As Nebraska’s spring practice rolls on, the reality of the 2026 season is starting to sink in. Coming off back-to-back 7-6 seasons, Matt Rhule faces a schedule that can only be described as a «minefield.» With a new starting quarterback and a quirky calendar (5 of the first 6 at home, but 4 of the last 6 on the road), every game will be a battle.
We’ve ranked the Huskers’ 2026 opponents from the most manageable to the downright terrifying:
The «Easier» Path: The season starts with a few games Nebraska should win, led by Bowling Green (Sept 12) and the FCS powerhouse North Dakota (Sept 19). Don’t sleep on Ohio University (Sept 5), who won 9 games last year and will provide a much tougher season opener than many expect.
The Big Ten Grind: The middle of the pack features tricky road trips to Rutgers and a home clash against a rising Maryland team. Rivalry games also loom large: Washington (Oct 31) and the always-difficult Iowa (Nov 27). The Hawkeyes have won 10 of the last 11 against Nebraska, making this «hex» one of the hardest hurdles for Rhule to clear.
The «Big Three» Gauntlet: The three hardest games on the schedule are enough to keep any coach awake at night: 3. Indiana (Oct 10): The defending national champions. Curt Cignetti has turned the Hoosiers into a juggernaut. 2. Ohio State (Nov 21): With Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and star WR Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes are a national title favorite.
- At Oregon (Oct 17): The ultimate test. Between Dante Moore’s speed and the emotional subplot of former Husker Dylan Raiola now on the Ducks’ roster, Eugene will be a hostile environment.