Locked On Nebraska - Daily Podcast on the Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Friday mailbag is back. Thanks for your contributions this week. We’re starting with a discussion on Matt Rhule’s game management. How and when is the best way to ask the coach about the part of his that involves decisions in the heat of battle? Is there a big offseason worry that won’t matter in the fall? The Dylan Raiola vs. Anthony Colandrea debate continues.

The Huskers have made lots of appearances early in camp on the school’s own social channels. Are we getting a clear picture? Why did Purdue’s new AD take an il...

ESPN faces backlash over unchecked SEC bias, stirring questions about college football media narratives. The Big 10 Squad debates Peter Burns’ misleading SEC vs. Big Ten strength of schedule claims, examining how media giants influence perceptions and why networks like Fox and CBS hesitate to match ESPN’s promotional energy for the Big Ten. Ohio State’s and Penn State’s identical 9.5 win totals spark heated predictions. The roundtable breaks down Ryan Day’s daunting schedule—including Texas, USC, Oregon, and Michigan—and evaluates whether the Buckeyes can surpass lofty expectations or stumble amid fierce competition. Insights into Penn State’s revamped roste...

Day 1 is in the books at Nebraska. The Huskers made it through their first workout of the preseason. Matt Rhule offered a few nuggets, and we got a small glimpse (via social media) at a moment or two from the practice field. We’re looking on this Thursday at a few of the competitions of interest this month. Does it matter at running back and defensive line who wins the jobs? 

Also, are Nebraska fans willfully ignorant about this 2026 team? If so, when will they snap out of the offseason slumber? Ahmad Hudson opened eyes with his lat...

Preseason football camp begins Wednesday at Nebraska. On Tuesday, several Huskers, including quarterback Anthony Colandrea, answered questions from the media. The projected starter, Colandrea kept things close to the vest. 

Other Huskers spoke about their expectations for 2026 and hyped up teammates on the heels of an appearance last week by Matt Rhule and three Huskers at Big Ten media days. We react to all that was said in Lincoln on the eve of the camp-opening practice. And what’s the deal with corn? Let’s address the comments out of Oregon that came from former Nebraska QB Dylan...

Another day and another milestone for Nebraska early in August. On Tuesday in Lincoln, the Huskers report for preseason camp. Practices begin Wednesday — but only after a group of Nebraska players visit with the media. From whom and what are we expecting to hear? What’s the anticipated message this month as work gets underway? 

The Big Ten announced a whole bunch of TV information for the upcoming volleyball season on Monday. Nebraska is going to be all over the national broadcasts, as expected. Matt Rhule has a fan among Big Ten volleyball coaches. Who is it? And w...

We’re here for you on a Sunday night at the end of a newsy weekend in college sports. And this is a mailbag episode to make up for Friday, just in time to take your questions about potential changes to the five-for-five eligibility situation. Also, the Big Ten and the SEC gave the green light for a Congressional overhaul of college sports. How does all of it affect the Huskers? 

Is Nebraska leaving money on the table by waiting to secure a jersey patch? Or is Troy Dannen a step ahead of Nebraska’s rival programs? What’...

Nebraska’s appearance at Big Ten media days is over. Matt Rhule and the Huskers flew into Chicago and out on Thursday without generating any major headlines on a day that featured Indiana and Michigan. A constant from Rhule in his sessions with the media? This is the year that the coordinators, Dana Holgorsen and Rob Aurich, get more room to actually run their systems, according to Rhule. It’s something to watch as the 2026 season begins. 

We heard from Luke Lindenmeyer, Andrew Marshall and Justin Evans. Anthony Colandrea and Owen Chambliss, the quarterbacks on offense and defen...

One the eve of Nebraska’s appearance in Chicago at Big Ten football media days, six more teams took the stage. We heard from title-contending coaches Ryan Day and Dan Lanning. But someone else won the day. Who was it? Also, Nebraska AD Troy Dannen sat down with Mitch to discuss various items of interest in college sports. 

The Huskers’ fight with the CSC is over. Nebraska won’t be wearing jersey patches this year. Dannen explained — and he offered thoughts on CFP expansion and non-conference scheduling. We finish with a preview of Matt Rhule’s time under the s...

