We've finally reached the promise land my friends, College Football is BACK! We've got Week 0 games kicking off today and a full slate coming next week. It's truly one of the best times of the year, so let's celebrate. I've got an in-depth look at the Huskers with some Oddly Specific Predictions and a look back at how I did with my predictions last year. Then I'll have predictions on all the Week 0 games. Enjoy!
2025 Oddly Specific Husker Predictions Results: 4.5/10
A couple of half points for Dylan's improvement on the TD/INT ratio, but lack of yards and the huskers having a 600+ and two 400+ receivers, but not an 800+. Emmett Johnson cleared 1,000 total yards quite easily and racked up an extra 5 TDs over my prediction. I was very happy to be proven wrong on my turnover margin prediction, the Huskers went positive for the first time since 2016 with +2. Jacory Barney Jr. was electric as a punt returner, but Marques Watson-Trent was not a top tackler in the BIG 10 or on the team. My main predictions focused on the Husker offense improving and the defense falling back a bit. Overall those were right, but the Huskers fell just short of my 30 points per game prediction.
2026 Oddly Specific Husker Predictions
1. We see all 3 Husker QBs play this season.
Ideally, this will happen in the first three weeks of the season, but the Huskers have one of the more unique QB rooms in the nation. All 3 of the Husker QBs have P4 playing experience. Both Colandrea and Kaelin played at Virginia and TJ Lateef finished off the season for the Huskers last year. With that much experience, Husker fans should feel confident that the offense will keep running should anything happen. Hopefully we're dominating so much and everyone gets to play, but I think all 3 QBs will play this season.
2. Huskers don't have a 1,000+ yard rusher.
I do think the Husker offense will have a lot fun elements to it, but with so many weapons, it will be difficult for one single player to break 1k. Emmett Johnson accounted for 37.8% of Nebraska's offense last season, amassing over 1,800 total yards including 1,451 on the ground. Those are extremely big shoes to fill for an unproven backfield. Plus, I think the Husker rushing attack will be run more by committee this year, especially with Colandrea's dual-threat ability. This offense has weapons, but not a superstar to break 1k with on the ground.
3. Nyziah Hunter & Jacory Barney Jr. have big seasons with 60+ receptions, 650+ yards & 5+ TDs.
While these stats aren't a major stretch from the numbers they put up last season, the Huskers top two targets should see their volume and production increase. Both scored 5 TDs a piece last year, but Hunter was the only one to break 600 with 617. Barney had 484 and caught 45 passes while Hunter caught 43. I think Holgersen will have some new wrinkles in the offense thanks to Colandrea. He brings a new dynamic with his dual threat ability and loves to fire downfield. There could be a lot more improvising which could provide opportunities for these top wideouts to make big plays.
4. Huskers pass rush struggles yet again.
Unfortunately, not all my predictions are very fun to make. I hope the Huskers prove me wrong on this one, but the Blackshirt's pass rush has been steadily declining over the past few seasons. In 2023, Nebraska racked up 32 sacks, ranking 39th in the nation. In 2024, the Huskers totaled 30 sacks and ranked 44th in the nation. Then, last year, Nebraska mustered just 22 sacks, good enough for 93rd in the nation. The defensive front has been an area of concern since Matt Rhule's first season, and I'm concerned the Huskers won't put much pressure on opposing QBs again this year. I'm hoping they crack 20 sacks, but don't be surprised if they fall short. The secondary will need to be the strength of the Blackshirts.
5. Nebraska improves their 3rd down conversion rate.
One of the most surprising stats to me from last season was what Nebraska was able to accomplish on 3rd down. The Huskers ranked 27th in the nation with a 45.68% conversion rate. This rate has increased each year since Matt Rhule came to Lincoln. In 2023 the Huskers converted 37.91% and in 2024 they converted 42.37%, steadily moving up in the rankings. While it may be a smaller jump in 2026, I'll say the Huskers raise their 3rd down conversion rate again.
6. Jacory Barney Jr. HOUSES one on a return.
We saw a few big returns from Barney last season and his electrifying speed has him on the brink of bringing one back. The Special Teams unit may falter a bit early without Mike Eckler on the sidelines, but I think Barney has enough juice in him to make something special happen. Let's finally get a punt run back for 6!
7. Opponent red zone conversion rate drops below 85%.
I could've gone for the easy one and said the Blackshirts improve on their opponents' red zone conversions, but it's not terribly difficult to move up from 2nd to last in the nation. Yes, you read that right. Nebraska ranked 135th out of 136 teams in opponent red zone conversion rate, meaning that when opposing teams crossed inside the 20 yard line, they scored 97.37% of the time. The only team worse than Nebraska in this stat was Rice, who had a perfect 100% for opponents scoring in the red zone. This is arguably one of the most important stats to improve upon, and exactly why Nebraska hired Rob Aurich from San Diego State. The Aztecs ranked 3rd in the nation for this category last season, allowing just 68.97% of red zone trips to be scored on. I don't think the Huskers will make a 30% jump in this statistic, but a 12-15% jump seems reasonable.
8. Colandrea accounts for 3,000+ total yards and 25 TDs.
The reigning Mountain West offensive player of the year accounted for more than 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns last season with UNLV. All of his highlights showcase his dual-threat ability and creativity to extend plays. If he can keep a similar level of play through a BIG 10 schedule, the Huskers will have a very special season. Even if Colandrea is a step off what he did in the Mountain West, it could be a very productive year for the Husker QB. If he stays healthy, I think he'll total over 3,000 yards and at least 25 TDs through both the air and on the ground this season.
9. Nebraska plays Ohio State closer than Indiana.
We've reached the schedule part of my predictions, and this is where it gets a bit ugly. Nebraska draws the BIG 3 of the BIG 10 with Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State all on the docket for conference play. The Ducks will host Nebraska in Autzen stadium, and with the nature of Nebraska's road game performances, I'm staying away from that one. However, the Sea of Red has a opportunities to support the Huskers at home against the defending national champs and the previous year's defending national champs, yay -__-. Regardless, it's always fun to have a shot at a top ranked team in your home stadium. Indiana has quickly shown they are looking to steamroll over everyone, and the Huskers found that out quickly in Curt Cignetti's first season with a 56-7 beat down in Bloomington. The Hoosiers will put up points, and continue to do so until the game is over, regardless of how out of hand it gets. Ohio State has the ability to, but often doesn't look to run up the score. Plus, in recent history, Nebraska seems to fair somewhat well against the Buckeyes. In 2024 the Huskers lost 21-17 in the Horseshoe, and suffered a 26-17 loss last time Ohio State visited Lincoln in 2021. I say the Huskers keep it closer with the Buckeyes than they do the Hoosiers. Let's hope they just go ahead and pull some upsets too.
10. No place like home, Nebraska still struggles on the road.
I'm recycling a prediction from last season, but until the issue gets fixed I'm going to keep bringing attention to it. Under Matt Rhule, the Huskers are 4-10 on the road. They went 2-2 last season since the opener against Cincy was a neutral site and honestly was 95% Husker Fans. There are always extra challenges when playing away, but Nebraska always seems to compound them. Nebraska travels to Michigan State, Oregon, Illinois, Rutgers and Iowa. All of the "experts" around Lincoln are saying Nebraska will be fine on this road schedule and go 3-2 at worst. Trust me, that's not the floor, it may only be the ceiling. Sparty has a new head man in Pat Fitzgerald, who holds a 6-6 record all time against the Huskers. Yes, there's rebuilding to do in East Lansing, but don't sleep on Sparty. I would also caution Husker fans on the Friday night in Champaign. Illinois has a number of new faces on their roster, but they bring back multiple weapons on offense for a proven QB in Katin Houser out of East Carolina. Nebraska is 1-2 on Friday night games under Matt Rhule. I truly hope this team changes the script and proves me wrong, but until I see legitimate progress in this area, I'm calling it out. Huskers are sub .500 again on the road.
Thank you for reading my 2026 Oddly Specific Husker Season Predictions, this should be an exciting year for Nebraska. Now, onto our Week 0 games. COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK!
