Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast
Can Matt Rhule Produce a Fred Hoiberg Season for Nebraska Football in 2026?
The guys kick things off by celebrating the Common Fans’ run to the Final Four of Mike’l Severe’s local podcast bracket challenge. Thanks to an incredible push from the Common Fan community, the pod took down some major names–including the Pick Six Podcast and Nick Bahe’s podcast–before finally losing in a razor-close matchup with the Schick and Nick Podcast. It was shameless, deeply competitive, and wildly fun. In other words: it was perfect.
What should we make of Nebraska’s 2026 projected win total?
The conversation then turns to FanDuel’s early over/under...
Clester Johnson Gets Real About Scott Frost, Matt Rhule, and the Future of Nebraska Football
Clester Johnson joins the Common Fans for one of the most fun conversations we’ve had in a while: a mix of Husker history, current program talk, and some unfiltered truth about what has gone wrong at Nebraska over the last two decades. Put on some Common Fan socks, kick up your feet, and enjoy this conversation with one of the major contributors on two of Nebraska’s national championship teams.Â
Bring Back the Wingback
Before diving into the current state of Nebraska football, the guys spend time with Clester reflecting on his own story, from...
Six Players Who HAVE to Hit for Nebraska Football to Succeed in 2026
Spring ball is well underway, Nebraska turns 159 years old, and the Common Fan Podcast is ready to try a little offseason optimism. Plus, the Common Fans are still alive in Mike’l Severe’s bracket competition among local sports podcasts! Look to vote on Tuesday!Â
If Nebraska is going to take a step forward in 2026, who HAS to hit?
After the way last season ended–and with Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, and Iowa waiting on this year’s schedule–this fan base is firmly in prove-it mode. If the Huskers are to actually prove it in...
Gary Sharp on the Biggest Questions Facing Nebraska Football This Spring
Friend of the program Gary Sharp joins the Common Fans to discuss the big questions, most important position groups, and major storylines as the Nebraska football team kicks off spring practice.Â
What’s the biggest question facing Nebraska football right now?
Gary put it in a way that hits a nerve: Matt Rhule has to rebuild trust with a fan base that watched the bottom fall out late last season. It wasn’t just the record — it was the feeling that the foundation was cracking. The defense that was supposed to be Rhule’s calling card slip...
Moos is Loose...and Everything Was Worse Than We Thought
Former Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos released a nearly-700-page book (Crab Creek Chronicles), and the ensuing discussion has consumed Husker Nation for the last week. Friend of the program Mike’l Severe joins the Common Fans to discuss Moos’ revelations, the failures of leadership among university higher-ups, Frost’s shortcomings, and much more.Â
What did Moos actually say about Scott Frost?
The boys dig into the disclosure that’s perhaps drawing the most attention: Moos claiming he knew Frost wasn’t ready, but hired him anyway. Severe gives his take on why that explanation doesn’t rea...
Way Too Early 2026 Nebraska Football Schedule Predictions
Friend of the program and fellow Common Fan Nic Olsen joins the crew as they dissect the 2026 Nebraska football schedule. It’s never too early to look ahead, and the coming season is a doozy. Can the Huskers break through with a win over a highly ranked team? Or any ranked team? Can they avoid slip-ups against teams they “should” beat? Can they finally get the Hawkeye off their back? We discuss it all in this fun and frivolous episode full of lots of laughs and yes, even a little bit of hope.Â
Is the non-conference slate “boring”…...
What Matt Rhule Must Deliver in 2026 with Evan Bland
The Common Fans welcome old friend Evan Bland back to the program for another trip to the Blandstands, and we spend a big chunk of the show digging into what Matt Rhule has to do to show progress in 2026. We hit the excitement, the concerns, the “prove-it mode” vibes, and what all of this says about where the program is actually heading in the face of a brutal 2026 schedule.
What does Matt Rhule have to do in 2026?
The schedule is nasty. The fanbase is restless. And “progress” isn’t going to feel like progress unless Nebraska f...
Grading Nebraska's Transfer Portal Class with Brian Christopherson
Brian Christopherson joins the Common Fans to take a hard look at Nebraska’s transfer portal class: what the Huskers added, what they didn’t, and what it all says about the direction of the program.
The boys go position-by-position through Nebraska’s portal haul, grading each group and discussing lingering questions. Along the way, the conversation keeps circling back to one central theme: we won’t know for sure until the Huskers prove it on the field in the fall.Â
A Reset at Quarterback
Nebraska’s quarterback room went from sparse to crowded in...