Big Ten media days are underway in Chicago. Bret Bielema won Day 1. Tony Petitti was the least annoying of all P4 conference commissioners in these July settings. The commish is very serious about looking to the United States Congress for help in writing new rules for college football? Can this actually improve the position of a program like Nebraska?

It’s cold inside the Big Ten venue. Mitch forgot about his radio interview with Connor on Tuesday morning. Matt Campbell, Lincoln Riley and Kirk Ferentz had things to say. And jersey patches were a big story — because they...

On this opening day in Chicago at Big Ten media days, Nebraska is busy back home working to sell tickets. Last week, fans could purchase two seats to the Week 2 matchup against Bowling Green for $50. Now it’s four four $100 to get into Memorial Stadium for the season opener against Ohio. Clearly, Nebraska doesn’t want its 410-game sellout streak to end. Is it in real jeopardy?

The Huskers were picked 11th in the preseason Big Ten poll of media conducted by Cleveland.com. About where you expected? Connor and Mitch weigh in. And we’re discussing the st...

The countdown continues to the start of preseason camp for Nebraska football. A milestone arrives this week as every Big Ten takes its turn at the league’s media days in Chicago. The Huskers and coach Matt Rhule are up on Thursday. But we’re previewing their appearance today. What are the most pressing issues as Nebraska prepares to open camp next week?

Rhule will surely talk about running backs. He’ll get asked about the multi-faceted role of a head coach — and coaching staffs — in college football today. And he’ll address the Nebraska schedule, backloaded as ever. Is...

The Friday mailbag is back. Our inbox was overflowing this week. Football season is hear. We’re starting with discussions on the Nebraska special teams, without Mike Ekeler, and the malaise that might help — yes, help — the Huskers this fall. 

Is Troy Dannen getting enough credit for the successes of Nebraska athletics. We’re not sure it matters. Why? Tune in. Corn is growing outside of the football complex. What happened to the Huskers “It” factor? Should the CFP install a third-place game? And what percentage of its ranked opponents should Nebraska beat? We’ve got all that covered an...

The Friday mailbag is back. Our inbox was overflowing this week. Football season is hear. We’re starting with discussions on the Nebraska special teams, without Mike Ekeler, and the malaise that might help — yes, help — the Huskers this fall. 

Is Troy Dannen getting enough credit for the successes of Nebraska athletics. We’re not sure it matters. Why? Tune in. Corn is growing outside of the football complex. What happened to the Huskers “It” factor? Should the CFP install a third-place game? And what percentage of its ranked opponents should Nebraska beat? We’ve got all that covered an...

SEC eyes breakaway league as Michigan, Ohio State, and the Big Ten respond—are seismic changes ahead for college football's powerhouses? The Big 10 Squad dissects SEC’s rumored solo championship ambitions and ESPN FPI’s controversial ranking of Ohio State’s brutal schedule. The crew questions the legitimacy of an SEC-only title, debates Michigan’s 8.5-win total under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, and analyzes key matchups against Oklahoma, Oregon, and Penn State. Rosters, coaching shifts, and quarterback Bryce Underwood's development take center stage as the Wolverines look to stay at the top of the Big Ten. Can Michigan exceed exp...

Here at the Locked On Nebraska podcast, our spin around the Big Ten continues. Mitch is talking on this Thursday with Jacob Goins of Locked On Hoosiers. Is Indiana set to take a step back after Curt Cignetti and Fernando Mendoza steamrolled to a national championship last season? What can we expect from the atmosphere on Oct, 10 when Indiana visits Memorial Stadium? The Hoosiers will likely bring a 5-0 record to Lincoln. Nebraska has a shot, too, to be 5-0. 

The hosts discuss where this game might land in the TV draft. We get intel from Jacob o...

We’re talking tiers today. The Athletic released its annual list of all 138 FBS starting quarterbacks, slotting them into tiers and ranking every QB ahead of the 2026 season. Nebraska’s Anthony Colandrea sits not far from the place occupied by Dylan Raiola a year ago. Did the writers get this right? We assess the tiers and look back at last year. How did they fare in 2025? 

