Cornhuskers will be hard-pressed to break out against rugged schedule in Matt Rhule’s 4th season

Nebraska Cornhuskers face a challenging schedule in Matt Rhule's fourth season, with games against Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State, plus three road trips in November. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, the 2025 Mountain West offensive player of the year, will be facing defenses he has never encountered before. The team needs to find a replacement for Big Ten rushing leader Emmett Johnson, who averaged 21 carries and 121 yards per game.

The defense, which struggled against the run, is being revamped under new coordinator Rob Aurich. With a lack of wins since 2016, the Huskers aim to win at least seven games and qualify for a third straight bowl, but it will be difficult given their light nonconference schedule. Replacement talent includes returnees Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and TE Luke Lindenmeyer, along with UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, who could be a game-changer.

The offensive line returns Elijah Pritchett and Justin Evans, while the linebackers feature Vincent Shavers Jr., who is expected to showcase his abilities. Johnson's departure left a significant void, but Mekhi Nelson, who returned after an altercation in Florida, will fill in, as will Penn State transfer Tikey Hayes and Isaiah Mozee, who moved from wide receiver.

The defensive line, once the reason for Nebraska's 18th-ranked red-zone defense, will need to find a way to generate pressure on the quarterback.