Nebraska’s offense has lacked consistent spark and identity in recent years. With Matt Rhule feeling the pressure and fans growing impatient, the 2026 unit needs several key contributors to step up and deliver the balance, protection, and playmaking the program has been missing. Here are the three players whose performances will most determine whether the offense can finally take a leap this season.

Anthony Colandrea: 

Anthony Colandrea was brought in to be QB1, not to face a three-way quarterback battle for the starting job. Rhule knows the seat is getting warm and that fans’ patience is wearing thin. That’s why they went and got a quarterback who could finally give Nebraska’s offense the spark it’s been missing under Rhule. Rhule wanted a dual-threat quarterback from Day 1 (remember Jeff Sims?), but thought landing a 5-star prospect who was the son of a Husker legend would be enough to overcome that. Instead, what they got was an offense that looked like it was playing 5-on-11, a serious waste of resources, and a program stuck in a stranglehold. With Colandrea, the program should finally be able to breathe. The senior transfer is a proven playmaker who can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs. At UNLV in 2025, he threw for over 3,400 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding nearly 650 rushing yards and 10 scores. He extends plays, creates off-schedule magic, and keeps defenses honest. If Colandrea delivers the mobility and production Rhule has been chasing, the entire offense opens up dramatically.

Elijah Pritchett: 

Elijah Pritchett showed us against Utah that he can be the best player on the field, regardless of who Nebraska is playing. The 6-6, 325-pound senior transfer from Alabama was projected to be a first-round pick before last year started, but instead he started as a third-stringer before earning nine starts at left tackle. It wasn’t a lack of talent; Pritchett has all the tools in the world. Sidelining him early wasn’t exactly helping him develop, but now the situation has changed. With a real offensive line coach in place, another full offseason of training, and a quarterback who is mobile and can buy time, it’s time for Pritchett to play to his full potential and lock down the left side of the field. If Pritchett plays well, more than likely Colandrea will play well, and the running game will play well. His run blocking can create lanes, and his pass protection can give the quarterback clean pockets. When Pritchett dominates, the entire offensive line elevates, and the skill players around him have more room to operate.

Whoever RB1 Will Be: 

Nebraska desperately needs someone to step up and be a true RB1. You won’t win consistently in the Big Ten without a productive, physical running game that can control the clock and wear down defenses. Last year the ground attack had flashes but lacked the consistency and explosiveness needed for sustained success. With a much-improved offensive line and a quarterback who can run the read-option and RPOs, the running game should have every opportunity to thrive. The room has talent, and Isaiah Mozee stands out as one of the top candidates to claim the lead role. He brings vision, burst, and the ability to make defenders miss. Other backs will compete, but whoever emerges as the clear lead back will be critical. A strong RB1 takes pressure off Colandrea, opens up play-action, and gives the offense balance. If the running back who steps up produces efficiently and breaks tackles, Nebraska’s offense suddenly looks complete instead of one-dimensional. The investment in the line and the addition of a mobile quarterback mean the opportunity is there, and now it’s time for the backfield to deliver the production.

The Bottom Line

Colandrea brings the dual-threat ability and playmaking the offense has lacked. Pritchett has the talent and experience to anchor the left side and create opportunities for everyone else. The RB1, whether it’s Mozee or another back who seizes the moment, must provide the physical, consistent production that makes the whole attack dangerous. If these three players deliver, Nebraska’s offense finally has the spark, protection, and balance it needs to support a real leap in 2026. The pieces are in place. Now it’s about execution and stepping up when it matters most.