Also, SEC media days provided drama on Tuesday as one man with a job to do was ejected from the event in Tampa. College baseball is in the news. And we’re shou...

Tis the season for the SEC to throw shade at the Big Ten. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz got things started on Monday, saying that Big Ten national champions of the past three years got to the top, in part, because they didn’t play anyone in the non-conference season. Does Drinkwitz make a good point?

Nebraska continues to hang around in the bid to land five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson. Is Hudson the next Dylan Raiola? Tune in to hear what we mean. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is threatening to break away from the rest of college fo...

In the final week before Big Ten media days and the unofficial start of the college football preseason around here, we’re exploring a few hypotheticals. Because it’s fun. And because you asked us to do it. So what if instead of hiring Scott Frost in 2017, Nebraska had hired Ryan Day? Or what if the Huskers had picked the best possible candidate? Who might that have been? 

Our second hypothetical: What if Tom Osborne had beaten Miami in the 1984 Orange Bowl? Would he have stayed at Nebraska through 1997? Would the ‘90s have played out the same? We’re a...

In this Friday mailbag, we go first to Doug, who addresses several important points about Nebraska fans, its administration and the financial strains of college athletics today. What responsibility does AD Troy Dannen hold in serving the supporters of Nebraska sports? Is there a line, and has the university crossed it in selling tickets? We spend the first segment on this important issue.

We’re compiling a list of visiting players who produced legendary performances at Memorial Stadium. Should the Huskers have taken a buddy with them to the Big Ten 15 years ago? And how hard is th...

Ohio State’s Julian Sayin fuels early Heisman buzz—can Ryan Day’s revamped offense deliver another Big Ten title? Host Spencer McLaughlin puts Locked On’s Big Ten experts on the spot, challenging hot takes about the Ohio State Buckeyes’ quarterback play, Iowa Hawkeyes’ QB battle, and Washington Huskies’ locker room dynamics. Insightful banter erupts around which teams could break through daunting schedules and which dark horses might disappoint. Main conversations include Penn State’s favorable slate under Matt Campbell, Iowa’s search for improved passing efficiency, and whether Northwestern could play spoiler with Chip Kelly guiding the offense. Debates s...

On the day after Nebraska football surprised us all by landing a new running back, ex-Penn Stater Tikey Hayes, a viewer of this podcast suggested that the Huskers have too many running backs on the team. Is that possible? We have the answer, and it relates to the experience possessed by Nebraska’s six players at the position. 

Running backs are often indispensable. But who on this 2026 Nebraska roster fits the category? We have a list. And we have an addition to the list. Also, we’re talking about Michigan. Is AD Warde Manuel on the way out...

A late development: Nebraska is reportedly adding to its group of running backs. We discuss a junior-college addition and what it means for the Huskers on offense as preseason camp approaches. 

The latest stop in our spin around the Huskers’ Big Ten schedule brings us to Maryland. We’re talking about the Terps in 2026, QB Mailk Washington and the importance of this Oct. 3 game at Memorial Stadium. Also, Mac Moyer is off to play professional baseball. And what does one newly released preseason college football publication say about the Huskers? Join us. 

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Another set of recruiting rankings has labeled Nebraska commit Trae Taylor as a five-star quarterback. On3 and Rivals updated their lists on Monday. Taylor is the No. 2 QB nationally and the No. 17 overall prospect. He’s bringing his talents to the high school fields of Nebraska this fall — before he arrives officially at Nebraska in December. We’re talking more about Taylor and his impact. 

Also, we revisit Dylan Carey’s MLB Draft snub. Several items related to volleyball in the state of Nebraska are on our Tuesday agenda. And Matt Rhule spoke out recently about the Huskers’...

Welcome to the quietest week on the sports calendar. Not this year, though, with the World Cup to be decided on American soil. Regardless, it’s quiet around Nebraska football as the Huskers progress through July toward Big Ten media days and training camp. 

This week, we’re stepping back to ask a few provocative questions about Nebraska football. How did all the basketball success really affect Matt Rhule’s program? What would a football version of the Sweet 16 in hoops look like for Nebraska this year? And what players could be the face of the program in 2026...

