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?

• This question has become very real, very fast — because the smoke around Mike Ekeler potentially leaving Nebraska is starting to feel like a forest fire. The guys react to Matt Rhule’s pointed public comments, and take issue with some of his seemingly passive aggressive digs at Ekeler. Bottom line: if Ekeler goes, yes, special teams becomes a concern again.
• Ekeler is the one assistant under this staff who has proven he can flip a unit overnight — and after two years of special teams misery prior to Ek’s arrival, it’s hard to just assume Nebraska will stay solid without him. Rhule insists the system will remain and other coaches can carry it forward… but the Common Fans aren’t ready to grant that benefit of the doubt without seeing it.

Will the Transfer Portal Additions Make All the Difference?

• Going into a critical fourth season of the Matt Rhule era, “nice additions” aren’t enough — Nebraska needs hits, not just rotational guys. The guys agree: for this roster to take a real step forward, 80–90% of these additions need to be meaningful contributors, especially on both lines of scrimmage.
• The discussion keeps circling back to the same reality: Nebraska is building a roster that looks older, more experienced, and more physically ready — but the portal additions need to prove it on the field. The portal class might not solve everything, but it has to solve enough to keep Nebraska from getting shoved around again.

How Will the Offense Change with Anthony Colandrea Under Center?

• If Colandrea is THE GUY for 2026, the Common Fans are begging for one thing: an actual offensive identity. With every quarterback on the roster now more mobile than Dylan Raiola, plus new offensive line coaching hires (including a run game coordinator), the expectation is clear: more movement, more RPOs/zone read, more designed QB run threats, and a real commitment to pounding the rock.
• But there’s still the Dana Holgorsen question: can he evolve, adjust, and build something dynamic… or are we headed for more “great scripted start, then total confusion” football? The offseason theme holds: we’ll believe it when we see it.

Can Rob Aurich Pull a Bo Pelini?

• In 2003, Frank Solich hired a young defensive coordinator by the name of Bo Pelini. The team’s defense drastically improved, forcing a school record 44 turnovers and helping the team to a 9 win season after going 7-7 the year before.
• After the final three games of the 2025 season, Nebraska needs that kind of defensive flip right now. The guys talk about what’s encouraging: new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s track record getting after the quarterback, new defensive staff, and bringing a couple of trusted players with him to help install the system.
• The bottom line? Nebraska needs a defense that can stop the run, pressure the QB, and get off the field on third down. Anything less won’t cut it with the brutal schedule in 2026.

The Common Fans will be here all offseason to walk through the chaos — and as soon as the Big Ten drops the official schedule, you can bet the way-too-early predictions episode is coming.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! 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 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!

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, 1,100 rushing yards, and 61 total touchdowns.
• Even better: Bellevue West product and Elite 11 QB Danny Kaelin is coming home, giving Nebraska three scholarship QBs (Colandrea, Kaelin, and TJ Lateef) with real D1 experience to compete for the starting job next season.
• The guys talk about fit, upside, and why having an experienced QB room matters more than ever in the portal era.

Building in the Trenches: O-Line, D-Line, and Development

• On offense, Nebraska has two returning anchors (Justin Evans Jenkins and Elijah Pritchett) and three big portal additions from South Carolina, Iowa State, and LSU.
• Is this an indictment of a certain former staffer’s offensive line development… or just the reality of needing to win now in Year 4? The crew wrestles with that question.
• On defense, multiple new faces arrive at linebacker and along the defensive line, but the harsh reality is these can’t just be depth pieces — they all have to hit.
• The crew also kicks around a bigger philosophical question: in the portal era, is true “development” dying, or does Nebraska still have to be a developmental program at its core?

Raiola to Oregon, Ekeler Rumors, and More

• Dylan Raiola to Oregon: should he have put out some sort of message or announcement thanking Nebraska and Husker fans? Do we really care?
• And how might Husker handle it if he lights it up for the Ducks?
• Rumblings about Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler potentially drawing interest elsewhere have the boys practically shouting into the mic: “Pay that man his money.”

