Full Breakdown
Nebraska Cornhuskers Eye Tougher Non-Conference Opponents as CFP Expansion Looms
7/7/2026, 3:44:47 PM
Scheduling Outlook Amid Potential 24-Team Playoff
Discussions about expanding the College Football Playoff (CFP) to 24 teams have sparked speculation that Power-4 programs like the Nebraska Cornhuskers may pursue tougher non-conference matchups. Proponents argue an early loss to a strong opponent would not automatically disqualify a team from CFP consideration, while still delivering a compelling game for fans and broadcasters.
Background: Playoff Expansion and Power-4 Scheduling Trends
The CFP expansion debate aligns with a trend among elite programs to schedule higher-profile opponents. In 2025, only 10 of 136 FBS teams avoided FCS opponents, including four Big Ten schools—Michigan, Wisconsin, UCLA, USC—and programs such as Colorado, Notre Dame, Sam Houston, Stanford, Texas, and Tulane. Analysts say Power-4 schools could benefit by scheduling contests against fellow Power-4 opponents rather than lower-tier games. Television networks also favor Power-4 matchups, often scheduling them for prime-time slots.
Nebraska’s Upcoming Non-Conference Slate
Nebraska’s 2025 non-conference slate included Big 12 Cincinnati, MAC Akron, and FCS Houston Christian. In 2026 the Huskers will face Ohio (MAC), Bowling Green (MAC) and North Dakota (non-FBS). The 2027 schedule adds Northern Illinois (Mountain West), Miami (Ohio) (MAC) and FCS Northern Iowa. The lineups combine MAC, Mountain West and FCS opponents, leaving room for games that would have juice.
Historical Rivalries Offer High-Profile Matchups
Nebraska’s rivalry with Oklahoma remains one of the great college football rivalries; the series is 47-38-3 in Oklahoma’s favor and ranked No. 6 by *The Athletic* in its 2023 top-100 list. The 1971 “Game of the Century,” a 35-31 Nebraska win in Norman, preceded a national title. The Nebraska-Colorado series, ranked No. 33 by *The Athletic*, stands 50-21-2 for Nebraska, with the latest 28-10 win in 2024 ending a three-game Buffs streak under coach Deion Sanders.
Alumni Preference vs. Competitive Scheduling
Nebraska alumni often champion easy wins, citing the 59-7 victory over Houston Christian in 2024. Critics argue that scheduling stronger opponents—traditional rivals or elite programs such as Notre Dame, Miami (FL) or an SEC team—could generate prime-time exposure and boost the Cornhuskers’ CFP résumé.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How about the Buffaloes?” — Chuck Bausman, writer
- “Traditional rivals ought to play each other, the season’s final record be damned, How about a wild card?” — Chuck Bausman, writer
- “Forget for a moment about traditional rivals.” — Chuck Bausman, writer
What’s Next
Nebraska’s athletic department has not confirmed schedule changes for 2025-2027, but the possibility of inviting a Power-4 opponent or a high-profile independent like Notre Dame has been raised. Future negotiations will decide whether the Cornhuskers prioritize traditional rivalries, mid-major matchups, or a strategic push for CFP-enhancing games.
