As fall camp approaches, Nebraska finds itself at a critical crossroads in the Matt Rhule era. After consecutive 7-6 seasons and the program’s first back-to-back bowl appearances in a decade, the Cornhuskers have reestablished a foundation of competitiveness that once seemed permanently out of reach. Yet Year 4 under Rhule carries sharper expectations and a far less forgiving path. A new starting quarterback, a defensive scheme overhaul, and a brutal slate featuring defending national champion Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and the always-painful trip to Iowa leave little margin for gradual improvement. For a fan base that has endured rebuild after rebuild, the 2026 season will determine whether Nebraska is finally ready to rise from the middle of a loaded Big Ten, or remains trapped in the frustrating cycle of “almost.” Here is my projection for how the Huskers’ record will unfold.
Games 1-3: Ohio, Bowling Green, and North Dakota
These three home openers should be decisive, comfortable victories. Expect the backups to see significant second-half action in each. Nothing short of 21-point wins is acceptable.
Record: 3-0
Game 4: at Michigan State
Michigan State is just beginning its rebuild under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The Spartans still have talent, but nowhere near Nebraska’s level. The Huskers need a strong start to conference play, and they should deliver one, winning by at least two scores.
Record: 4-0
Game 5: Maryland
Maryland arrives with an excellent quarterback in Malik Washington and a dangerous pass rush. They will be physical, but Nebraska simply has more talent across the board. A two-score homecoming victory feels necessary and realistic.
Record: 5-0
Game 6: Indiana
Facing the defending national champions is never easy, but the circumstances are about as favorable as Nebraska could hope for: a home game, decent weather, and the potential for a ranked-versus-ranked showdown. Still, this Indiana team looks even better than last year’s. They have the superior roster and the best coach in the country. I hope the Huskers keep it within 10, but Indiana takes this one.
Record: 5-1
Game 7: at Oregon
A cross-country trip to face a team many are picking to win the national title. Oregon boasts the better roster, the better coach, and home-field advantage. The Ducks win.
Record: 5-2
Game 8: Washington
What is likely this year’s “Blackout” game will also serve as the clearest indicator of how the season ends. The matchup is a statistical coin flip: Rhule’s post-bye record versus Washington’s road struggles. The two teams are roughly equal in talent, but it’s time for Nebraska to start beating the teams that match them on paper. The Huskers snap their losing streak, claim their first true Blackout win, and quite possibly end their drought against ranked opponents in a nail-biter. ‘Skers are going Bowlin’
Record: 6-2
Game 9: at Illinois
Every season under Rhule features one game in which the coaching staff seems to forget how football works. This is that game. Rhule has historically struggled on Fridays and on the road; combine the two, and it becomes a recipe for disaster. Illinois pulls off the upset and leaves Nebraska fans shaking their heads.
Record: 6-3
Game 10: at Rutgers
Many outlets project Rutgers to finish last in the Big Ten, yet they will still be a handful, essentially “Iowa Lite”: tough, physical, and built around a strong run game, just without the consistent wins. The travel to New Jersey doesn’t help. Nebraska ultimately has the better team and grinds out a closer-than-comfortable victory, something in the neighborhood of 17-10.
Record: 7-3
Game 11: Ohio State
Kickoff time could matter. If Nebraska draws a night game, an upset becomes slightly more plausible. Realistically, though, Ohio State has the superior talent and coaching. The Buckeyes win, but the Huskers keep it semi- respectable.
Record: 7-4
Game 12: at Iowa
Nearly a decade of “you almost had it.” Nearly a decade of Nebraska beating itself. That ends this year. If the Huskers are ever going to beat Iowa, 2026 offers their best chance. Iowa must replace a host of starters and lacks a clear quarterback solution, though their elite running game remains a major factor. Nebraska’s offense proves too much, and the Huskers finally conquer their rivals in a close one.
Record: 8-4