Husker Big Red Daily: Positive vibes for Nebraska ahead of fall camp; Dylan Raiola speaks out

Welcome to Husker Big Red Daily, your daily stop for the latest Nebraska football news, recruiting buzz, transfer portal updates, and Huskers headlines. Here’s a quick look at the latest storylines surrounding Nebraska athletics.

Nebraska football fall camp starts today, and ahead of the first practice of the 2026 season, players met with the media on Tuesday.

Just like with Matt Rhule last week in Chicago at Big Ten Media Days, there were positive vibes about the 2026 season emanating from the players. Anthony Colandrea praised the offensive line for being “elite“, as well as the best that he’s been around during his college football.

The 2025 Mountain West Player of the Year is just one reason for Husker fans to have optimism. Colandrea will be a better fit for Dana Holgorsen and is the kind of quarterback Matt Rhule has needed to succeed, one who can run and throw.

Whether it’s the receivers, the offensive line, the new defensive coordinator, or the fact that Nebraska will have one of the most experienced rosters in college football (14 starters back), the players seem to be on the same page as their head coach. Riley Van Poppel said they didn’t come to Nebraska to win seven games, which was the general attitude.

It’s refreshing, but we’ll see if Rhule can finally get over the hump in year four. One thing that isn’t in doubt is the Huskers’ belief in themselves. This team has confidence. We will see if that ends up being misguided.

Dylan Raiola comments on Nebraska football

Former Huskers quarterback Dylan Raiola was asked about why he chose to leave Nebraska for Oregon. Here is the full quote via Sam McKewon. You can judge for yourself.

“There’s not cornfields here. There’s mountains and trees, and I love the nature. As far as football, it’s different, you know, with coaches and players, we have a lot more talent than we did at Nebraska. And I don’t say that to knock on them, but I think everybody will know that. “But I’m very grateful for my time there. Learned a lot from my coaches, teammates — still have those relationships — but I think that I’m really excited for what Oregon’s going to bring.”

Nebraska football gets votes in Coaches Poll

The Huskers received votes in the Coaches Preseason Top 25 Poll; However, they aren’t among the top 25. There are five teams on the schedule ranked, though, starting with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Oregon. Nebraska will also play No. 6 Indiana, No. 19 Washington, and No. 23 Iowa.

It feels like there will be plenty of chances for the Huskers to get their first ranked win under Matt Rhule.

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