The Nebraska football schedule in 2026 will be hard enough that more than a few fans wonder if the program will take a big step back and miss a bowl game. While it's still far too early, On3 analyst Brett McMurphy brought a bit of good news for those nervous nellies. According to McMurphy, the Huskers are not only bowl-bound but headed to a decent game in the Music City Bowl.
For the second straight year, the Huskers also might end up playing against a team that posts a much better regular season than they do. Last year, it was the Utah Utes who just missed the playoffs. This fall, McMurphy believes Ole Miss will miss the CFP and head to Nashville instead.
While it's near impossible to really pinpoint a bowl matchup in February, the prediction is more a vote of confidence than anything else. The analyst believes not only will Nebraska win six games, but getting to the Music City Bowl means they might even log seven or eight victories.
Nebraska football projected by Brett McMurphy to reach the Music City Bowl in 2026
An 8-4 record may not sound fantastic, but it would mean a third straight year under Rhule where the team improved, even if it was just by one game. With a conference schedule that includes Indiana, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Ohio State, and Iowa, clearly six wins won't be easy.
Should Nebraska prove McMurphy right, it would be the third straight bowl game under Rhule and could go a long way in rejuvenating a program that has seen some serious pessimism this offseason after finishing 2025 with three straight blowout losses.