We’re back. It’s been a disjointed week here at the Locked On Nebraska podcast. But thanks for your patience. On this Friday, we’re answering your questions, as always, with a stuffed mailbag episode. To start, we rank in importance parts of this roster that could swing the Huskers from a six-win team (or worse) to an eight-win team (or better.). What’s under the radar this offseason, and what are we making more of than we should?

Has Nebraska ever signed four top-100 recruits in the same class? Should college football find a non-traditional venue to...

On3’s latest quarterback and receiver rankings spark heated debate—can elite quarterback-receiver duos truly explain team success, or do inconsistencies between individual and duo rankings leave fans scratching their heads? The Locked On Big Ten Squad analyzes controversial placements: Why is Jayden Maiava ranked third among Big Ten quarterbacks, yet his top wideout drops to an honorable mention? Does the meteoric rise of Purdue’s Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh make sense, or is it pure off-season hype? Attention shifts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ win total—set at 7.5 by FanDuel. Can Iowa’s new-look offense and a lean senior class...

We’re officially in the stretch run to preseason camp  for Nebraska football. Over the next nine weeks, we will preview the matchups for each of the Huskers’ nine Big Ten games in 2026. 

It starts with the Michigan State Spartans, on the schedule to host Nebraska on Sept. 26 in the conference opener for both teams. Will the Pat Fitzgerald-coached Spartans pose a serious threat to Nebraska’s bid for a perfect September? What concern does pose with its returning quarterback. Matt Sheehan of Locked On Spartans joins us to break it all down. 

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We’re back from the holiday weekend. On this Monday, we’ve got a bonus mailbag, with questions left over from earlier in the summer. We’re ranking the Big Ten football coaching hires from the last cycle. Who’s most likely to win big in 2026? 

What’s the biggest impact of 5 for 5 for Matt Rhule and Nebraska football? Why all the crying and moaning about the running back position? Did the rugby punting of Archie Wilson matter for the Huskers in 2025? Was Bo Pelini’s program better at the end for him than Rhule’s current version? One co...

It’s a special, Fourth of July mailbag, with football topics that include: Nebraska’s running back depth, chopped liver, Shawn Eichorst’s return to the Big Ten, All-American foods, the 1995 Huskers. Also, is negativity driving you away? If so, come back, football season is near. 

There are still questions about the application of the new five-for-five rules. Does the World Cup remind you of something that you saw in March involving Nebrasketball? And what if relegation came to college football? Jump in during your long weekend. And have a happy and safe holiday!

Big Ten coaching rankings ignite debate as Curt Cignetti’s meteoric rise at Indiana challenges Ryan Day’s Ohio State dominance. Can Cignetti’s underdog playbook outshine traditional powerhouses if given equal resources? The discussion also spotlights Kyle Whittingham’s consistency, questions Dan Lanning’s performance in pressure games, and evaluates where Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies truly fit in the new Big Ten landscape. Washington’s daunting 2026 schedule faces scrutiny—can the Huskies surpass expectations with key matchups against USC, Oregon, Penn State, and Iowa? The conversation breaks down Washington’s roster strengths and weaknesses, Jedd Fisch’s offensive strate...

Did the football problems that came into focus this week for Nebraska at running back actually start months ago? We’re here on the brink of July to look back at decisions made by Nebraska coaches and the football front office to stay out of the transfer portal at running back for the second consecutive year. Why did they do it? 

The status of Mekhi Nelson, arrested this week in Florida, is unknown. But the Huskers knew long ago about their lack of depth and experience at the spot. To whom might they look for help? Also, is...

We’re here later than usual to start this midsummer week with reaction to the news that Nebraska running back Mekhi Nelson was arrested in Florida. The Huskers are already thin and inexperienced at his position on the field — and now face an uncertain situation to enter the final month before training camp opens.

EA Sports ranked the Huskers’ talent for the company’s latest video game masterpiece. Who’s underrated? Who’s overrated? What do the rankings tell us about Nebraska? Trae Taylor is now the official MVP of the Elite 11. And Nebraska basketball took a turn under t...

