On this special midweek episode of the Common Fan Podcast, the boys welcome Henry Cordes of the Flatwater Free Press to discuss his recent investigative report on Nebraska football's spending, how the Huskers compare nationally, and whether the program's financial commitment will finally produce the results fans have been waiting for.

The Nebraska football program is spending more money than ever before. The Huskers have dramatically increased their investment in coaches, support staff, facilities, and players, putting the program among the biggest spenders in college football.

But here's the question every Common Fan wants answered: When will all that spending translate into more wins?

Nebraska's Massive Spending Increase

Cordes shares some eye-opening findings from his research. Nebraska's annual football operating expenditures grew from approximately $33 million to more than $70 million in just over three years, the largest increase among the 68 power-conference programs he examined.

That spending surge moved Nebraska from below the power-conference average during the Scott Frost era to 12th nationally in football operating expenditures (during the 2024–25 school year).

The guys discuss what's driving those increases, including the dramatic expansion of Nebraska's football staff. Tom Osborne won national championships with approximately 30 staff members. Matt Rhule's operation now has more than 80, including 23 on-field assistant coaches.

Cordes also shares insights from his conversations with Osborne about the changing economics of college football, and how the legendary coach views today's spending arms race.

NIL, Revenue Sharing, and Nebraska's Financial Advantage

Operating expenses are only part of the equation. The conversation turns to NIL and player compensation, including The Athletic's recent reporting on what college football programs are spending to assemble their rosters.

According to those estimates, Nebraska is spending between $31 million and $35 million on its roster, ranking approximately 18th nationally and sixth in the Big Ten.

Cordes explains why Nebraska's historically strong financial position and extraordinary fan support could give the Huskers a significant advantage as college football's financial model continues to evolve.

The guys also discuss the lack of transparency surrounding player compensation, the possibility of additional federal legislation, and Cordes' upcoming reporting on how NIL actually works.

How Much Patience Do Husker Fans Have Left?

Of course, spending money and winning football games aren't the same thing. Cordes' research found that no program has combined Nebraska's level of fan support with fewer victories over the past five years. And while the Huskers are now investing like a national contender, fans are still waiting for a meaningful breakthrough.

Coming off Nebraska's heartbreaking 20–17 loss to defending national champion Indiana, the guys discuss whether the program is finally turning a corner, how much progress fans should reasonably expect, and how long Matt Rhule has to turn these investments into results.

They also explore how the head coaching job itself has changed. Today's college football coach must increasingly operate like a CEO, managing personnel, fundraising, roster construction, and an ever-changing set of rules.

It's a fascinating conversation about the business of modern college football, Nebraska's place in it, and what all this spending might mean for the future of the Big Red.

Check out the 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!

For a few glorious minutes Saturday afternoon, it felt like Nebraska football was finally going to have its moment.

Anthony Colandrea had just galloped into the end zone, giving the Huskers a 17-6 fourth-quarter lead over defending national champion Indiana. Memorial Stadium was absolutely electric. Strangers were hugging. Fathers and sons were dreaming about storming the field together. After years of disappointment, Husker Nation was knocking on the door in a big way.

And then, in a way that felt all too familiar, it was gone. Indiana rallied to win 20-17, leaving Nebraska fans with that same old combination of anger, frustration and disbelief.

The Common Fans were plenty angry on Saturday. But when you stop and take a breath, you realize Nebraska didn’t just hang around with the defending national champions. For much of the game, the Huskers outplayed them.

So what are we supposed to make of that?

A Heartbreaker That Felt Different

The numbers tell a remarkable story. Nebraska outgained Indiana 383-328, held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, won the first-down battle 25-13 and held the Hoosiers to zero third-down conversions. And still somehow lost.

The things that went wrong are all familiar: poorly timed penalties, another missed field goal, questionable game-management decisions and two devastating defensive breakdowns that turned an 11-point fourth-quarter lead into a three-point defeat.

There were plenty of opportunities to win this game. Nebraska simply didn't capitalize on enough of them.

Colandrea Is Exactly What Nebraska Needed

Anthony Colandrea isn't perfect. Sometimes he misses throws. Sometimes he runs around a little too much. But there's something about this guy that Nebraska has desperately needed.

He's a gamer. He's a leader. And he gives the Huskers a fighting chance against anybody. His electrifying fourth-quarter touchdown run was the kind of moment that reminds us why we love college football in the first place.

