Nebraska prepares to host Ohio in the 2026 season opener

Nebraska begins its 2026 football season by hosting Ohio in a matchup that marks a critical point for head coach Matt Rhule. After finishing the previous two seasons with 7-6 records, the team enters the game with several roster changes, including the addition of quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Colandrea previously played for UNLV and faced Ohio in the Frisco Bowl last season, a game in which he and his former team lost 17-10. The Nebraska defense now operates under coordinator Rob Aurich, who previously led the defensive unit at San Diego State. Ohio faces a challenge with a new roster under head coach John Hauser, featuring Nick Poulos at quarterback. While the Huskers are expected by some analysts to perform well, the game serves as an early test for both programs as they restructure their respective lineups for the new campaign.

• 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Expert score prediction: Nebraska vs. Ohio