Johnny Rodgers is one of the best to ever play the game, let alone one of the best to ever play at Nebraska. Because of that, people want to see what he thinks of the current crop of Huskers. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear he's bought into the 2026 version yet.
Rodgers -NU's first Heisman Trophy winner- made an appearance at the Outland Trophy Award ceremony, which is held in Omaha. During that appearance, Hail Varsity did a short interview with him and asked whether he thought one of the new Husker offensive linemen might be among the frontrunners to win the Outland next winter. His response was quite the bummer.
"I sure hope so, but I'm doubtful because it's a team thing," the Nebraska legend said.
"You have to have a good team to have good players."
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) January 28, 2026
Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers says he's doubtful a Nebraska offensive lineman will win the Outland trophy next year because "it's a team thing". pic.twitter.com/IsLxycgxuS
Nebraska football: Johnny Rodgers reacts to 2026 Huskers and the Outland Trophy conversation
"You have to have a lot of people really doing the right thing. Like Utah, who just beat us, you know, they had a great team. Teamwork makes your dreams work. You don't win Heismans by yourself or Outlands by yourself. It's always in conjunction with others that you make your greatest accomplishments, but teamwork makes that dream work. So you have to have a good team to have good players."
It doesn't appear that Nebraska is quite there as far as a "great team" just yet. The Huskers are working on getting a better offensive line under new position coach Geep Wade.
Rodgers' outlook mirrors quite a few Husker fans who are deeply concerned that progress isn't being made under Matt Rhule. While they've gone to two straight bowl games, they haven't posted a record better than 7-6. That NU finished the 2025 season with three straight blowout losses makes things feel worse.
Nebraska is officially in "show me" mode. Before people talk a big game about how good the Cornhuskers can be, they're going to have to win a bucket of games and maybe even pull off an upset against one of the conference powers.