Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast

On this special midweek episode of the Common Fan Podcast, the boys welcome Henry Cordes of the Flatwater Free Press to discuss his recent investigative report on Nebraska football's spending, how the Huskers compare nationally, and whether the program's financial commitment will finally produce the results fans have been waiting for.

The Nebraska football program is spending more money than ever before. The Huskers have dramatically increased their investment in coaches, support staff, facilities, and players, putting the program among the biggest spenders in college football.

But here's the question every Common Fan wants answered: When will all that spending translate into more wins?

Nebraska's Massive Spending Increase

Cordes shares some eye-opening findings from his research. Nebraska's annual football operating expenditures grew from approximately $33 million to more than $70 million in just over three years, the largest increase among the 68 power-conference programs he examined.

That spending surge moved Nebraska from below the power-conference average during the Scott Frost era to 12th nationally in football operating expenditures (during the 2024–25 school year).

The guys discuss what's driving those increases, including the dramatic expansion of Nebraska's football staff. Tom Osborne won national championships with approximately 30 staff members. Matt Rhule's operation now has more than 80, including 23 on-field assistant coaches.

Cordes also shares insights from his conversations with Osborne about the changing economics of college football, and how the legendary coach views today's spending arms race.

NIL, Revenue Sharing, and Nebraska's Financial Advantage

Operating expenses are only part of the equation. The conversation turns to NIL and player compensation, including The Athletic's recent reporting on what college football programs are spending to assemble their rosters.

According to those estimates, Nebraska is spending between $31 million and $35 million on its roster, ranking approximately 18th nationally and sixth in the Big Ten.

Cordes explains why Nebraska's historically strong financial position and extraordinary fan support could give the Huskers a significant advantage as college football's financial model continues to evolve.

The guys also discuss the lack of transparency surrounding player compensation, the possibility of additional federal legislation, and Cordes' upcoming reporting on how NIL actually works.

How Much Patience Do Husker Fans Have Left?

Of course, spending money and winning football games aren't the same thing. Cordes' research found that no program has combined Nebraska's level of fan support with fewer victories over the past five years. And while the Huskers are now investing like a national contender, fans are still waiting for a meaningful breakthrough.

Coming off Nebraska's heartbreaking 20–17 loss to defending national champion Indiana, the guys discuss whether the program is finally turning a corner, how much progress fans should reasonably expect, and how long Matt Rhule has to turn these investments into results.

They also explore how the head coaching job itself has changed. Today's college football coach must increasingly operate like a CEO, managing personnel, fundraising, roster construction, and an ever-changing set of rules.

It's a fascinating conversation about the business of modern college football, Nebraska's place in it, and what all this spending might mean for the future of the Big Red.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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For a few glorious minutes Saturday afternoon, it felt like Nebraska football was finally going to have its moment.

Anthony Colandrea had just galloped into the end zone, giving the Huskers a 17-6 fourth-quarter lead over defending national champion Indiana. Memorial Stadium was absolutely electric. Strangers were hugging. Fathers and sons were dreaming about storming the field together. After years of disappointment, Husker Nation was knocking on the door in a big way.

And then, in a way that felt all too familiar, it was gone. Indiana rallied to win 20-17, leaving Nebraska fans with that same old combination of anger, frustration and disbelief.

The Common Fans were plenty angry on Saturday. But when you stop and take a breath, you realize Nebraska didn’t just hang around with the defending national champions. For much of the game, the Huskers outplayed them.

So what are we supposed to make of that?

A Heartbreaker That Felt Different

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Nebraska outgained Indiana 383-328, held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, won the first-down battle 25-13 and held the Hoosiers to zero third-down conversions. And still somehow lost.

The things that went wrong are all familiar: poorly timed penalties, another missed field goal, questionable game-management decisions and two devastating defensive breakdowns that turned an 11-point fourth-quarter lead into a three-point defeat.

There were plenty of opportunities to win this game. Nebraska simply didn't capitalize on enough of them.