Four Questions for Nebraska Football Heading Into an Offseason of Uncertainty
Now that the transfer portal is finally, officially (mostly) closed, the Common Fans zoom out and take a look at some major questions for Nebraska football as the program heads into a critical offseason full of uncertainty. The season ended with a thud, the critical position groups have been reshaped in a matter of weeks, and Husker Nation is firmly in “trust, but verify” mode heading into 2026.
Should We Be Concerned About Special Teams?Â
This question has become very real, very fast — because the smoke around Mike Ekeler potentially leaving Nebraska is starting to feel like a fores...Nebraska Completely Remade Its Quarterback Room — But Have They Done Enough in the Trenches?
The Common Fans discuss transfer portal madness, a completely reshaped quarterback room, big swings on the offensive and defensive lines, and what it all means for 2026. They also share their thoughts on Dylan Raiola’s move to Oregon, Mike Ekeler rumors, the excitement surrounding Nebraska basketball, and much more!Â
A New Year, A New QB Room
Nebraska’s quarterback room has been completely remade heading into 2026. After the brief “Lenny Minchey Era” came and went in about 24 hours, the Big Red pivoted fast.The Huskers land UNLV standout Anthony Colandrea, a dual-threat with over 7,500 career passing yards, 1...Las Vegas Bowl Corn Cobs
The Common Fans got so fired up during their Las Vegas Bowl recap episode, they forgot to award Corn Cobs for the game. In this supplement to the full episode, the boys discuss their Corn Cob recipients and find some silver linings from the game.Â
Check out this supplemental episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.
As always, GBR for LIFE!Â
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Everything Should Be on the Table For Nebraska Football in 2026
Since the Las Vegas Bowl, there’s been no shortage of Husker news — and even less shortage of angst in Husker Nation. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, the boys air their grievances about Nebraska’s 44–22 loss to Utah, react to major transfer portal news, and zoom out to the big-picture question hanging over the program as we turn the page to 2026: based on the last three games of the 2025 season, do we have clarity on anything going into 2026?Â
Kenny Minchey Transfers to Nebraska
The news broke right before the Common Fans hit record: Notre Dam...Three Questions for Nebraska Football Heading Into the Las Vegas Bowl
The Common Fans discuss the latest news around Nebraska’s upcoming bowl game against Utah, and look at three questions heading into the matchup vs the Utes.
Kyle Whittingham to Michigan
The Utah head coach - who was already planning to leave Salt Lake City after this season - has officially been named the head man at the University of Michigan. Will this development create uncertainty for the Utes? Will it benefit the Huskers?Whatever the case, Whittingham is undeniably one of the good guys in college football, and all three Common Fans agree the cheaters in...What Matt Rhule’s Coaching Hires Tell Us About the Direction of Nebraska Football
The Common Fans dive into the biggest developments surrounding Nebraska football this week. From a spicy Matt Rhule press conference to personnel changes to an opportunity in the Las Vegas Bowl, there’s a lot on the line as 2025 turns into 2026. The boys discuss what it all means, and also share their Christmas wish lists for Husker football.Â
Matt Rhule’s Press Conference
Rhule pushed back hard on any suggestion that Nebraska is in a “reset,” calling that idea ridiculous while acknowledging the late-season slide wasn’t good enough. Rhule acknowledged the team should have won nine games i...Raiola’s Out; Nebraska Football Reset in 2026?
The Common Fans discuss the biggest news of the week: the announcement that two year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola will be entering the transfer portal. They also discuss what it means for 2026, the upcoming bowl game, and some of the news around college football.Â
The Raiola Reaction
The boys give their immediate, unfiltered reactions — and they may not be what you expect. They talk about why some fans likely feel disappointment, why others feel relief, and how the transfer portal era has changed the way we process these moments. A few years ago, losing a five-star QB w...The Biggest Questions for Nebraska Football Heading Into the Las Vegas Bowl
Since the Nebraska football team’s Black Friday loss to Iowa, there have been some seismic changes around the Husker program. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, TJ Birkel, Matty Owens Sr., and Geoff in Lincoln give their thoughts on the latest news, and look at the biggest questions hanging over the team heading into the Las Vegas Bowl.
John Butler and Donovan Raiola Relieved of Their Duties
Both defensive coordinator John Butler and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola were fired in the week following the Iowa game. One could argue Butler’s unit play...Nebraska Football Enters the “Until Further Notice” Phase Under Matt Rhule
Nebraska’s regular season ended with a 40–16 gut punch that left Husker Nation stunned, exhausted, and questioning everything. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, TJ Birkel, Matty Owens Sr., and Geoff in Lincoln sit down shortly after the meltdown in Memorial Stadium to process a rivalry loss that felt like a referendum on the entire Matt Rhule era. The conversation is part therapy session, part postmortem, and part rallying cry.