The Common Fans also give a special shoutout to the Nebraska Men’s Basketball team as they continue to chase Husker hoops history.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! 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 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.

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!

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?

Kenny Minchey Transfers to Nebraska

• The news broke right before the Common Fans hit record: Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey is headed to Lincoln.
• Geoff in Lincoln breaks down what Husker fans are getting: a QB with a big arm, the ability to push the ball downfield, and (importantly) some mobility—something the crew has been begging to see integrated into Nebraska’s offensive identity.
• The boys are excited to see more from Minchey, but also admit they are officially in “show me” mode.

The Las Vegas Bowl: A Fast Start, Then the Same Old Movie

• Nebraska scored on its first two possessions by shoving the ball down Utah’s throat, and for a moment it felt like the Huskers might actually belong on the same field.
• Then the bottom fell out — again. The defense couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t stop the pass, and the offense never overcame the adjustments made by the Utes’ staff.
• Sadly, the way the game played out was not at all surprising, and the anger among the fan base is still boiling several days after the game.

Everything Should Be on the Table for Nebraska Football in 2026

• The crew considers a thesis: no one should feel comfortable heading into next season — players or coaches.
• To be clear: no one is calling for any firings. But everyone should be feeling uncomfortable with how the season ended.
• The broader frustration isn’t “why aren’t we Georgia?” It’s: why can’t Nebraska be a consistent Top 25 program—8 to 10 wins, a team we’re proud of, and no more November faceplants?
• The crew debates patience vs. urgency in Year 4 under Rhule, especially with a brutal schedule looming and a fan base that feels like it’s living on the edge of a cliff.

The Backwards Camo Hat, The Vibes, and the “Earn It” Standard

• Yes, the infamous backwards camo hat gets its own segment — because when you get embarrassed three games in a row, everything becomes fair game.
• The guys agree on the simple solution: win, and nobody cares about the hat.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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 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 Ann Arbor do not deserve him. He is one of the best coaches in the country, and he is a clear upgrade for the Wolverines.

What should we expect from TJ Lateef in the bowl game?

• Is Lateef fully healthy? Matt Rhule says he looks good to go and ready to run the offense.
• The boys wonder if offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will open up the playbook, having Lateef run the ball and possibly even mixing in some trick plays.
• The Las Vegas Bowl will be a big opportunity for Lateef to cement his status as the starter going into 2026.

How well will Nebraska’s offense run the ball without Emmett Johnson?

• The crew gives one final shoutout to EJ, the best back Nebraska has had in at least a decade. How will the Big Red run the ball without him?
• While backups Isaiah Mozee, Kwinten Ives, and Mekhi Nelson have shown promise at times, none of them even has 20 carries on the season. There are a lot of unknowns, simply because of how much #21 carried the load all year.

Will the Blackshirts be able to stop the run?

• Utah comes into the Las Vegas Bowl at #2 in the country in rushing, averaging nearly 270 yards on the ground per game. Rushing defense, of course, has been a challenge for Nebraska’s defense in 2025.
• Can the Husker D come up with any answers? Two of the Utes’ best offensive linemen will forego the bowl game to begin preparing for the NFL draft. Will that make enough of a difference for Nebraska’s defense to slow down the run?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! A very heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from TJ, MattyO, and Geoff in Lincoln, and as always, GBR for LIFE!

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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.

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 instead of seven this year — owning the results while still defending his progress and process.
• The boys discuss Rhule’s assertion that he inherited a mess. While that may be true, Rhule has mostly refrained from making those types of statements for most of his tenure.
• The coach also referenced getting his staff fully in place and pointed to the incremental year-by-year improvement of the team’s record, while speaking frankly about the work still ahead.
• The Common Fans react to what felt like a more emotional Rhule at the podium.

Staff Moves Signal a New Direction

• The Huskers made significant changes in the wake of the rough end to the regular season, with John Butler (defensive coordinator), Donovan Raiola (offensive line coach), and Terry Bradden (defensive line coach) among those who were let go.
• The crew hones in on two new hires in particular: Georgia Tech’s Geep Wade as offensive line coach, and Lonnie Teasley as run game coordinator.
• Both have significant experience as Power Five offensive line coaches, and both are known as strong recruiters.
• The Common Fans speculate–and hope–that this is a signal that Coach Rhule is shifting the offense to a more run-heavy approach.

