The Nebraska football schedule for 2026 was released earlier this week, and while Husker fans knew who was on the schedule, they didn't know until now just how the Big Ten games would line up. There's always been the feeling that next fall could be a tough one, considering how much more demanding the schedule will be than in 2025. However, there's an opening to a third straight bowl, at the very least.
Nebraska could take a step back in 2026
September 5: vs Ohio - W
The Ohio Bobcats are an excellent MAC team finishing 9-4 in 2025. However, the Huskers should still be able to win and win handily. The good news here, though, is that they aren't a total pushover, so it will allow new quarterback Anthony Colandrea to get his feet wet while preparing for later in the year.
September 12: vs Bowling Green - W
Nebraska opens the season against two MAC teams. While Ohio has turned into a conference power, Bowling Green has not. The Eagles finished this season 4-8 and will be breaking in new head coach Eddie George. NU will get a measure of revenge for George stealing the Heisman Trophy away from Tommie Frazier all those years ago.
September 19: vs North Dakota - W
The Huskers finish off their non-conference schedule against an FCS school. It's a safe bet they'll be 3-0 as they start to look forward to a Big Ten schedule that turns into a monster later in the year.
September 26: at Michigan State - W
Pat Fitzgerald opens his conference slate at the helm of his new team. He's been a thorn in the side of the Huskers since his time at Northwestern, and he's added some talent to the Spartans, but Nebraska should be able to handle Michigan State.
October 3: vs Maryland - W
Maryland coach Mike Locksley should have been fired after the 2025 season. Instead, the school claimed they were investing more into NIL, and then the Terapins were pretty bad in the portal. Nebraska should be able to improve to 5-0 and be just one win away from a bowl game after its first five weeks.
October 10: vs Indiana - L
Sure, the Huskers get to host the defending national champs, but considering the hurting the Hoosiers put on everyone in 2025, this could get ugly fast.
October 17: at Oregon - L
Nebraska plays 2025 College Football Playoff teams in back to back weeks. Like the Indiana game, this one could get ugly in the first half. Luckily, it doesn't seem likely they'll have to get waxed by their former QB in Dylan Raiola.
October 31: vs Washington - W
Nebraska will have a chance to lick its wounds with a bye week before it takes on the Huskies. Washington has some serious talent, but they weren't exactly juggernauts in the Big Ten despite Demond Williams putting up big numbers. The Huskers win a close one here, in Memorial Stadium, and become bowl eligible.
November 7: at Illinois - L
The Huskers and Illini have faced off in some slugfests over the last few years, but this game, being on the road, gives Bret Bielema's squad the edge.
November 14: at Rutgers - W
The Scarlet Knights are the "margin for error" game on the Big Ten schedule. Nebraska should be able to take out Greg Schiano's squad, and even if they lose to Washington, this game should get them bowl-bound.
November 21: vs Ohio State - L
The third 2025 College Football Playoff team on Nebraska's 2026 schedule, Husker fans can at least lean on NU giving the Buckeyes all they could handle in Columbus the year they went on to win the national title. Still, for now, this has to be marked down as a loss.
November 27: at Iowa - L
Nebraska probably won't be blown out the way they were in 2025 by the Hawkeyes. Still, Iowa is expected to be pretty good and they have the Huskers' number. Especially in Iowa.
Season prediction: 7-5
Some Nebraska fans will be frustrated that the regular season ceiling will once again be seven wins. However, considering how much better the 2026 schedule is compared to 2025, a 7-5 finish will be an improvement and something to use to generate momentum for 2027.