“Until Further Notice” – The New Reality for Nebraska Football
The guys open with a declaration: Nebraska football has officially reached “until further notice” status under Matt Rhu...Why Nebraska Football Will Always Be Superior to Iowa
Throw out all the records. Throw out all the stats. Throw out anything that has happened this season. It’s Iowa week, and it is time for all of Husker Nation to unite against the hated Hawkeyes.Â
Looking at Iowa’s history:Â
The Common Fans lay out the facts to explain why Nebraska football is and always will be superior to Iowa. The Hawkeyes claim five national championships, but two are from the 1920s, and for the other three–from 1956, 1958, and 1960–Iowa didn’t finish #1 in either the AP poll or the coaches poll. Nebraska owns 46 conference cha...Penn State Loss Means Iowa Game Will Define the Season for Nebraska Football
Nebraska football walked into Happy Valley on Saturday night needing a breakthrough — and instead got bulldozed. The Huskers were outplayed, outcoached, and overpowered in a 37–10 loss to Penn State that leaves the fan base frustrated, salty, and searching for answers. On this week’s episode of the Common Fan Podcast, the crew breaks down everything that went wrong in State College and what it means for Matt Rhule heading into the Iowa game.
Slim pickings for Corn Cobs:Â
The guys hand out their weekly Corn Cobs — and this one gets interesting. Geoff goes contrarian with a nod to pu...Mitch Sherman on Nebraska’s QB Future and the Critical Showdown at Penn State
Mitch Sherman joins the Common Fans to discuss TJ Lateef, the remainder of Nebraska’s season, the outlook for recruiting and the transfer portal, possible bowl destinations, and much more!Â
Assessing Coach Rhule’s comments about having the resources to compete for the best players in the nation:Â
There will be more resources, both in the form of dollars in the NIL collective and in sponsorship deals for players, to help shore up the roster. It’s important not to forget the need to keep current impact players on the roster.Money isn’t always the deciding fa...Has Nebraska Found Their QB of the Future? TJ Lateef Leads Huskers Past UCLA
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s bounce-back win against UCLA, TJ Lateef’s coming out party, Emmett Johnson’s continued dominance, and much more.Â
On true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef:Â
Lateef sparkled in his debut as Nebraska’s quarterback, leading the Big Red past the Bruins in front of 20,000+ Husker fans at the Rose Bowl. The offense seemed to find a spark they have been missing in recent games.Lateef’s ability to run with the football is such a benefit to the offense.On do-everything running back Emmett Johnson:Â
What can’t Emmett J...Nebraska Football at a Crossroads: Evan Bland on Raiola’s Injury, Nebraska’s Response, and the Road Ahead
Evan Bland joins the Common Fans to discuss the loss to USC, Dylan Raiola’s injury, and the upcoming game against UCLA.Â
On the atmosphere on Saturday night:Â
The blackout at Memorial Stadium was next level. It was an incredibly impressive effort from the fan base. The blackout was particularly beneficial for the big recruiting guest list that was on hand.ÂOn the game against USC:Â
Nebraska played about as well as they could for nearly two and a half quarters.This wasn’t Minnesota–Nebraska showed up ready, they had a good plan...What is Nebraska’s Identity on Offense?
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s heartbreaking loss to USC.Â
Huskers looked ready to play and came out strong on an electric night in Lincoln. Coaching staff had a solid game plan, as the defense completely took away the Trojans’ passing game and the offense scored on two of its four 1st half drives. Nebraska ultimately couldn’t close the deal, like so many recent heartbreak, gut punch losses.ÂPivotal 3rd quarter ultimately turned the tide in favor of the Trojans:Â
Going 3-and-out on the opening drive of the 2nd half is inexcusable. The Common...Jake Butt on How Far Nebraska Football Has Come — and Where the Huskers Still Need to Improve
Former Michigan Tight End and current Big Ten Network analyst Jake Butt joins the Common Fans to discuss Nebraska’s season to date and the upcoming game against USC.Â
Jake shares some fantastic stories about his time as a player.
Overlooked by Ohio State and Notre Dame, even though he grew up 15 minutes from Columbus.Coming face-to-face with Urban Meyer for the first time. Winning the John Mackey Award as college football’s best Tight End.ÂJake sees Nebraska as having made huge strides in several critical areas:Â
Winning one score games. I...Nebraska Football: Is It Actually Better?
