Nebraska opens Matt Rhule’s fourth season as a heavy home favorite and should look the part against a rebuilding Ohio team with a new coach and massive offensive turnover. Nebraska is coming off back-to-back 7-6 seasons. The Huskers return six starters on each side of the ball plus significant transfer experience and rank among the more veteran FBS rosters. Ohio went 9-4 in 2025 and won a bowl game under interim coach John Hauser, who now has the permanent job. The Bobcats return very little on offense.
Anthony Colandrea makes his Nebraska debut after a Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year season at UNLV. He has 31 career starts and dual-threat ability that Dana Holgorsen can use immediately. Nebraska returns its top two receivers, starting tight end, and three offensive linemen, and added size and experience on the line via the portal.
Ohio’s offense is the opposite story. Starter Nick Poulos has just one career start and limited production. The Bobcats must replace their quarterback, top running back, and entire offensive line. Duncan Brune is a solid returning back, but the unit has too many new pieces to keep up in Lincoln.
Nebraska’s defense, should dictate terms. Ohio’s strength is a physical, run-stopping defense with a decent linebacker group, but the Huskers have the size and depth to wear that down over four quarters.
Keys to the game
Establish the run and protect Colandrea. Ohio’s linebackers will load the box. If Nebraska’s rebuilt line wins early and the Huskers get consistent yards on the ground, play-action and Colandrea’s mobility open up. Last year Nebraska was rarely stuffed below 140 rushing yards; they cannot let Ohio’s defense set the tone.
Start fast and finish drives. Memorial Stadium openers can be sloppy. Nebraska needs to look like the more physical, cleaner team from the first series with no early turnovers, no stalled red-zone trips. A 14-0 or 21-3 first-half lead would let them play freely. Fans and coaches will be watching whether this team can put away a Group of Five opponent instead of just surviving.
Contain Poulos and stop the run. Ohio will try to keep it close with Brune and Poulos’ legs. Nebraska struggled at times last year against mobile quarterbacks. The Blackshirts must set a hard edge, limit explosives, and force Poulos into obvious passing situations where the talent gap shows.
Win the line of scrimmage and special teams. This is the most straightforward key. Nebraska has more size and depth. If they move Ohio off the ball consistently and avoid special-teams mistakes, the score will get out of hand. Ohio is gritty and will not quit, but they lack the replacements to match Nebraska’s roster for 60 minutes.
Avoid the “good enough” trap. A 21-13 or 24-17 win would raise questions heading into Bowling Green and North Dakota. Anything less than a 21-plus-point victory will not be good enough.
My prediction is Nebraska 45, Ohio 10. The Huskers cover and look like a team ready to take the next step in Year 4 under Rhule. Ohio keeps it respectable in the 1st quarter, but the talent and heat will overwhelm the Bobcats. Start mixing the Kool-Aid because the Huskers will be undefeated.
