2026-06-15 · Sports Illustrated

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are entering the 2026 college football season with a mix of optimism and concern as they prepare for training camp. With new quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who previously excelled at UNLV, fans are hopeful for a more dynamic offense. Colandrea's ability to throw accurately on the run could be a game-changer for the Huskers, especially after last season's struggles with quarterback Dylan Raiola, who was sacked 30 times. However, the transition to the Big Ten presents challenges, as Colandrea will face tougher competition than he did in the Mountain West. Additionally, head coach Matt Rhule has made significant changes to his coaching staff, bringing in new coordinators to address last season's shortcomings. While these changes are aimed at improving the team's performance, there are concerns about how quickly the new coaches will mesh with the players. The running back room is another area of uncertainty, as offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen has yet to add depth through the transfer portal. As the Nebraska Cornhuskers gear up for a demanding schedule, the balance of optimism and pessimism will be crucial in determining their success this season.