Colandrea Is Exactly What Nebraska Needed

Anthony Colandrea isn't perfect. Sometimes he misses throws. Sometimes he runs around a little too much. But there's something about this guy that Nebraska has desperately needed. 

He's a gamer. He's a leader. And he gives the Huskers a fighting chance against anybody. His electrifying fourth-quarter touchdown run was the kind of moment that reminds us why we love college football in the first place.

The Common Fans discuss why Colandrea might be the perfect quarterback for this particular moment in Nebraska football history, along with standout performances from Jacory Barney, Archie Wilson and a Blackshirts defense that continues to exceed expectations.

The Good, the Bad and the Infuriating

There were legitimate reasons to be encouraged by Saturday's performance. Dana Holgorsen put together an outstanding offensive game plan, particularly in the first half. Rob Aurich's defense largely bottled up one of the country’s best teams. And Nebraska demonstrated it has the talent and physicality to compete with elite opponents.

But the offensive line remains a concern. Special Teams continues to cost Nebraska points. And the mistakes that have haunted this program for years still haven’t completely disappeared.

Was Saturday proof that Nebraska has finally turned a corner? Or just another example of the Huskers finding a way to lose a game they should have won?

What Happens Next Will Define This Season

The good news is, Nebraska still has every opportunity to change the narrative. Oregon is next. Washington, Illinois, Ohio State, Rutgers and Iowa remain on the schedule. The Huskers have shown they're capable of going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country. Now they need to turn that potential into wins.

Beat the teams you're supposed to beat. Knock off somebody you're not supposed to. Win nine games, maybe more, and give Husker fans something meaningful to cheer for in November.

Saturday showed us what Nebraska football can be. What happens next will tell us what Nebraska football is.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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The Nebraska football team overcame an ugly start to beat Maryland, 48-23, capping off a perfect weekend that included the third annual Common Fan Tailgate. We had beautiful weather, plenty of Fairbury hot dogs, White Elm beer, Chick-fil-A, Common Fan socks and—most importantly—a chance to hang out with a whole bunch of members of the Common Fan community.

Big-Time Players Make Big-Time Plays

The Huskers trailed the Terps 23-14 in the second quarter, and while the Common Fans never completely descended into panic, Nebraska desperately needed somebody to make a play. Enter Dwayne McDougle

His 81-yard pick-six completely changed the game. The Big Red suddenly had life, Memorial Stadium erupted, and Maryland wouldn't score another point for the rest of the afternoon.

It also reinforced what may be the most encouraging thing about this Nebraska team: they have numerous guys who can make game-changing plays. McDougle did it Saturday. Kade Pietrzak came up with an interception. Jeremiah Charles blocked a punt. Anthony Colandrea repeatedly made something happen with his legs when Nebraska needed it most.

This team isn't perfect. But it has dudes who keep making big time plays at game-changing moments. That's something Nebraska hasn't had nearly enough of in recent years.

Tony C Is a Gamer

Colandrea missed a few throws Saturday that we're accustomed to seeing him make. He also finished with 108 rushing yards, hurdled a defender along the sideline and repeatedly used his legs to keep Nebraska moving. That's the beauty of having a true dual-threat quarterback.

Even when everything isn't working perfectly, Colandrea can create something. And when Nebraska fell behind early, there never seemed to be the same sense of impending doom we've felt so many times before. There's a fight, swagger and confidence to this quarterback that seems to be rubbing off on the entire team.

Yes, There Are Still Plenty of Things to Fix

The traditional downhill running game remains a concern. Nebraska committed too many penalties. Special Teams continues to be a roller coaster style adventure. And there were once again some game-management decisions that had the Common Fans scratching their heads.

Those things all matter. Against Indiana and Oregon, Nebraska won't have nearly as much margin for error. If the Huskers want to change the conversation around this program, they're going to have to play cleaner football.

But at the same time, Nebraska is 5-0 for the first time in a decade, with a huge opportunity to make a statement of the the next two weeks. 