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s win over Northwestern and celebrate getting to bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season.Â
Huskers get up off the mat after Minnesota:Â
After a disappointing performance in Minneapolis last Friday night, the Big Red brought more fight and energy to the game against the always-pesky Northwestern Wildcats. It wasn’t always pretty–it rarely has been in 2025–and the officiating was some of the worst we’ve seen in a long time. But the Huskers found a way to get the W.ÂIs it actually better?
The Common Fa...Husker Nation on Edge and Nebraska Football’s Pivotal Week Ahead with Mike’l Severe
Mike’l Severe joins the Common Fans to discuss Nebraska’s meltdown in Minneapolis, the chatter among Husker Nation this week, and the coming battle against Northwestern.Â
What went wrong against Minnesota:Â
Mike’l suggests the number one difference between the two teams on the field on Friday night was not anything related to blocking or tackling, or throwing or catching the football. It had everything to do with culture.Minnesota knows exactly who they are and what they want to do. While Matt Rhule has established a culture in Lincoln, the Huskers appear to be lacking...Nebraska Football Outcoached, Outhit, and Outplayed Against Minnesota
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s disappointing performance against the Minnesota Gophers on Friday night.Â
The Huskers were outcoached, outhit, and outplayed against the Gophers. Whether they were tired or felt like it would be an easy win, Nebraska simply didn’t show up against Minnesota. It’s Lucy with the football once again–every time Nebraska feels like it’s about to turn a corner, we see a performance like this. It’s incredibly frustrating for fans.Yes, there is more parity than ever before in college football. Yes, every team is investing in players, coaches, and facilities now...Nebraska’s Rising Ceiling, Rhule Rumors, and the Gopher Test Ahead
Josh Peterson joins the Common Fans to discuss all the latest with Husker football.Â
The Penn State question:
Would Matt Rhule leave for Happy Valley? How high would he be on PSU’s list?Does anybody really know anything? What Penn State needs to show their fans. What Matt Rhule needs to hear to stay.On the upcoming game against Minnesota:
Would Husker fans actually like P.J. Fleck if he was Nebraska’s coach?Assessing where quarterback Drake Lindsey fits among the QBs the Blackshirts have faced this season. Nebraska looks lik...Are the Comeback Cornhuskers Building Something Special in 2025?
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s comeback win against Maryland on Saturday.Â
The Huskers give up two 10 point leads, and were losing with under two minutes to go, before pulling out a 34-31 victory.HUGE PROGRESS: Putting together not one but two 4th quarter scoring drives to ultimately propel the team to victory. SPECIAL TEAMS AGAIN! The kickoff return team has entered the chat.The Blackshirts–despite not playing their best game–bowed up when it mattered. Emmett Johnson absolutely carried the team in arguably his best game as a Husker. Nyziah Hunter emerging as a major threat. Despite thr...Brandon Vogel Talks MSU Win, Maryland Preview with the Common Fans
Brandon Vogel from The Counter Read joins the Common Fans to talk about the win over Michigan State and look ahead to Saturday’s game vs. Maryland. Â
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the win over Michigan State was the huge step forward taken by the defense. Blackshirts becoming a havoc defense. The way the Huskers finished–scoring 24 unanswered points even after stalling in the middle part of the game–makes the 2025 squad seem different from other recent Nebraska teams. Do Husker fans need to calm down and enjoy the win? What’s behind Nebraska’s inability to protect Dylan? What to m...Ridin’ the Storm Out: Nebraska Football Battles Back to Beat Michigan State
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s roller coaster win over the Spartans. Â
Nebraska looked like they were going to cruise to victory after opening a 14-0 lead early in the game.After MSU scored 21 unanswered points, the Big Red appeared lost.Huskers come roaring back to take over the game and ultimately win comfortably, 38-27.Breakthrough game for the defense.Special teams comes up huge. Dylan doesn’t quit.Discussing Nebraska’s offensive identity: do the Huskers need to prioritize pounding the rock more?Plus, the boys discuss the need to enjoy the win:
College football can be to...Nebraska Football Is Better in 2025 — But How Much Better?
The Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joins the Common Fans to talk about the Michigan game, the first third of the season, and reasons for optimism for the Huskers in 2025.Â
Reasons for optimism in 2025:
Dylan Raiola is playing at an elite level. Best group of wide receivers Nebraska has had in years. Pass defense is the best in the nation. Special Teams is drastically improved. Lots of young talent on D.The importance of the next four games. Which game on the schedule represents Nebraska’s best change to get a win over a ranked team?Â...
