LINCOLN — Despite taking care of business to start the 2026 college football season 2-0, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule is making sure Husker Nation does not take their next opponent lightly. Speaking to the media on Monday ahead of Week 3, Rhule issued a stark warning about the visiting North Dakota Fighting Hawks (3-0), calling the upcoming clash at Memorial Stadium potentially his team’s most difficult matchup yet.
North Dakota’s Elite Offense Poses Physical Challenge
Although North Dakota plays in the FCS, Rhule emphasized that the Fighting Hawks boast an elite physical brand of football led by senior dual-threat quarterback Jerry Kaminski. Kaminski has already racked up 876 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns through his team’s first two games, running a Top 10 FCS offense that can spread out defenses or dominate on the ground.
«They do a great job schematically… when you watch Kaminski, he’s got great weapons,» Rhule noted. «He can drop back and sling it… they’re an elite running team. He understands exactly what each play call is looking for and just gets the ball to the right guy.»
While praising defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s unit for holding opponents to just 124 rushing yards per game—and getting valuable reps for young talent like Tyson Terry—Rhule made it clear that harder tests lie directly ahead before Big Ten play begins.
Anthony Colandrea Elevates Red-Zone Execution to Perfect 8-for-8
The Husker offense enters Week 3 riding high behind transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who was recently named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 222 yards and four touchdowns against Bowling Green. Rhule credited Colandrea’s leadership and mobility for helping Nebraska achieve a perfect 8-for-8 touchdown conversion rate in the red zone this season.
«He’s had that impact since he got here… You don’t have to worry about the psyche of the offense,» Rhule said, while issuing a minor directive to his offensive line to extend their protection on play-action shots.
Rhule also singled out receiver Kwazi Gilmer, who caught six passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns last Saturday, praising his work ethic: «He’s an elite professional. He practices at one speed; he plays at one speed.» Nebraska’s passing attack will need that same preparation as they face a disciplined North Dakota defense that has allowed only five passing touchdowns through three games.