Just Let Yourself Believe

The defending national champions are coming to Lincoln. Nebraska is 5-0. Big Noon Kickoff is coming to town. Memorial Stadium will be rocking. And the Huskers have an opportunity to end a nearly decade-long drought against ranked opponents and announce themselves on the national stage.

Are there 27 reasons to worry about whether Nebraska can beat Indiana? Sure. But try to forget about them for a week.

Husker fans have had the optimism beaten out of us for long enough. We keep showing up. We keep watching. We keep caring. And now Nebraska has finally earned the opportunity to play a meaningful October football game with everything still in front of it.

So read and listen to all the practice reports and opinion columns you can get your hands on. Argue with Indiana fans on Twitter. Get to Memorial Stadium early and make it miserable for the Hoosiers.

Dream a little. Let yourself believe.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 4-0 for the first time since 2016. The Big Red went on the road and beat Michigan State 31-13 in their Big Ten opener, overcoming an ugly third quarter and some familiar frustrations to pull away late.

Was it perfect? No. Did certain Common Fans briefly descend into the dark place during the third quarter? Absolutely. But the Huskers made big plays when they needed to, the Blackshirts are looking better every week, and Nebraska walked out of East Lansing with an 18-point conference road win.

Maybe it's time to start getting a little excited.

The Blackshirts Are Making Plays

Nebraska's defense is starting to change games. San Diego State transfer Owen Chambliss has been a revelation. He led the Huskers with eight tackles and added an interception. Fellow SDSU transfer Dwayne McDougle seemed to be everywhere, finishing with seven tackles, including six solo stops. Andrew Marshall slammed the door with a fourth-quarter pick.

And then there was Donovan Jones. With Michigan State threatening to seize momentum in the third quarter, Jones came screaming into the backfield, forced a fumble and recovered it himself. It was exactly the kind of play Nebraska desperately needed, and exactly the kind of play recent Husker teams too often haven't made.

Anthony Colandrea = x-Factor

Anthony Colandrea didn't put up eye-popping numbers Saturday, but his impact went far beyond the box score. When protection broke down, he escaped. When Nebraska needed a first down, he used his legs to get one. When opportunities opened downfield, he made big throws, including a beautiful 44-yard touchdown to Kwazi Gilmer.

Nebraska certainly won't want Colandrea to lead the team in rushing every week, but having a quarterback who can turn a broken play into a first down – or even just get back to the line of scrimmage – gives this offense an element it simply hasn't had in recent years.

Plenty to Celebrate, Plenty to Clean Up

Now for the part where the Common Fans find things to worry about after an 18-point road win. Nebraska struggled to establish the traditional running game. Penalties remain frustrating. The end-of-half clock management left plenty to be desired. And the entire third quarter was a bit of a mess. 

Nebraska opened the second half with consecutive three-and-outs, then turned the ball over on downs without recording a first down in the entire quarter. For a while, it felt like we were watching a movie Husker fans have seen far too many times.

The difference? This time Nebraska made the plays required to win anyway. The defense created turnovers. Colandrea extended drives. And when Nebraska finally got the ball back in the fourth quarter, the Huskers put together a 12-play, 66-yard drive that drained more than six minutes off the clock.

So…How Much Can We Start to Believe?

Nebraska is 4-0. Maryland is next. Illinois and Washington suddenly don't look quite as intimidating as they did before the season. Indiana and Oregon remain enormous challenges, but college football has already reminded us repeatedly this year that nobody is invincible.

We're not making playoff reservations. We're not looking past Maryland. But this team feels like it has more juice. It has a quarterback who can create. It has weapons on offense. And it has a defense that's flying around, sacking quarterbacks and taking the football away. For the first time in a long time, the possibilities are starting to get pretty interesting.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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The Nebraska football team took care of North Dakota 34-7 in a workmanlike performance to finish nonconference play undefeated. And that's really the main story of the first three weeks. The Huskers beat the teams they were supposed to beat, mostly in the fashion they were supposed to beat them, and avoided the kind of early-season disaster Husker fans have a little too much experience with.

Now the real fun begins.

Another Big Day for Jamal Rule

Jamal Rule finished with 119 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown run. The standout freshman running back continues to look like one of Nebraska's most exciting players, period.

Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee also continued to produce, with Nelson appearing to take the co-lead along with Rule, but Mozee showing plenty on his own. Nebraska finished with 277 rushing yards and averaged 6.2 yards per carry. It’s hard to argue with those numbers.

And Tony C continues to bring something different at quarterback. Anthony Colandrea didn't need to put up huge numbers Saturday, but his mobility, leadership and fire were on display again as Nebraska methodically took care of business.

The Blackshirts Keep Getting Better

One of the biggest questions coming out of the first two games was whether Nebraska could generate enough pressure with its defensive front. Against North Dakota, we finally saw it.

The Huskers finished with five sacks, with contributions coming from all over the defense. More importantly, the Blackshirts appear to be improving each week. After some shaky moments early against Ohio, Nebraska has allowed just one touchdown in each of the last two games.

We still need to see what this defense looks like against Big Ten competition, but there are legitimate reasons to be encouraged.

What Still Needs to be Cleaned Up?

If we're going looking for concerns after a 27-point win, special teams is definitely where we start, and we’re keeping half an eye on the offensive line as well.

Nebraska has run the ball effectively through three games, but there have still been too many individual plays where offensive linemen appear to get beaten. That's survivable against the kind of nonconference slate the Huskers have seen. It could become a bigger problem as we transition to Big Ten play.

Special teams also haven't inspired quite the same confidence they did a year ago. Nebraska continues to commit penalties in the return game, and the kicking and punting games remain works in progress.

Nothing qualifies as an emergency. But there are things that need to be tightened up. 

Time to Find Out

All offseason, any path toward a successful Nebraska season started with the same assumption: beat Ohio, Bowling Green and North Dakota. Check.

Nebraska is 3-0. The offense has weapons. The running game is producing. Colandrea looks like exactly what the Huskers needed at quarterback. And the defense appears to be getting better.

But there's also only so much we can learn from three nonconference games. That’s about to change in a hurry. Nebraska heads to Michigan State before hosting Maryland. After that come Indiana and Oregon. The next month is huge for this program. Gigantic. 

Let's get on with it.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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The Nebraska football team jumped all over Bowling Green on Saturday, scoring touchdowns on five straight possessions, taking a 35-0 lead into halftime, and cruising to a 56-7 win. Yes, things got a little sloppy in the second half, and there are still a few things we'd like to see cleaned up before Big Ten play. But Nebraska did exactly what good teams are supposed to do against an overmatched opponent: dominate.

The Common Fans break down the win, hand out our Dogs of the Game, and discuss what we're starting to believe about this team after two weeks, along with what we still don’t know.

The Husker Offense is Fun Again

Anthony Colandrea already looks like the best quarterback of the Matt Rhule era. Colandrea’s mobility changes everything. He can extend plays when things break down, take shots downfield, and make defenses account for him as a runner. Just as importantly, the offense looks like it has a rhythm that has been missing in recent years.

And Colandrea has plenty of help. Jamal Rule, Isaiah Mozee and Mekhi Nelson give Nebraska multiple options at running back. Kwazi Gilmer, Jacory Barney, Nyziah Hunter provide weapons on the outside. Luke Lindenmeyer continues to do the job at tight end.

We know, it’s only Ohio and Bowling Green. But this offense looks different. Dare we say, it looks fun.

What Still Needs to Get Better?

It's hard to complain about a 56-7 win, but the Common Fans manage to find a few areas needing improvement.

Penalties remain an issue, particularly on special teams. The receivers have to eliminate the drops we've seen through two games. And perhaps most importantly, Nebraska's defensive front needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Blackshirts held Bowling Green to just 169 total yards and 2-for-12 on third down, so there was plenty to like. But getting consistent pressure from the front four becomes much more important once Nebraska starts facing Big Ten offensive lines.

