Matt Rhule enters his fourth season at Nebraska following a 7-6 campaign in 2025. Dana Holgorsen returns as offensive coordinator, while UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea takes over at quarterback following Dylan Raiola’s departure. Colandrea brings significant starting experience from his time at Virginia and UNLV. With Emmett Johnson departing for the NFL after averaging 121 rushing yards per game last season, Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson, and Kwinten Ives are among Nebraska’s returning options in the backfield. Nebraska returns six of its top eight pass catchers from last season, led by Jacory Barney Jr. and Nyziah Hunter. Luke Lindenmeyer returns at tight end, while UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer joins the receiving corps after recording 81 career receptions. The offensive line returns full-time starter Justin Evans after making 13 starts last season, while Elijah Pritchett and Gunnar Gottula return after making nine and seven, respectively. Transfers Brendan Black, Paul Mubenga, and Tree Babalade join the group after making 10, six, and five starts last season.

Rob Aurich takes over as defensive coordinator after previously coaching at San Diego State. Nebraska returns six of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including three of its top five. Vincent Shavers Jr. returns at linebacker after making 12 starts. The defensive front returns Williams Nwaneri and Cameron Lenhardt after making nine and seven starts, respectively. UCLA transfer Anthony Jones joins the group after making 10 starts last season, while Boston College transfer Owen Stoudmire provides another addition up front. The secondary returns full-time starters Andrew Marshall and Donovan Jones after making 13 and 11 starts, respectively, while Rex Guthrie returns after making eight.

Brett Maher takes over as special teams coordinator after serving on Nebraska’s special teams staff last season. Kyle Cunanan returns at placekicker after making 16 of 19 field-goal attempts in 2025, while Archie Wilson returns at punter. Jacory Barney Jr. returns as the primary punt returner and also brings experience on kickoff returns. Nebraska enters 2026 with considerable returning experience at receiver, along the offensive line, and across multiple levels of the defense, while replacing Emmett Johnson’s production in the backfield will require new roles for the returning running backs.