5 things to watch for Nebraska football against Ohio

The 2026 Nebraska football team will make its debut on Saturday. Matt Rhule has said repeatedly this offseason that it is his best team in Lincoln.

Saturday, we can start to make those judgments for ourselves. The Huskers are heavy favorites (23.5 points) against a team that won nine games in Ohio, but also returned just five starters. The Bobcats have a new head coach (John Hauser, their DC last season), a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator, and a new starting quarterback.

The Huskers need to start 5-0 this season. Winning this game is a must, and here are five things to watch for Nebraska vs. Ohio.

Ohio knows Anthony Colandrea

This is an interesting storyline ahead of the Bobcats-Nebraska matchup. Ohio defeated UNLV, Colandrea’s team, last season in the bowl game, 17-10. Colandrea threw for just 184 yards. He also ran for 28 on nine attempts, plus threw an interception.

Nebraska will have better players than UNLV. That should make a big difference. Colandrea being familiar with Ohio could benefit him, too. So it’s something to watch for both sides.

How will the Nebraska football running backs fare?

We’ll all be watching to see who gets the first carry on Saturday. My guess is Isaiah Mozee. Mekhi Nelson and Jamal Rule will get the ball, too.

Even though Gunnar Gottula is now expected to start the season at right tackle, there is no reason to think the offensive line won’t improve.

Colandrea will help open up the running game even more with the zone read and as a real threat to keep the ball. That will be critical in goal-line situations, too.

Ohio won’t be intimidated

The Bobcats won the MAC championship back in 2024. They also reached the title game in 2022 and have won at least nine games in four consecutive seasons. Despite some of the departures, Ohio won’t be intimidated, especially after winning against West Virginia last season.

Ohio played against Ohio State, Rutgers, and West Virginia last season. They won one of those games and lost another by a field goal. This team has multiple All-MAC selections on defense, as well as a running back who could be All-MAC as well (Duncan Brune).

Phil Steele had eight Bobcats on his preseason All-MAC team, including two on the offensive line. Nebraska has the talent edge, no doubt, but this isn’t a cupcake.

Will the run defense actually be better?

Nebraska allowed 4.8 rushing yards per attempt last season. The Huskers added two new linebackers, two new defensive tackles, and have Anthony Jones, another transfer, starting at defensive end. There was an overhaul up front on both sides of the ball.

Many have assumed the run defense will be better. Ohio will find out for real. QB Nick                                                                                                                                                                                             Poulos is 6-foot-6, 234 pounds, and has averaged 5.1 yards on 36 attempts with Ohio.

Brune averaged 4.9 yards per attempt last season. Ohio will run the quarterback. They will also run until Nebraska proves it can stop it.

Special teams

Mike Ekeler is coaching for USC. The special teams were a huge part of three Big Ten wins (MSU, NW, Maryland), so the Huskers can’t afford a drop-off.

Brett Maher is the new special teams coordinator. Nick Humphrey was an assistant under Ekelfer, first with Tennessee, then Nebraska, before being hired as the Huskers’ co-special teams coordinator.

Nebraska has the same kicker and punter. Kenneth Williams is gone, but Jacory Barney has had a knack for big plays in the kicking game. He’s capable. The whole unit is.

One true thing: if there is a step back in the kicking game, the Huskers will take a step back. That’s something they can’t afford to have happen.

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