So...How Good Is Nebraska?

That's the question we still can't answer. Nebraska has beaten Ohio 49-21 and Bowling Green 56-7. After North Dakota next week, we probably still won't know much more.

But around the Big Ten, some of the teams on Nebraska's schedule suddenly look a little less intimidating. Rutgers is 0-2. Washington struggled with Utah State. Illinois lost to Duke. Iowa needed another quintessential Iowa performance to escape Iowa State.

None of that guarantees anything for Nebraska. But after years of watching the Huskers struggle with teams they were supposed to beat, there's something refreshing about simply taking care of business.

Nebraska is 2-0. The offense has weapons. Anthony Colandrea looks like the real deal. And there are legitimate reasons to wonder whether this team might be capable of something more. Now bring on the games that will actually tell us.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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Nebraska football is back, and the Huskers are 1-0.

It was far from perfect, and much of Husker Nation was sweating a 14-13 halftime lead. But by the time the dust settled, the Big Red had pulled away for a 49-21 win, the offense had shown some firepower, and Nebraska had given fans at least a few reasons to be excited about what this team could become.

The Common Fans break down the win, the good and the bad, and what we actually learned from the first game of the season.

Anthony Colandrea Makes His Husker Debut

Welcome to Nebraska, Tony C.

Anthony Colandrea brought exactly the kind of mobility, energy and swagger Husker fans hoped to see from their new quarterback. He finished with 275 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while also repeatedly using his legs to escape pressure and keep plays alive.

The completion percentage wasn't spectacular, but several drops didn't help. More importantly, Colandrea looked comfortable running the offense and distributing the ball to a Nebraska offense that suddenly appears to have a lot of weapons.

And speaking of weapons...

Jamal Rule Announces His Arrival

True freshman Jamal Rule might have been the biggest story of the day.

Rule ran 15 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns, added a receiving touchdown, and showed an impressive combination of size, speed and explosiveness. He wasn't the only Nebraska running back who looked good, either, as Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee helped the Huskers pile up more than 200 yards on the ground.

The Common Fans try not to get too carried away after one game (emphasis on try), but it's hard not to be excited about what Nebraska may have found in Rule.

A Second-Half Offense Husker Fans Can Get Behind

The Huskers eventually did what good teams are supposed to do against an overmatched opponent: they took control.

One drive in particular stood out. Nebraska marched 73 yards on 11 plays, running the ball 10 times, including a fourth-and-one conversion that featured defensive players lining up as fullbacks and Rule bulldozing his way for 13 yards. It was exactly the kind of physical, downhill football Nebraska fans love to see.

And once the Huskers finally got rolling, they didn't stop. Nebraska scored 35 second-half points and turned a one-point halftime lead into a comfortable four-touchdown win.

Still Plenty of Questions

The final score looks great. The first half raised some legitimate concerns. Nebraska committed nine penalties for 65 yards, had some shaky moments on special teams, and didn't consistently generate the kind of pressure from the defensive front that the Common Fans hoped to see. The offensive line also wasn't quite as dominant early as expected. Those things need to be cleaned up before Big Ten play.

The encouraging part was that Nebraska got better as the game went along. The defense settled in, the offense took over, the Huskers didn't turn the ball over, and they ultimately handled their business. That's enough to keep the optimism alive.

Nebraska didn't show enough Saturday to prove this season will finally be different. But the Huskers showed enough to make us believe there’s still a chance it could be. And for Week 1, we'll take it.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joins the Common Fans to talk about his path from a small-town Nebraska kid hoping for a chance to play for the Huskers to becoming a two-time first-team All-Big Eight selection—and, eventually, Governor of Nebraska. Along the way, he shares some fantastic behind-the-scenes stories about Coach Osborne, his thoughts on Matt Rhule, and what concerns him about the direction of college football.