2025 Prediction Record: 247-106 (70.0%)
Week 0 Predictions
North Carolina vs TCU
The annual Dublin, Ireland kickoff at Aviva Stadium features the Tar Heels and the Horned Frogs. For the opening drive of last season, Bill Belichick's squad looked top notch. Then the wheels feel off and TCU beat them 48-14. UNC has built up a bit since last season, and Billy Edwards Jr. brings some veteran experience to an offense that mustered just 19.3 points per game last year. While the defense did improve throughout the season, I think TCU's offense has too many weapons to stop. Plus, how can you not love the Horned Frog with a 4-leaf clover on the helmet?! TCU beats UNC 33-17.
San Jose State at #14 USC
The Trojans are one of my playoff teams and Jayden Maiava is primed for a Heisman-caliber season. The schedule ramps up quickly after the Spartans, but I'd expect Lincoln Riley to put up some style points in this one. The San Jose State defense gave up over 400 yards per game last year and don't bring back a single starter on that side of the ball. Trojans roll 45-10.
NC State at Virginia
An ACC battle to start the year between two sneaky members. Virginia rampaged to an 11-win season and nearly found themselves in the College Football Playoff if they hadn't fell short in the ACC Championship. NC State is one of the few models of consistency in the nation, with HC Dave Doeren starting his 14th season as a member of the Wolfpack. He's got one of the best QBs you haven't watched in CJ Bailey, and the defenses from Raleigh are always ready to rumble. Beau Pribula is the new QB for Virginia after his one-year stint at Missouri, but Tony Elliot has to get this new offense to gel quickly with only 3 returning linemen from that side of the ball. I love both of these coaches and think both will push toward the top of the ACC standings later in the season, but give me a road upset by the Wolf Pack 24-17.
Jacksonville State at NDSU
The Bison welcome in Jacksonville State as their first official game as FBS members in College Football. This is a historic moment for the storied program and I can't wait to see what they do this season. A potential playoff dark horse if they get hot in the Mountain West, the Fargo Dome will be rocking tomorrow afternoon. Look for a heavy run game and smothering defense. Jacksonville State brings in some experience on the roster, but not many teams come out of the Fargo Dome with a win unless you're wearing Green & Yellow. North Dakota State makes a statement in their first FBS game 34-14. GO BISON!
Sac State at Eastern Michigan
The other FBS newcomer has a bit more difficult of an opening test, traveling 3 time zones for a MAC conference game to open the season. New head man Alonzo Carter takes over for the Hornets as they move up. Eastern Michigan is not the most intimidating of opening opponents, but I'll give them the edge for playing at home. You don't want to let the new guy in the conference come in and beat you week 1 right? Eagles over the Hornets 26-14.
Hawaii at Stanford
A new man is on the sidelines for Stanford as Tavita Pritchard returns to his alma mater to work with his good friend Andrew Luck. The Cardinal have an opportunity to start off on the right foot this season, but Timmy Chang and the Rainbow Warriors won't let that happen easily. This could be one of Hawaii's best teams since the Colt Brennan show in the mid-2000s. Sophomore QB Micah Alejado is looking to build on a stellar freshman season where he threw for over 3,100 yards with 24 TDs and just 9 picks. I think he lights up the Stanford defense in a win to set the tone for the season. Hawaii 31, Stanford 17.
New Mexico State at Florida State
No one needs to have as flashy of a season as Mike Norvell and Florida State. The seat for the Seminoles head man is extremely hot, meaning he needs to win and win big. This one should be over based on talent alone, but the 'Noles will still have a lot to prove this season. FSU wins at home 38-10.
Memphis at UNLV
Our night cap features two programs looking to raise the G6 bar with Memphis and UNLV. Charles Huff is the new head man at Memphis and has a lot of roster turnover to deal with being at his 3rd school in 3 years. Dan Mullen has provided some stability at UNLV and the Rebels are looking to claim that elusive Mountain West title now that Boise is off to the PAC-12. I've always been a fan of Dan Mullen and he can always get production out of his players. Being at home is the cherry on top, but I think it will take a bit for Charles Huff to get things rolling in Memphis. Rebels beat the Tigers 38-21.
Thank you for reading all my predictions. Now kick back and relax, we've got football on our TVs!
#CFBKnowItAll🏈🧠
Alex Fernando
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