Matt Rhule returns for his fourth season after a 7-6 campaign. Dana Holgorsen is back at offensive coordinator, and UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea takes over at quarterback for Dylan Raiola. Colandrea brings significant starting experience from Virginia and UNLV. With Emmett Johnson departing for the NFL, Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson, and Kwinten Ives are among the returning backfield options. Six of the top eight receivers return, along with UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, who has 81 career catches. Nebraska returns Elijah Pritchett, Justin Evans, and Gunnar Gottula along the offensive line, while transfers Paul Mubenga, Brendan Black, and Tree Babalade add considerable starting experience.

Rob Aurich comes over from San Diego State to take over as defensive coordinator. Nebraska returns three of its top five tacklers from a season ago, providing some continuity on defense. The defensive front features returning edge rushers Cameron Lenhardt and Williams Nwaneri, while UCLA transfer Anthony Jones Jr. adds another option up front. Vincent Shavers Jr. also returns at linebacker. The secondary returns Rex Guthrie, Donovan Jones, and Andrew Marshall, while five-star freshman Danny Odem III joins the group.

Brett Maher will coordinate Nebraska’s special teams in 2026 after serving as a full-time assistant last season. Kyle Cunanan returns at placekicker, Archie Wilson is back at punter, and Jacory Barney Jr. returns in the return game. Nebraska enters 2026 with considerable experience at receiver and along the offensive line, but it must replace Emmett Johnson’s 121 rushing yards per game and production as a receiver out of the backfield. How the new-look backfield develops around Colandrea remains one of the major storylines of Rhule’s fourth season.