Full Breakdown
Nebraska Cornhuskers Face Challenging 2026 Season Predictions
4/18/2026, 1:24:57 PM
Bold Predictions for Nebraska's 2026 Season
CBS Sports writer Tom Fornelli has made a controversial prediction regarding the Nebraska Cornhuskers' prospects for the 2026 college football season, suggesting that the team will not qualify for a bowl game. This assertion is particularly striking given that bowl eligibility typically requires a team to win at least six games. Fornelli's prediction is not rooted in the departure of quarterback Dylan Raiola but rather in the belief that the current quarterback, Anthony Colandrea, while a better fit for offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's system, may not be a standout player.
Schedule Challenges
The Nebraska Cornhuskers' schedule for 2026 is notably difficult, featuring road games against formidable opponents such as Michigan State, Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa. Additionally, the team will face tough home games against defending national champion Indiana, Ohio State, and Washington. Given this challenging slate, achieving a 6-6 record, which would secure bowl eligibility, appears to be a daunting task. The team would need to win at least one of these tough matchups while sweeping the remaining games to reach the necessary win total.
Offensive Strategy and Player Analysis
Colandrea's mobility is highlighted as a potential advantage for Nebraska's offense. His ability to execute run-pass options could provide the team with more strategic choices, particularly in keeping defenses off-balance. While Colandrea may lack the arm strength of Raiola, he has demonstrated significant passing ability, throwing for 7,542 yards and 49 touchdowns across three seasons. This shift in quarterback dynamics could influence Nebraska's offensive performance in the upcoming season.
Coaching Stability and Future Implications
Head coach Matt Rhule, who received a two-year extension in October, is under contract until 2032. However, the nature of college athletics often leaves coaches feeling insecure about their positions, as performance can dictate job security regardless of contract length. If Nebraska fails to meet expectations and misses bowl eligibility, it could trigger a coaching search in Lincoln, despite Rhule's recent contract extension. The pressure to perform is amplified by the team's recent history, having made two consecutive bowl games after a prolonged period of losing seasons.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the 2026 season approaches, the Nebraska Cornhuskers face significant challenges that could impact their performance and coaching stability. While Fornelli's prediction may seem bold, the realities of a tough schedule and the need for consistent performance will ultimately determine the team's fate. The upcoming games will reveal whether these predictions hold true or if Nebraska can defy expectations and secure a bowl berth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, this prediction is based on the fact that just because he’s a fit doesn’t mean Colandrea is a star, and Nebraska’s schedule is not easy.” — Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports Writer
- “Our take: Colandrea is far more mobile than Raiola, giving Holgorsen more choices.” — Analysis from Nebraska Sports Commentary
- “If Nebraska wins one of those games, and sweeps the rest of its other games, it is a 6-6 season and bowl eligibility.” — Nebraska Sports Commentary
- “If a power-conference coach started a season 0-9, would his job be in jeopardy?” — Nebraska Sports Commentary
