3 bold predictions for Nebraska football vs. Ohio in Week 1

Nebraska football welcomes Ohio into Lincoln Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the first game of the 2026 season.

Led by first-year head coach John Hauser, the Bobcats will look to pull off an upset as a 23.5-point underdog. Ohio has a new head coach, new coordinators, and a new starting quarterback.

Yet, the offensive coordinator has been with the staff for a decade. The quarterback was the backup last season, and the head coach was the defensive coordinator, all for a team that won nine games.

The Bobcats have five starters back, but have one of the best programs in the MAC. Nebraska football should win with ease, but it won’t be a cakewalk, not unless the Huskers play well.

Looking ahead to kickoff, here are three bold predictions.

Anthony Colandrea has over 300 total yards

Colandrea struggled in the bowl game against Ohio with UNLV. The Rebels only scored 10 points. He had an interception and threw for less than 200 yards.

That might be worrisome. We talked about how it could be a reason for concern. Ohio knows how to defend him. It’s also a reason to think Colandrea could succeed.

The defense is going to be similar. Even though it was technically an outside hire, the DC was on the staff previously. So Colandrea should be familiar with the defense. With a veteran quarterback, that should be an advantage. The O-line is better. Wide receivers, too.

Colandrea will throw for around 250, run for another 50, and finish with around 300 total yards.

Ohio under 100 rushing

The Bobcats averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt last season and 227 yards per game. That’s a stat Nebraska football fans should be worried about. If Ohio can run for 200 yards, this could be a tight game.

With a new DC and three new starters on the defensive line, two additions at linebacker, and an offseason spent listening to people talk about how they can’t stop the run, Nebraska will fly around and make Ohio go to the air.

The Huskers could and should win this battle in the trenches.

Quinn Clark catches a long TD

Colandrea talked about Quinn Clark in the spring. Dana Holgorsen has talked him up this fall. He said he would start for a lot of teams.

The 6-foot-5 junior had three receptions of 31 yards or more last season. On Saturday, Colandrea will connect with him on a touchdown that covers at least 30 yards, paying off one big piece of offseason buzz.

Score prediction: Nebraska 31, Ohio 10

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