Locked On Nebraska - Daily Podcast on the Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Friday mailbag this week starts with a few sobering stats about the success of Nebraska football during this decade. You all knew about the Huskers’ lack of recent success. It leads to a discussion, though, about the patience that Troy Dannen should or should not afford to Matt Rhule. How might the success after patience with Fred Hoiberg impact the approach with football? We have thoughts. 

What if the transfer portal existed in the 1990s? Would Nebraska have won more games – or fewer? Might Nebraska honor its 1997 national champion, a team that included Dominic Raiola, when Dylan Raiola and Oregon visit Lincoln in 2027? Can Hoiberg retain his talent and better acquire players because of all the winning on the court this season? And now that the Raiolas have departed Nebraska, can we spill on what happened last year after the Wisconsin game with Donovan and Luke Fickell? Join us. 

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Will Indiana secure a historic third straight Big Ten national championship, or can Miami pull off an upset at home? The panel breaks down the surprising Indiana vs. Miami title matchup, spotlighting Fernando Mendoza’s efficiency, Miami’s home-field advantage, and the impact of dynamic stars like Elijah Surratt. The crew debates why traditional powerhouses like Oregon, USC, and UCLA are chasing the Hoosiers, and what it will take for Miami—led by Carson Beck—to topple Indiana’s disciplined defense. West Coast transfer portal winners and the “James Madison model” are in the spotlight, with UCLA’s aggressive rebuild and USC’s strategic portal moves scrutinized. Insights on Dante Moore’s development, key prop bets from FanDuel, and bold predictions for the Big Ten’s hottest teams set the stage for an unmissable showdown. Can UCLA or USC reclaim national prominence, or will Indiana’s blue-collar approach keep them on top?

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Nebraska landed its third quarterback – fourth actually, though only three will join the Huskers this year – of the past week and a half on Wednesday. It’s Tanner Vibabul, an addition to the 2026 recruiting class out of Las Vegas. He’s a dual threat. He’s a bit under the radar. And he adds depth to a made over position group.

Matt Rhule, in an interview with Zach Gelb, shared information on the Huskers’ attempt to retain Mike Ekeler as special teams coordinator. But if Ekeler chooses to leave, presumably for USC, Rhule’s got a plan for the Huskers’ special teams. The head coach talked, too, about Indiana and about Anthony Colandrea, the new QB in town who won over Rhule in an interesting way during Colandrea’s visit to Lincoln last week. Join us for this Thursday podcast.

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We’re back with talk about the Nebraska offensive line now that LSU transfer Paul Mubenga is in the bag via the portal. Nebraska has added three starting-caliber O-linemen in the past 10 days. Is the group up front under Geep Wade now set up for success in 2026? Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves, but the Huskers appear to have done well in filling their needs.

Nebraska basketball was back on the court Tuesday night. It demolished Oregon, producing the largest margin of victory in a Big Ten game ever for the Huskers. What’s next? Expect the unexpected with this team, which continues to raise the bar. And is Matt Rhule in danger of losing his special teams coordinator, Mike Ekeler, who has been connected to an opening on Lincoln Riley’s staff at USC? If so, it’s a red flag. Join us on this Wednesday.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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What a three-day stretch for Nebraska. The Huskers added pieces at quarterback, defensive line, wide receiver, the secondary and on special teams since we last got together. Danny Kaelin is back. Matt Rhule landed a juco All-American at defensive tackle – and perhaps a defensive line coach in the same stretch. And two players on defense returned to the Huskers from the portal. 

Will the final few days of activity produce more big news for the Huskers? Maybe a running back? And what will the Nebraska men’s basketball team do for an encore after it rallied from 16 down in the second half to win at Indiana on Saturday. The Huskers are 16-0. We’re here to break down all of the action in both sports. And Connor has a big announcement. Join us on this Monday. 

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

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FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Friday mailbag is open. But first, let’s review the latest in the transfer portal. Nebraska lost a key piece on special teams and added a well-traveled defensive linemen who is savvy in the ways of the Big Ten. Wait until you realize what Anthony Jones has seen in his journey around the league. 

We’re talking about Nebraska basketball as the 10th-ranked Huskers venture into Assembly Hall. Has any group of fans ever stormed the court after a win against Nebraska? We have the answer. How legit is the comp between Husker hoops and Indiana football? What would you sacrifice in football for a run at the Final Four? All of that and more on this fun Friday. Join us.

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Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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A quieter day in the transfer portal for Nebraska? We didn’t know that was possible in this first week of January. But Wednesday came and went without the fireworks that we saw on Monday and Tuesday. Nebraska has secured seven players so far via free agency. We take stock and consider what singular area of the team in 2026 has already received the biggest upgrade. 

Speaking of quiet, Nebraska has not added any pieces to its defensive line. The Huskers, still without a D-line coach, did offer a juco prospect on Wednesday from Iowa Western. What’s happening in the trenches on defense with Rob Aurich’s unit? And where do the Huskers need to find themselves in eight days, when the portal closes? We’re also circling back to discuss QB signee Anthony Colandrea. Join us on this Thursday.

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Gametime
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Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. 
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. 
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. 

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Nebraska football went 24 hours without a quarterback in its 2026 portal class. And then, boom, Anthony Colandrea, formerly of Virginia and UNLV, signed with the Huskers on Tuesday. So the drama around the defection of Kenny Minchey took one day of our time. And it’s on to this three-year starter at the FBS level. Is Colandrea perhaps a better fit for what the Huskers want – and need – at quarterback in 2026?

How is the match with Dana Holgorsen? What does it mean for TJ Lateef? Is there still a competition scheduled in the spring? Connor and Mitch are here with answers in the immediate aftermath of the news. Also, we’re discussing three other portal adds for Nebraska from earlier on Tuesday. Join us.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. 
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. 
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. 

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Big Ten powers surge toward another national championship as Indiana crushes Alabama 38-3, shaking the college football landscape. Can Oregon or Indiana claim the crown and continue the conference’s dominance? Spencer McLaughlin leads the roundtable with Craig Shemon, Jacob Goins, Ryan Herrings, and others, unpacking Kurt Signetti’s meteoric rise, Indiana’s ferocious defense, and the SEC’s fading mystique. Insights abound on Oregon’s playoff chances, Bryce Underwood’s future at Michigan, and Chip Kelly’s uncertain coaching journey.

Key debates cover Kyle Whittingham’s arrival in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s revamped staff, and why mid-tier Big Ten teams are outperforming national heavyweights. The hosts riff on player development, defensive schemes, and emerging coaching talent across the Big Ten, spotlighting Fernando Mendoza’s ascendancy and the behind-the-scenes impact of NIL and the transfer portal. Will the Big Ten’s new era crush the SEC once and for all? Dive into all the drama, predictions, and expert analysis.

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So much for the Kenny Minchey era of Nebraska football. The former Notre Dame quarterback left the Huskers at the altar on Monday. Minchey, who committed to Nebraska on Sunday, signed just 24 hours later with Kentucky. Yes, we’ve got drama here in the transfer portal season. What else would you expect? Nebraska is back in the market for a QB. Where will it look, and how much more will it have to pay? 

Elsewhere, linebacker Owen Chambliss is in for Nebraska as a transfer from San Diego State. So is former Iowa State offensive guard Brendan Black. Linebacker Willis McGahee IV is leaving Lincoln. And 10th-ranked Nebraska improved to 15-0 on the basketball court Monday night with a 72-69 win at Ohio State. This story is getting more wild by the day – and with each win for Fred Hoiberg’s team. Join us as we discuss it all. 

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. 
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. 
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. 

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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