3 concerns about Nebraska football that are more than fair

Even though the hype surrounding Nebraska football has died down compared to previous seasons, there is still plenty of optimism about the team heading into Matt Rhule’s fourth season.

It’s a natural thing. The team has developed. It has gotten older and also made some key upgrades during the offseason to the offensive line, the defensive line, the coaching staff, and the quarterback position.

There are still reasons to be concerned, though. There are valid concerns that this season could work out like the past two, when the Huskers were also supposed to take a big leap in the win-loss column.

Rhule has made improvements. No one can deny that. The progress has been too slow for some. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, which is now just weeks away, here are three things to be concerned about.

The improvements are a mirage

Many Nebraska football fans have pointed out that we haven’t seen any of these improvements on the field. We were told that Dylan Raiola was the savior, and that John Butler could fix the defense.

Every plan is supposed to work, until it doesn’t. Geep Wade should help the offensive line get better. That group added nearly 60 starts of experience.

However, the improvement could be marginal. The defensive line added some key pieces, and the scheme is better, which should get more talent out of a room that’s talented, at least based on recruiting rankings.

And maybe Anthony Colandrea won’t fare as well as in the Big Ten. All of these things are possible.

A better team might not matter

Rhule believes this is his best team. However, it might not mean an improvement, at least in terms of wins and losses. Nebraska football will play six games this season against Big Ten teams that won at least nine games last season and three that made the playoff.

Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State will come to Lincoln, while Nebraska will have to play at Illinois, Oregon, and Iowa. It’s not an easy schedule.

Six wins are a possibility. Nebraska will probably have to break the losing streak against ranked teams to avoid a .500 season, and they will also need to avoid stubbing their toe against Maryland, Michigan State, and Rutgers.

The 2021 Nebraska football team was much improved based on the season prior to that, but in part, because of the schedule, it didn’t matter.

Too many turnovers

Fans really shouldn’t doubt the talent of Anthony Colandrea. He can throw the ball really well. The Mountain West Player of the Year (offense) is a true dual-threat. He will add something to the offense that the Huskers haven’t had.

However, turnover ratio is one of the biggest culprits in all the losses over the years. Nebraska has to take care of the ball better and get better at taking it away.

Colandrea has had at least nine interceptions in all three seasons as a college quarterback. You could call him turnover-prone. Nebraska fans will have to live with some turnovers, but this team isn’t good enough to overcome losing the turnover battle, and it won’t be this season either.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel.