Nebraska defeats Ohio 49-21 in season opener

The Nebraska Cornhuskers opened their 2026 season with a 49-21 victory over the Ohio Bobcats. Nebraska utilized a strong rushing attack, finishing with 248 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries. Freshman running back Jamal Rule recorded 122 rushing yards and two scores, marking the first 100-yard rushing performance by a Nebraska freshman in a season opener since 2018. Mekhi Nelson also contributed to the offensive effort with 129 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. After the loss, Ohio coach John Hauser credited the performance of the Nebraska running backs and the physical play of the Cornhuskers' front line. Ohio returns home to host Jacksonville State next Saturday, while Nebraska prepares for a home game against Bowling Green on Saturday night.

• 10:15 AMYahoo Sports — What Ohio coach John Hauser said after loss to Nebraska