And yes, we finally get a sitting governor on the record about the possibility of banning fall weddings.

Playing for Tom Osborne

Pillen takes the Common Fans back to a very different era of recruiting. His first contact from Osborne came through a card in the mail around the 1974 Cotton Bowl. "My heart is somehow to get to Nebraska," Pillen remembers telling another coach who wanted him to take a recruiting visit.

He eventually got there, joining Osborne's second recruiting class as Nebraska's head coach. Pillen says what made Osborne special wasn't simply his football mind or ability to recruit.

"My answer is really simple. It's just his character, who he was."

Pillen shares a terrific story from his senior season, when he lined up incorrectly during a critical Alabama drive. Osborne repeatedly rewound the film in front of the team but never screamed or personally called Pillen out.

"Got a fifth-year senior lining up wrong. That won't work."

Pillen says the message was enough. He tripled down on his preparation and made sure it never happened again.

Why Pillen Believes in Matt Rhule

Pillen is a believer in Matt Rhule.

"I'm a Matt Rhule fan," Pillen says. "My humble opinion would be he's the closest to Tom Osborne of anybody that's been here in this new era."

Pillen believes relationships and culture remain critical even in an era dominated by NIL and the transfer portal. He also got a firsthand look at the 2026 Huskers during a recent scrimmage and came away impressed by the competition throughout the roster.

College Football's Wild West

Having played college football, and later served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, Pillen has a unique perspective on college athletics. He's supportive of players having opportunities to make money, but worries about the consequences of constant transferring—including players who enter the portal, don't find another opportunity and potentially lose their path to a college education.

He'd like to see more structure around eligibility and transfers, arguing that constantly moving also costs players something that lasted a lifetime for his generation: relationships with teammates.

"If I haven't seen somebody for 40 years, it's like I saw them just last week," Pillen says.

Governor Pillen Takes on the Toughest Issue of All

Finally, after discussing Osborne, Rhule and the future of college sports, the Common Fans tackle the public-policy question Husker Nation has been waiting for: should Nebraska ban weddings on football Saturdays?

Pillen isn't ready for government intervention.

"If anybody's getting married on a football Saturday, they just must not want anybody to come to their wedding."

Fair enough, Governor. The market has spoken.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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We made it, Common Fans. The offseason is over, fall camp is in the books, and your Nebraska Cornhuskers will play an actual game this week.

With game week finally here, the Common Fans offer five bold predictions for Nebraska football in 2026. From a breakout freshman running back to a Nebraska passing record, a resurgent Blackshirt defense, and two very different predictions for the Huskers' final record, we're officially allowing ourselves to believe again. Well, most of us are.

Is Jamal Rule Nebraska's Next Breakout Running Back?

The crew gets things started with a prediction that true freshman Jamal Rule will emerge as Nebraska's starting running back by the end of the season. The Common Fans have a pretty good recent track record when it comes to Husker running backs, as we were driving the Emmett Johnson bandwagon well before his All-American season, so naturally we look forward to taking full credit if this one works out, too.

With no obvious workhorse returning, a (hopefully) improved offensive line and a mobile quarterback helping the running game, the opportunity could be there for Rule to follow in the footsteps of other Husker backs who made an impact as true freshmen.

Can Anthony Colandrea Rewrite the Nebraska Record Book?

Matty O predicts Anthony Colandrea, aka Tony C, will break Nebraska's single-season record for touchdown passes.

The current record is 26, set by Zac Taylor, and the boys discuss the possibility that the combination of Colandrea, Dana Holgorsen and an intriguing group of receivers could finally take it down. After throwing for more than 3,400 yards last season, Tony C has already shown he can sling it. Now we'll find out if he can do it in the Big Ten.

Will the Blackshirts Get Back to Being the Blackshirts?

Another bold prediction: Rob Aurich's first Nebraska defense will finish in the top 25 nationally in total defense.

