Nebraska Football 2026 Predictions: Huskers Face Brutal Schedule, 7-5 Finish Likely

Nebraska football enters the 2026 season with renewed optimism under head coach Matt Rhule, who calls this his best roster since arriving in Lincoln. But the schedule is unforgiving, and a 7-5 finish would represent real progress for a program still searching for its first ranked win in over a decade.

The Huskers open with three winnable home games before a treacherous Big Ten slate that includes trips to Oregon and Iowa, plus home dates with Indiana and Ohio State. Last season, Nebraska stumbled to 7-5 after losing three of its final four games, including an embarrassing home defeat to Iowa that had fans like JR walking gravel roads in frustration.

Why 7-5 Would Be a Success for Nebraska in 2026

Matt Rhule has said this is the best team he has had since arriving at Nebraska, and the roster improvements are real. The offensive line is dramatically better with a proven line coach, and transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea brings playmaking ability and experience from UNLV.

But the schedule does not set up well. A seven-win season in 2026 is probably equivalent to a nine-win season in most years based on strength of schedule alone. The Huskers face five teams that could be ranked, including two on the road in Oregon and Iowa.

For a program that has not beaten a ranked team in over 10 years, that is a tall order. Still, a 7-5 record would indicate Rhule continues to move the program in the right direction, even if it is not the standard he ultimately wants to reach.

Game-by-Game Breakdown: Nebraska's 2026 Schedule

Ohio at Home: Win

The last time Anthony Colandrea played football, he lost to Ohio 17-10 while at UNLV. He threw for 184 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. But Ohio is not returning much production, losing 17 of 22 starters, and has a new head coach who was previously the defensive coordinator.

Nebraska should pull away in the third quarter, though Ohio will make it difficult early.

Bowling Green at Home: Win

Eddie George brings Bowling Green to Lincoln for the first time since his controversial 1995 Heisman Trophy win over Nebraska's Tommie Frazier. The Falcons are starting a quarterback from Assumption University, a Division 2 program last season. This one could get ugly early and fast.

North Dakota at Home: Win

This is the game that makes me nervous. North Dakota is a top 10 ranked FCS squad that lost to Kansas State by just three points last season. Since Nebraska is not playing a Power Four opponent in the non-conference, this is the real test before Big Ten play begins. If Nebraska handles North Dakota easily, that is a strong sign for the season.

At Michigan State: Win

Pat Fitzgerald is back in the Big Ten, now coaching Michigan State. He is known for doing more with less, and this year he has a lot less. The Spartans return quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who started the last four games of 2025 and threw 10 touchdowns against three interceptions, but he went just 1-3 against Minnesota, Penn State, Iowa, and Maryland.

Nebraska needs this road win, especially with Michigan State's over/under win total sitting at just 4.5.

Maryland at Home: Win

Maryland returns 74% of its defensive production and 68% on offense, including stud quarterback Malik Washington, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards as a true freshman. The Terrapins led the conference in interceptions and return their defensive coordinator.

Expect Nebraska to lean on the running game and find a way to win at home. A 5-0 start is critical.

Indiana at Home: Loss

If Nebraska starts 5-0 and an undefeated Indiana team comes to Lincoln, anything can happen. But the Hoosiers will have played a soft schedule before arriving, and this iteration of Indiana will not have been tested. Still, this is a toss-up that I lean against the Huskers.

At Oregon: Loss

Oregon has the best roster in the country with quarterback Dante Moore, who threw 30 touchdowns in 2025. Oh, and they have Dylan Raiola as a backup. The storyline writes itself. There is too much talent on this team to expect a Nebraska win, though Colandrea could make a few plays to keep it close.

Washington at Home: Win

The Blackout on Halloween. Washington could be ranked coming in, giving Nebraska a chance to finally beat a ranked team for the first time in over 10 years. Washington has quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who put up big numbers in 2025 but struggled against the better teams on the schedule. Both teams have a bye week coming in, but the Huskers should take advantage of the blackout atmosphere.

At Illinois: Loss

I believe in Bret Bielema. His teams are always physical and like to run the ball. Illinois has roster turnover and must replace three-year starter Luke Altmyer, but they will have plenty of tackling experience by the time Nebraska comes to town on a short week.

At Rutgers: Win

Greg Schiano always has his team playing hard, but Rutgers got embarrassed by UMass last night, losing by 18. This is the easiest conference game of the season. If Nebraska cannot win this one, there are bigger problems than anyone wants to admit.

Ohio State at Home: Loss

Some NFL executives consider Ohio State the NFL's 33rd team, that is how much talent they have. My most optimistic view has Nebraska at 9-1 heading into this game, which would mean the defense has improved dramatically. If that happens, all bets are off. But realistically, Ohio State wins this game.

At Iowa: Loss

Iowa has won 10 of the last 11 meetings against Nebraska. Until the Huskers beat Iowa and look like the more dominant program, there is no use picking Nebraska. Iowa wants this game more than any other on the schedule, and Nebraska has not brought that same urgency. Iowa could easily start 3-3 against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington, but they should finish 7-5. The quarterback position leaves a lot to be desired for Iowa, but Iowa will be Iowa.

Final Prediction: Nebraska Finishes 7-5

Six months ago, my prediction was 6-6. I have made a concerted effort not to be influenced by hope and to think about what we know. We have a dramatically improved offensive line and a transfer quarterback who should be exciting to watch, though there will be ups and downs.

A 7-5 season would be a success for 2026, not because it is good enough, but because it shows Matt Rhule continues to move the program in the right direction. A 5-7 or 6-6 season is surely on the table if things go wrong. I know a lot of Nebraska fans will disagree, but that is the reality of this brutal schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nebraska's starting quarterback in 2026?

Anthony Colandrea, a transfer from UNLV, is expected to start at quarterback for Nebraska. He threw for 184 yards in his last game against Ohio while at UNLV, a 17-10 loss.

What is Nebraska's toughest game in 2026?

Oregon is likely Nebraska's toughest game, with the best roster in the country and quarterback Dante Moore. The game is in Eugene, making it even more difficult.

When is the Nebraska vs. Iowa game in 2026?

The Nebraska vs. Iowa game is the regular season finale, played in Iowa City. Iowa has won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two rivals.

Has Nebraska beaten a ranked team recently?

No. Nebraska has not beaten a ranked team in over 10 years. The Huskers will have a chance against Washington on Halloween if the Huskies are ranked.