Where Nebraska stands in USA TODAY Sports post-springs rankings

Nebraska enters year four of the Matt Rhule era, looking to take the next step as a program. The 2026 schedule is a gauntlet, and the Huskers are looking to improve following a 7-6 season in 2025.

Nebraska's offense will feature a new quarterback following Dylan Raiola's departure to Oregon. Anthony Colandrea joins the Huskers after a successful career at UNLV.

The Huskers have also brought in a new defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich. The hire brings about a philosophical shift for the defense, as he runs a 4-2-5. The Huskers have run a 3-3-5 scheme under Matt Rhule over the past three seasons.

Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports released his Big Ten post-spring rankings and ranked the Huskers No. 12 in the conference. Here is what he had to say about Nebraska's 2026 outlook.

The Cornhuskers’ outlook runs the gamut from four to maybe nine wins. There’s reason to like how the offense will look with a more mobile passer in former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea and a vastly improved front, but the season will come down to how Nebraska defends the run under new coordinator Rob Aurich.