We’ve got a packed mailbag on this final Friday of June. Thanks to our loyal listeners and viewers for bringing us the questions. In this episode, we talk more about the new Nebraska uniforms. What is Adidas getting out of this deal? Might the lack of traditional rivalries be contributing to Nebraska’s struggles as a program? 

If other teams got to pick their perfect conferences, who would take Nebraska as a rival? Will TJ Lateef stick around for another year if he’s not the starting quarterback? Why isn’t Tommie Frazier more revered by college f...

Big Ten shakes up college football with the new “5 and 5” eligibility rule, setting the stage for a new era—no more endless waivers or awkward redshirt seasons. The Big 10 Squad debates whether this reform can finally bring order to the chaos. Will this bold move eliminate confusion and eight-year seniors, or just spawn fresh controversy? Illinois Fighting Illini’s win total sparks heated predictions as FanDuel sets the mark at 7.5—can Bret Bielema push the Illini from good to great? The crew breaks down Illinois’ manageable 2026 schedule, rivalry games, and the impact of losing key players like Luke Altmyer. The hosts dr...

We’re putting a bow on the month of June for Nebraska football. And with it, the offseason is nearly complete. Only vacations in July, Big Ten media days and prep work for training camp remain on the summer schedule. Speaking of media days, the list of players set to attend has been released. Who’s venturing to Chicago for the Huskers? 

How are we grading the offseason in Lincoln? Did the June happenings change our view? Michigan basketball was in the news this week. How does the departure of Dusty May impact the Big Ten and Nebra...

The five-for-five rule is here, and Nebraska football is ready for it. How might the Huskers feel about another year of eligibility for all of their players who’ve not redshirted? That group includes Anthony Colandrea, the QB1 who came to Lincoln last winter expecting to play one season. Now he’s got two. How might the change impact Trae Taylor, the Nebraska five-star commit in the 2027 class? 

We’re looking, too, at other Nebraska football players who’ve got two years instead of one left in the program. And the impact of five-for-five could be felt even more...

In case you missed it over the weekend, Nebraska football is set to wear new jerseys in 2026. The athletic department made a big deal in the lead up to this announcement and in the immediate aftermath of it. But why? Did they simply want to maximize a money-making opportunity? Was it really about tradition? Did Nebraska get tired of its boring offseason? We have some thoughts and theories.

Trae Taylor was in the news, too, before his official visit to Lincoln. His Millard South took home a piece of 7-on-7 hardware on Friday. Taylor talked a little...

Big Ten powers gear up for a season of high stakes and sky-high expectations. Oregon’s fans are asking: Is this finally the year Dan Lanning leads the Ducks to a national championship? Ohio State faces questions about the Arthur Smith-led offense and Ryan Day’s fourth-quarter strategy, while USC and Washington both eye playoff runs amidst roster shakeups and the spotlight on Demond Williams’ development. The Big 10 Squad breaks down the top moments from the past decade, celebrate the network’s 10-year anniversary, and debate the biggest 2026 storylines for each program. From Chip Kelly’s bold play-calling and Jack Sawye...

We’re getting funky on this Friday in the Nebraska mailbag. A late-arriving email asked this question: What if Nebraska had hired Kirk Ferentz in the late ‘90s? Isn’t he everything in a coach that the Huskers valued in a post-Tom Osborne world? Well, yes. And no. We explain. 

Has Nebraska high school football ever seen the hype that Trae Taylor is set to deliver this spring? Does the Nebraska offense have a “go to?” Now that Brendan Sorsby is gone from Texas Tech, will Nebraska still refuse to schedule the Red Raiders? We’ve got more talk abo...

The 19th and latest commitment for Nebraska football in the 2027 recruiting class gives the Huskers four in the defensive backfield. All are four-star prospects, a first for Nebraska in one class. We take a historical look at the best groups in the secondary ever to sign with Nebraska – and compare those classes to the work that Addison Williams and the Huskers’ recruiting staff are doing this year.

Also, you can see Trae Taylor in a 7-on-7 tournament this week before his official visit to Lincoln. Nebraska basketball is planning a dreaded re-seat of Pinnacle Bank Arena after the...