Common Fan Christmas Wish Lists

• The boys wrap up by providing their Christmas wish lists for Nebraska football this year.
• They discuss everything from hoping for a bowl win to knowing who the next starting QB will be to beating a top team in 2026.
• Many thanks to all the Common Fan listeners this year. We love doing this and we will continue to be coming out with new episodes throughout the entire offseason.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co

Our Partners:

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/

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.

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 would’ve felt like the sky was falling. Now? It’s still big, but it’s also the world we live in. Ultimately, we wish Dylan well, but it’s time for the Nebraska football team to look forward.

Freed Up Cash Flow

• The boys dig into a slightly uncomfortable conversation: value. In a world of NIL and revenue sharing, it’s fair to ask whether performance matched investment — and what Nebraska can do now that a significant amount of funds have been freed up.
• Can they build a better roster by spreading those dollars across multiple impact players, especially in the trenches? And was Raiola’s skill set ever a clean fit for what Nebraska is trying to be offensively?

Portal Season = Massive

• With Emmett Johnson off to the NFL and Raiola on the way out, Nebraska has significant work to do in the offseason. They absolutely need to hit on most of the players they add in the portal. Speaking of, they need at least one QB (and maybe two), a running back, probably an offensive lineman or two, and they need a major infusion in the front seven on defense.
• Additionally, which current players might be hitting the portal? It’s a reality in modern day college football, and the players Rhule and his staff target will to some extent be determined by who they lose off of the roster.

Reset Year, Or Just Reality?

• The Common Fans close out by looking ahead to 2026: a brutal schedule, a fan base that’s tired, and the debate over whether or not Nebraska is in the midst of a reset. Can they find a way to win the bowl game? Can the team exceed expectations in 2026? Are we in the midst of a rebuild? Or is it simply reloading in a sport where everyone is turning over rosters every year?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co

Our Partners:

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/

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 played well enough in the first 10 games of the season, but the defense fell off a cliff in the final two games of the year. The crew discusses the hire of Rob Aurich from San Diego State to replace Butler, and pontificates on what needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball in 2026.
• Donovan Raiola also had his moments, and his offensive line seemed to do a pretty good job of paving the way for Emmett Johnson in the second half of the season. But Nebraska’s O line has left plenty to be desired in recent years, between the sacks in 2025, to the lack of NFL draft picks on Raiola’s watch. Raiola’s replacement–Geep Wade from Georgia Tech–has already been named, and appears to be an upgrade.

Emmett Johnson to the NFL

• Emmett Johnson, Nebraska’s best running back in more than a decade, the 2025 Big Ten Running Back of the Year, and the heart and soul of this year’s football team, announced he will be forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. The Common Fans are not surprised with Johnson’s decision, which almost certainly means he is out for the bowl game. The boys pay tribute to EJ, and look ahead to who might carry the load in the bowl game.

Huskers to the Las Vegas Bowl

• It’s officially officially official: Nebraska will play Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31.
• The Utes are the #15 ranked team in the country, and have the nation’s second best rushing offense, averaging almost 270 yards on the ground per game. They also have a rushing quarterback. On paper, this matchup is…not good, to say the least.
• That said, it will be another opportunity for Matt Rhule’s boys to try to take down a ranked team, and it’s a chance to head into the offseason with some momentum and optimism. Rhule, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, and interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow need to pull out all the stops to try to figure out a way to get a win in the bowl game.

Biggest Question in a Big Month for Nebraska Football

• What is the future of quarterback Dylan Raiola? Or TJ Lateef for that matter? What are Nebraska’s biggest needs in the transfer portal? Will there be more musical chairs among the coaching staff? It’s the most important offseason of Matt Rhule’s tenure in Lincoln, and there are arguably more questions than at any point in the last three years. How Rhule navigates this offseason will go a long way towards determining how his entire time as Nebraska’s head football coach is viewed.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co

Our Partners:

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/