After the run defense fell apart late last season, the Common Fans discuss why a simpler, more aggressive approach could help Nebraska get back to what we believe should always be the foundation of the program: defense. Stop the run. Get after the quarterback. Force turnovers. Give your dudes an opportunity to make plays. 

Nebraska has made progress defensively under Matt Rhule, but after last season’s regression, the next step is becoming the kind of physical, attacking Blackshirt defense that can change games.

Nine Wins...or Five?

The episode sees two wildly different predictions for Nebraska’s final record. TJ predicts Nebraska goes 9-3. Geoff predicts 5-7.

That sends the Common Fans into a full breakdown of a difficult 2026 schedule. Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State represent the top tier, while games against Washington, Illinois and Iowa may ultimately tell us much more about where Nebraska stands in year four under Matt Rhule.

Can Nebraska finally start winning against the teams in its own weight class? Can it knock off a ranked opponent? Can the Huskers catch a couple of the breaks that have seemingly gone against them for years? Or is Geoff right that we're all setting ourselves up to have our hearts broken again?

In any event, the speculation is almost over. Football is back. Everybody is 0-0, every possibility is still on the table, and for at least a few more days, we're choosing to believe.

Well, most of us. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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College football is finally back, and the Common Fans are celebrating by bringing back old friend and Omaha World-Herald reporter Evan Bland. 

With fall camp winding down and Nebraska’s opener right around the corner, Evan joins the Common Fans to break down what he’s seeing and hearing from Matt Rhule’s fourth Husker team — including some position groups that may be stronger than people realize, the impact of a revamped coaching staff, and why Anthony Colandrea could change the complexion of Dana Holgorsen’s offense.

A New-Look Husker Offense

There are new faces everywhere, starting with a wide-open competition at running back and a revamped offensive line. Evan explains why true freshman Jamal Rule is expected to play immediately, what Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee bring to the backfield, and why Nebraska may lean heavily on a committee rather than finding another workhorse like Emmett Johnson.

But the biggest reason for optimism may be up front. Nebraska invested heavily in its offensive line — adding experienced transfers and bringing in highly regarded offensive line coach Geep Wade — and Evan thinks the Huskers may finally have legitimate depth beyond the starting five.

Nebraska’s New Look Quarterback Room

The Common Fans have spent all offseason talking about what Colandrea’s mobility could add to Holgorsen’s offense, and Evan sees plenty of reasons for excitement. Beyond his arm and ability to make plays with his legs, Evan says Colandrea has impressed the coaching staff with how quickly he processes the game, and even compares his confidence and swagger to former Husker quarterback Joe Ganz.

The playbook itself may not look dramatically different. The difference could come when a play breaks down. Colandrea gives Nebraska the ability to turn something that isn’t there into a first down, a big play or a touchdown, and that’s something the Huskers simply haven’t had enough of in recent years.

Reasons for Optimism on Defense

After Nebraska’s run-defense struggles last season, the defensive line is understandably one of the biggest questions entering 2026. Evan explains why the return to a four-man front could better fit several players on the roster, while added depth gives the Huskers more options up front.

Meanwhile, the secondary might quietly be the best position group on the entire team. Between returning contributors, experienced transfers and young talent, Evan believes Nebraska could legitimately go eight or nine players deep on the back end.

What Does Nebraska Have to Prove in 2026?

After a much quieter offseason from Rhule and his staff, Husker fans are finally starting to talk themselves into football again. Evan thinks the coaches correctly read the room after last season’s frustrating finish and simply (and quietly) went to work during the offseason. Now Nebraska enters the season with an older roster, a more experienced coaching staff and reasons to believe it can take another step.

Does that mean Rhule has to win eight or nine games to keep his job? Evan doesn’t think so. But there is one thing he believes Nebraska absolutely needs to accomplish: beat a ranked team. After 30 straight losses against ranked opponents, it’s time for the Huskers to finally knock somebody off and give the fan base a signature win. And they’ll have plenty of opportunities.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

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