Matt Rhule returns from his fourth season as head coach of the Cornhuskers, along with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Nebraska brings in QB Anthony Colandrea from UNLV to take over for Dylan Raiola. Colandrea has a lot of starts at the Power Four level, dating back to his time at Virginia. The Cornhuskers lost Emmett Johnson to the NFL and must get more out of Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson and Kwinten Ives. Six of the top eight receivers return along with the addition of UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, who has 81 career catches. Nebraska has a veteran offensive line returning Elijah Pritchett, Justin Evans and Gunnar Gottula. Transfers Paul Mubenga, Brendan Black and Tree Babalade make this one of the more experienced lines in the nation.

Rob Aurich comes over from San Diego State to take over as defensive coordinator. The Cornhuskers return three of their top five tacklers from a season ago, giving the defense a strong core. The defensive line has plenty of players to get after the quarterback as edges Cameron Lenhardt and Williams Nwaneri return. UCLA transfer Anthony Jones will look to make an immediate impact. Vincent Shavers returns to lead the linebackers. The secondary returns Rex Guthrie, Donovan Jones and Andrew Marshall, and eagerly anticipates five-star freshman Danny Odem taking the field.

Brett Maher was promoted to full-time special teams coach after serving as the assistant last year. The Cornhuskers return everyone, as Kyle Cunanan will be the placekicker and Archie Wilson the punter. Jacory Barney will be the primary return man once again. Nebraska would like to become more than just an average team in Big 10 play, and that starts with the development of the running game. Replacing Emmett Johnson and his 121 yards per game, plus his outstanding ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, is not easy to duplicate. The veteran leadership on the offensive line should help the new QB.