Full Breakdown
Nebraska Cornhuskers Projected to Hover Around Six Wins in 2026
7/11/2026, 1:21:43 PM
Projected Outlook for the 2026 Season
ESPN’s College Football Power Index (FPI) places Nebraska at No. 30 nationally and ninth in the 18-member Big Ten. The model forecasts an average of 6.7 wins and 5.3 losses, with a 0.0 % win-out chance. Probabilities include a 74.5 % chance of reaching six wins, 0.7 % chance of winning the Big Ten, 7.3 % chance of making the College Football Playoff, 0.4 % chance of reaching the national championship game, and 0.1 % chance of winning the title. Betting market data from Bet MGM aligns closely, predicting 6.5 wins. At this pace, the Huskers would likely secure a bowl invitation for a third straight year.
Schedule Strength and Opponent Rankings
Nebraska’s 2026 schedule ranks 20th hardest in the nation. Four conference foes face tougher slates: Ohio State (8th), Michigan (16th), Northwestern (17th) and USC (19th). The Huskers’ opponents and their FPI rankings are:
- Ohio State – 1st (Nov. 21 at Memorial Stadium)
- Oregon – 4th (Oct. 17 at Autzen Stadium)
- Indiana – 6th (Oct. 10)
- USC – 13th
- Michigan – 15th
- Penn State – 17th
- Iowa – 25th (Nov. 27)
- Washington – 26th (Oct. 31)
- Nebraska – 30th
- Illinois – 38th (Nov. 7)
- Wisconsin – 43rd
- Northwestern – 60th
- Maryland – 61st (Oct. 3)
- Minnesota – 63rd
- UCLA – 64th
- Michigan State – 65th (Sept. 26)
- Rutgers – 67th (Nov. 14)
- Purdue – 71st
Coaching Changes and Player Highlights
Head coach Matt Rhule enters his third season with a revamped staff. New offensive line coach Geep Wade joins a line anchored by senior center Justin Evans. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea is slated to lead the offense. On defense, Rob Aurich—who spent the previous two seasons at San Diego State—takes over as defensive coordinator.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
Nebraska posted 7-6 records in each of the past two seasons. In 2025 the team finished 44th in the FPI, with monthly rankings ranging from 21 to 44. Starting the 2026 season at 30th represents an improvement over the prior year’s position.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All available data are projections; no official statements from the university or ESPN confirm the likelihood of postseason success beyond the statistical probabilities presented.