The Common Fans discuss why Colandrea might be the perfect quarterback for this particular moment in Nebraska football history, along with standout performances from Jacory Barney, Archie Wilson and a Blackshirts defense that continues to exceed expectations.

The Good, the Bad and the Infuriating

There were legitimate reasons to be encouraged by Saturday's performance. Dana Holgorsen put together an outstanding offensive game plan, particularly in the first half. Rob Aurich's defense largely bottled up one of the country’s best teams. And Nebraska demonstrated it has the talent and physicality to compete with elite opponents.

But the offensive line remains a concern. Special Teams continues to cost Nebraska points. And the mistakes that have haunted this program for years still haven’t completely disappeared.

Was Saturday proof that Nebraska has finally turned a corner? Or just another example of the Huskers finding a way to lose a game they should have won?

What Happens Next Will Define This Season

The good news is, Nebraska still has every opportunity to change the narrative. Oregon is next. Washington, Illinois, Ohio State, Rutgers and Iowa remain on the schedule. The Huskers have shown they're capable of going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country. Now they need to turn that potential into wins.

Beat the teams you're supposed to beat. Knock off somebody you're not supposed to. Win nine games, maybe more, and give Husker fans something meaningful to cheer for in November.

Saturday showed us what Nebraska football can be. What happens next will tell us what Nebraska football is.

Check out the 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!

The Nebraska football team overcame an ugly start to beat Maryland, 48-23, capping off a perfect weekend that included the third annual Common Fan Tailgate. We had beautiful weather, plenty of Fairbury hot dogs, White Elm beer, Chick-fil-A, Common Fan socks and—most importantly—a chance to hang out with a whole bunch of members of the Common Fan community.

Big-Time Players Make Big-Time Plays

The Huskers trailed the Terps 23-14 in the second quarter, and while the Common Fans never completely descended into panic, Nebraska desperately needed somebody to make a play. Enter Dwayne McDougle

His 81-yard pick-six completely changed the game. The Big Red suddenly had life, Memorial Stadium erupted, and Maryland wouldn't score another point for the rest of the afternoon.

It also reinforced what may be the most encouraging thing about this Nebraska team: they have numerous guys who can make game-changing plays. McDougle did it Saturday. Kade Pietrzak came up with an interception. Jeremiah Charles blocked a punt. Anthony Colandrea repeatedly made something happen with his legs when Nebraska needed it most.

This team isn't perfect. But it has dudes who keep making big time plays at game-changing moments. That's something Nebraska hasn't had nearly enough of in recent years.

Tony C Is a Gamer

Colandrea missed a few throws Saturday that we're accustomed to seeing him make. He also finished with 108 rushing yards, hurdled a defender along the sideline and repeatedly used his legs to keep Nebraska moving. That's the beauty of having a true dual-threat quarterback.

Even when everything isn't working perfectly, Colandrea can create something. And when Nebraska fell behind early, there never seemed to be the same sense of impending doom we've felt so many times before. There's a fight, swagger and confidence to this quarterback that seems to be rubbing off on the entire team.

Yes, There Are Still Plenty of Things to Fix

The traditional downhill running game remains a concern. Nebraska committed too many penalties. Special Teams continues to be a roller coaster style adventure. And there were once again some game-management decisions that had the Common Fans scratching their heads.

Those things all matter. Against Indiana and Oregon, Nebraska won't have nearly as much margin for error. If the Huskers want to change the conversation around this program, they're going to have to play cleaner football.

But at the same time, Nebraska is 5-0 for the first time in a decade, with a huge opportunity to make a statement of the the next two weeks.

Just Let Yourself Believe

The defending national champions are coming to Lincoln. Nebraska is 5-0. Big Noon Kickoff is coming to town. Memorial Stadium will be rocking. And the Huskers have an opportunity to end a nearly decade-long drought against ranked opponents and announce themselves on the national stage.

Are there 27 reasons to worry about whether Nebraska can beat Indiana? Sure. But try to forget about them for a week.

Husker fans have had the optimism beaten out of us for long enough. We keep showing up. We keep watching. We keep caring. And now Nebraska has finally earned the opportunity to play a meaningful October football game with everything still in front of it.

So read and listen to all the practice reports and opinion columns you can get your hands on. Argue with Indiana fans on Twitter. Get to Memorial Stadium early and make it miserable for the Hoosiers.

Dream a little. Let yourself believe.

Check out the 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!