Alright here is my take on the 2026 Huskers season..

Everything hinges on Anthony Colandrea. If he can make the big plays and keep the turnovers under control this team has a real shot at a breakout year and maybe even double digit wins. But if the picks and fumbles pile up we could easily miss a bowl entirely. That is the reality. Assuming he settles in and plays pretty solid ball here is how I see the games unfolding.

Ohio comes to Lincoln as a MAC program in transition under a new head coach with almost no returning starters on offense. Their defense has some experience at linebacker but the overall roster is thin and unproven. This one should be a statement opener. Huskers 56-7.

Bowling Green is still finding its footing in year two under Eddie George. They want to play physical with a power run game but the offensive line is completely new and the quarterback situation is unsettled. A good FCS team gave them fits in the preseason outlook. Nebraska should roll. Huskers 63-13.

North Dakota is a solid FCS squad with a strong defensive front and experienced trenches. They will come in motivated to play spoiler and keep it close early. Fan angst will start bubbling if it stays tight into the second half but the Huskers pull away late. Huskers 34-14.

Michigan State is rebuilding under Pat Fitzgerald with a lot of new faces. Their running back room looks promising thanks to transfers and the linebackers should be solid but the overall talent level is still catching up. Nebraska bounces back with a gritty conference win. Huskers 27-17.

Maryland has some skill on offense but the trenches and consistency have been issues. They tend to give up big plays and struggle against physical fronts. Nebraska puts the pedal down and blows them out. Huskers 44-23.

Indiana under Curt Cignetti is the real deal with a balanced attack and aggressive defense. This will be a battle of wills and Nebraska gives it everything but comes up just short in a heartbreaker. Indiana 28-24.

Oregon has too much pure talent across the board especially on the offensive side of the ball. Their skill players can take over a game in a hurry and the Huskers just do not have the matching pieces yet. Oregon 33-17.

Washington arrives ranked for the Halloween Blackout and they bring a solid all around roster with good coaching. The home crowd and the energy of the black uniforms make the difference in a low scoring upset. Huskers 24-17.

Illinois plays a tough physical style and has been a thorn for years. Nebraska finally solves them with better execution and more explosiveness. Huskers 35-17.

Rutgers is usually middle of the pack with a serviceable defense but limited offense. By this point Nebraska is rolling and takes care of business cleanly. Huskers 34-10.

Ohio State is still Ohio State with elite talent everywhere even if the schedule has them coming to Lincoln late. A strange wintery day keeps it close but the Huskers fall just short in a defensive struggle. Ohio State 13-10.

Iowa is Iowa. Physical defense and a grind it out offense. No chance I pick against the Huskers in this one. Nebraska gets the win and sends the fans home happy. Huskers 28-14.

That puts the final record at 9-3. A solid step forward if Colandrea lives up to his potential. The non conference games set the tone and the Blackout win over Washington would be the highlight of the year. Bowl eligible and maybe more if a few of those close ones flip.