Now that the SEC is moving to 9 conference games in 2026, it appears a new avenue for a Power conference opponent has opened up for the Nebraska football program. That move is thanks in no small part to the rival conference, which, while adding the 9th game, also made a rule that all teams must play at least one Power conference opponent in their non-conference slate.
Husker AD Troy Dannen made some comments earlier this week that indicate at least one SEC team is talking to NU about the Big Red being that non-conference opponent. Dannen made the comments while appearing on his radio show, saying he'd "been in contact with an SEC AD" about adding a home-and-home series.
Could Nebraska revive a home-and-home with Tennessee after the cancelation
One has to wonder if that SEC AD might be from Tennessee. After all, the Nebraska football team was set to play the Volunteers in a home-and-home starting next season. NU backed out of that series earlier this year, citing the difficulty of the Big Ten schedules (and the fact that the SEC only plays 8 conference games) as the reason for making their 2026 and 2027 schedules easier.
On his radio show, #Nebraska AD Troy Dannen said he has "been in contact with an SEC AD" about adding a home-and-home series to a future non-conference football schedule
— Justin Frommer (@JustinbFrommer) August 26, 2025
WHO DO WE THINK IT IS? 👀👀👀👀
Tennessee was quite upset about the Cornhuskers voiding the contract. So the question there is whether they would agree to work with them again.
On the other hand, with the two programs exciting their fans with such an intriguing matchup, it would be in the best interest of both to find a way to revive the agreement.
Of course, it would also be in Nebraska football's best interest to work out a deal with one of the SEC's also-rans. Perhaps the AD Dannen has talked to is from Kentucky, Vanderbilt, or Mississippi State. We'll likely find out in short order, assuming a deal can be struck.