Matt Rhule is 19-19 through three years in Lincoln. With a brutal second-half schedule that includes a trip to Kinnick Stadium, the pressure is on the head coach to prove he can actually beat the Big Ten's best programs, including Iowa.
What Must Change for Nebraska in 2026?
Nebraska fans are loyal, passionate, and eternally hopeful. They have also been incredibly patient. A 26-54 record in Big Ten play over the last nine seasons is simply unacceptable for a program that once dominated college football. Rhule was hired to restore greatness, not to maintain mediocrity.
Right now, bowl eligibility is the bare minimum in Lincoln. The Husker faithful want to see real progress against top-tier opponents, and they have every right to demand it.
How Does the Nebraska Offense Look This Year?
Dana Holgorsen's offense averaged just 370 yards and 28.7 points per game last season. That is not going to cut it in the Big Ten. The ground game lacked punch, and the overall explosiveness was missing.
The good news is the receiving corps has potential. Kwazi Gilmer transferred in from UCLA, Jacory Barney caught 45 passes, and Nyziah Hunter added 43 grabs. Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer needs a bigger role after a 29-catch season.
Replacing running back Emmett Johnson is a major concern. Johnson rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns last year before heading to the Kansas City Chiefs. Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson, and recruit Jamal Rule will try to fill the void.
Who Is Playing Quarterback for Nebraska?
This is the biggest question mark on the roster. Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon after completing 72% of his passes with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions last year. He was supposed to be the cornerstone of the rebuild.
Now it comes down to TJ Lateef or UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea. Lateef did a solid job in relief duty, but Colandrea brings mobility and upside. The catch is his turnover history. He threw 20 interceptions in two years at Virginia before cleaning things up at UNLV.
The offensive line also has to improve dramatically. Nebraska ranked 115th nationally in sacks allowed, which is simply embarrassing for a program with the Huskers' tradition of physical front-five play. South Carolina transfer Tree Babalade, a 6-foot-5, 330-pound right tackle, should help immediately.
Can the Nebraska Defense Take a Step Forward?
Nebraska hired Rob Aurich as defensive coordinator after he built San Diego State into a brick wall. The Aztecs finished 11th nationally in total defense under Auruch last season.
Linebacker should be a strength. Owen Chambliss arrives from San Diego State after posting 110 tackles, four sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss. Vincent Shavers returns after making 61 stops in the middle. Dexter Foster from Oregon State adds versatility.
The pass rush, however, remains a serious concern. Returning ends Cameron Lenhardt and Williams Nwaneri combined for just 4.5 sacks last year. The Huskers also lost defensive tackle Keona Davis to Miami, a bigger blow than many realize.
Then there is the red zone defense. Nebraska ranked dead last nationally in red zone touchdown percentage, allowing opponents to score six on 79% of their trips inside the 20. For comparison, Ohio State allowed touchdowns just 37% of the time. That gap is the difference between contending and middle of the pack.
Why Has Matt Rhule Struggled Against Top Teams?
This is the question that matters most. In three seasons under Rhule, Nebraska has beaten exactly two teams that finished a season with more than seven wins. Those were 2024 Colorado and 2023 Northwestern.
Against Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, USC, and Indiana, the Huskers are 0-10. That is not a competitive football program. That is a program that folds when the competition gets tough.
Rhule's teams play hard, avoid penalties, protect the football, and cover kicks well. Effort is not the issue. Results are.
What Is Nebraska's Biggest Game in 2026?
Indiana comes to Lincoln on October 10, and that game could define the season. The Hoosiers are what Nebraska was supposed to be under Rhule. A win could kickstart a turnaround. A loss could send the season spiraling with Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Ohio State, and Iowa still on the schedule.
Speaking of Iowa, Rhule is 0-3 against the Hawkeyes. Nebraska has not beaten Iowa since 2022, and the Huskers gave up 40 points to the Hawkeyes last season. That is the kind of defensive performance that gets coordinators fired and fanbases furious.
What Is the Season Prediction for Nebraska?
The schedule sets up for a 5-0 start with Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, and Maryland opening the year. Then reality hits.
The back half includes Indiana, at Oregon, Washington, at Illinois, at Rutgers, Ohio State, and at Iowa. Going 2-5 in that stretch would be a reasonable expectation, putting Nebraska at 7-5 overall.
That is another bowl game. That is another mediocre season. That is another year where Nebraska fans are left waiting for something that never arrives.
College football is better when Nebraska is great. Right now, Nebraska is not great, and the clock is ticking on Matt Rhule to prove he can change that.
Can Matt Rhule Beat Iowa This Year?
Rhule is 0-3 against Iowa and has never come close to solving the Hawkeyes' defensive scheme. The season finale in Iowa City could determine whether Nebraska finishes with momentum or another bitter disappointment. If the Huskers want to prove they have turned a corner, beating Iowa on the road would be the ultimate statement.
Is the Transfer Portal Enough to Compete in the Big Ten?
Nebraska added several solid players through the portal, including three likely starters on the offensive line and a handful of defensive contributors. But this feels more like treading water than building a champion. The Huskers are not closing the talent gap with Ohio State, Oregon, or even Indiana. Until they do, seven or eight wins is the ceiling.