Nebraska’s Flaws Exposed in Loss to Michigan
The Common Fans are spicy as they discuss Nebraska’s frustrating loss to Michigan.Â
Nebraska lost–at times badly–at both lines of scrimmage. The Nebraska run defense was gashed to the tune of almost 300 yards. The Husker offensive line could not contain Michigan’s defenders, and the offense didn’t do much of anything in the 2nd half.Special teams bugaboos rear their ugly head again.ÂWhat it all means for the Big Red:
No one is calling for any firings, but it feels like the team should be further along in year 3. Offens...Brian Christopherson Likes Nebraska’s Chances vs. Michigan — and Says Rhule’s Huskers Are on the Rise
Brian Christopherson joins the Common Fans to discuss the big game against Michigan and Nebraska’s 2025 season to date.Â
How much can we take from Akron and HCU?Trying to contain the running threat posed by Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes. Looking at Nebraska’s strengths vs. the Wolverines.Still no clarity at RB after Emmett Johnson.Will Nebraska be able to move the ball vs. Michigan’s defense? The strength of John Butler’s defense. Special teams still holding steady.ÂPlus, we look at some big picture topics with BC:
Recruiting update.How this team is di...All Eyes Turn to Michigan After Nebraska Stomps HCU
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s dominating win over Houston Christian and look ahead to the long-awaited Michigan game.Â
For an 11am kickoff after a massive win over Akron last weekend, both the team and the crowd still brought the energy. The Dane Key coming out party. Defense dominates, but much stiffer tests await.Do we need to worry about the front seven on defense going into Big Ten play?  Starters out by halftime. Is Kwinten Ives the #2 running back?Dylan Raiola shines again, and backup quarterback TJ Lateef continues to impress. Cortez Mills, Rex Guthrie, and plenty of other...Adam Carriker Talks Nebraska Football’s Young Talent & Potential for 9 Win Season
Adam Carriker joins the Common Fans to discuss the wins over Akron and Cincinnati and the road ahead for the Big Red.Â
Matt Rhule’s fiery halftime speech and what it indicates about Rhule as a head coach. How critical it was for Nebraska to get the W over Cincinnati.The huge benefit of three weeks of practice (and two likely wins) in the time between Cincinnati and Michigan. What to make of Nebraska’s Big Ten schedule. Can we be done holding our breath for the special teams units?The massive positive impact of Dana Holgorsen + Mike Ekeler. ...The Blowout Everyone Needed: Huskers Obliterate Akron
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s dominating win over Akron.
Not much went wrong for the Big Red on Saturday night, as Nebraska dominated Akron in every facet of the game. While the Zips are clearly not very good, it was still a sign of progress for this program to put away a team in such an overwhelming fashion. A win like this was what everyone needed: the team, the program, the entire fan base, all of Husker Nation. Six different Huskers scored touchdowns en route to the 68-0 drubbing. Dylan Raiola was on top of his game, throwi...Gary Sharp Sees Good Things for Nebraska Football in 2025
Gary Sharp joins the Common Fans to share his reactions to the Cincinnati game and talk about what’s next for Nebraska football.
Gary saw plenty of issues for the Huskers to fix, but the game didn’t fundamentally change his outlook for the Big Red in 2025.Defensive line, depth at running back are obvious areas in need of improvement. Gary also mentions the linebacker play as something he was surprised at. The good news: there were several mistakes that can be chalked up to game-one sloppiness. The key will be cleaning those up in the next two weeks...Survive and Advance: Nebraska Wins Ugly, and That’s OK
The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s thrilling win over Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium.Â
The Huskers showed plenty of promise on Thursday night, but the team also has lots to work on. The Nebraska team that showed up at Arrowhead Stadium does not look like a playoff team…but that doesn’t mean the Big Red can’t still put together a special run in 2025.The most important thing was getting out of Kansas City with a W, and the Huskers accomplished that. With the next two games against Akron and Houston Christian, there’s time to work on everything e...Four Bold Predictions for Nebraska Football in 2025
The Common Fans celebrate the end of the offseason and the beginning of another season of Nebraska football! Before getting to their bold predictions, there is much to discuss regarding the latest and greatest surrounding Husker football:Â
The debate over whether or not you can be a fan of more than one college football team. National commentators predicting Nebraska in the playoffs.Josh Pate, Phil Steele, Geoff Schwartz, Brandon Walker, and Zack Guggenheim among those predicting playoff potential for the Huskers this season. Nebraska has announced captains for the 2025 season.Matt Rhule’s podcast.Nebraska’s depth chart for the...
