The Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up for their season opener against the Ohio Bobcats, a matchup that will set the tone for both teams as they navigate the 2026 college football season. Head coach Matt Rhule enters this pivotal year after consecutive 7-6 finishes, and he is under pressure to elevate the program's performance. With a revamped roster and coaching staff, this game is crucial for Nebraska's aspirations.
A significant change for the Cornhuskers is the addition of quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who transferred from UNLV after Dylan Raiola's move to Oregon. Colandrea had an impressive junior season with the Rebels, and it is noteworthy that his first game with Nebraska will be against the same Ohio team that defeated UNLV in the Frisco Bowl last year, a game that ended in a 17-10 loss for Colandrea and his former team.
In that Frisco Bowl, UNLV struggled across all facets of the game, something Nebraska will aim to avoid. However, with a strengthened offensive line and a talented receiving corps, Colandrea is expected to perform significantly better against the Bobcats this time around.
On the other side of the field, Ohio is entering a new era under head coach John Hauser, who previously served as the defensive coordinator. Last season, Ohio's defense was formidable, allowing opponents to score less than 22 points per game while recording 22 sacks, 12 interceptions, and six forced fumbles. They also limited rushing yards to an average of 144 per game and passing yards to 208.
Despite their solid defensive statistics, Ohio faces challenges this season with a relatively new roster, as only a handful of starters from the previous year are returning. This presents an opportunity for Nebraska to exploit any weaknesses in the Bobcats' defense, especially with their depth at running back and the experience of Colandrea.
Nebraska's defense, now led by Rob Aurich, who previously transformed San Diego State into one of the nation's top defensive units, will also be looking to make a statement. Aurich will face an Ohio offense that has undergone significant changes, including a new starting quarterback, Nick Poulos. Poulos, a dual-threat player, has limited experience, having only started once in his two years at Ohio, which could put him at a disadvantage against a well-prepared Nebraska defense.
While other teams like UMass and UAB have shown they can challenge stronger opponents, Ohio will need to bring its best effort to keep pace with the Cornhuskers. Nevertheless, Nebraska is expected to dominate this matchup, aiming for a strong start to the season that will send a message to the rest of the Big Ten.
Score Prediction: Nebraska 48, Ohio 13
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