Early Nebraska football game-by-game predictions for 2026

Nebraska football was always going to have an extremely difficult schedule in 2026, but earlier this week, we finally got the dates to go along with the opponents.

The Huskers have a decent chance to start hot. The three non-conference games should all be wins. Then, Big Ten play opens with a road game against Michigan State, as well as a road game against Maryland.

Then comes the four-game stretch that will define the season: Indiana, at Oregon, Washington, and at Illinois. If Nebraska football could even go 1-3 during that four-game period, that would be a win.

It feels like Matt Rhule’s team could be better in 2026, with a worse overall record. Keeping that in mind, here are some very early game-by-game predictions for the 2026 season.

2026 Win-loss predictions for Nebraska

Ohio (Sept 5): The Huskers shouldn’t have any problems with this one. (W)

Bowling Green (Sept. 12): Matt Rhule hasn’t lost to a MAC team or a G5 opponent. (W)

UTEP (Sept. 19): This will be another boring win. Nebraska football will start 3-0 (W).

At Michigan State (Sept. 26): The Spartans will be much improved under Pat Fitzgerald. This is a tough opening game, but Nebraska has the better quarterback and should have the better defense (W).

Maryland (Oct. 3): Malik Washington is going to be a different quarterback to deal with next season, but the Huskers’ defense will be better than expected. This is the first game fans will start to realize it (W).

Indiana (Oct. 10): This will be a fun game if Nebraska can make it competitive. The Hoosiers will run away with it before the fourth, though (L).

At Oregon (Oct. 17): Dylan Raiola will watch from the sidelines as the Ducks roll past the Huskers. The defense will hold Oregon in check, somewhat, but the offense will struggle in a three-score loss (L).

Washington (Oct. 31): The Huskies could be ranked coming to Lincoln next season. Demond Williams is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. However, Washington also lost a cross-country trip to Wisconsin this season. Matt Rhule finally gets a good win in the Big Ten, in year four (W).

At Illinois (Nov. 7): Illinois won’t be quite as good. The Fighting Illini will be tough to beat at home, though, and Nebraska has really struggled since Bret Bielema took over (L).

At Rutgers (Nov. 14): Anthony Colandrea and the defense will be enough to get the win in Piscataway (W).

Ohio State (Nov. 21): The Buckeyes might be the best team in college football next season. The Huskers will battle, but fall short on Senior Day (L).

At Iowa (Nov. 27): I’m refusing to pick Nebraska football to beat Iowa until Matt Rhule does it. (L).

Record: 7-5.

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