Adam Carriker isn’t leaving much room for excuses when it comes to Nebraska in 2026.
On a new episode of the Carriker Chronicles, the former Husker drilled into what should be a revamped Nebraska offense and made the case that Matt Rhule’s team has enough pieces in place to produce real results. The spotlight starts with Dana Holgorsen’s offense, where a new quarterback in Anthony Colandrea joins new faces at running back and a veteran group at wide receiver.
Carriker’s message to Holgorsen is straightforward: identify what this roster does best and build around that. That includes figuring out how Colandrea fits, especially with his ability to move and create with his legs. Carriker also raised the question of whether Nebraska will let Colandrea run when the chance is there, while opposing defenses may try to force him to stay in the pocket.
The offensive line is another reason for optimism. Carriker pointed to a unit that has size, experience and the kind of strength that should allow it to move defenders.
From there, he got into the details that can shape Nebraska’s season: RPO looks, boot action, Cover 3, red-zone execution and the need to hit more throws down the field. That last part matters because Nebraska had trouble consistently producing those plays a year ago.
He also emphasized the little things that swing tight games. First downs, third downs and red-zone trips all sit at the center of situational football, and Nebraska has to improve in those spots if it wants to make a jump.
The bigger theme of the episode was even clearer: 2026 is supposed to be the year where the excuses disappear. Carriker noted that Nebraska has recruited well for several years and has out-recruited nine of the 12 teams on its schedule.
He also pointed to the amount of experience coming back, including an offensive line that returns a large number of snaps. In his view, Rhule has had the time to build the program, upgrade the staff and bring in players who fit the plan.
So what does success look like? Carriker said Nebraska should win at least eight games, beat a ranked opponent or Iowa, stay competitive in every game and become a tougher team mentally and physically.
That leaves one final test: how the Huskers handle adversity. The talent is there, the experience is there and the coaching is there.
Now, as Matt Rhule said, “It is time to go win.” Nebraska has to show it when the games count.
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The clearest measure of that respect came in the teams leadership voting, where Evans drew the most votes ever for an offensive lineman eligible for one of Nebraskas single-digit leadership jerseys. He still cannot wear that number on game days, but the distinction says plenty about how his teammates see him heading into a season that opens with Ohio and carries the usual pressure that comes with a program trying to turn culture into results. For Nebraska, Evans is not just part of the line - he has become a symbol of the line the Huskers want to be. [Read more 🡒]
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For Nebraska fans, that uncertainty is part of the appeal and part of the debate. The Blackshirts carry real weight in Lincoln, so every delay invites more questions about the criteria, the rollout, and what Aurich wants to see before making the call. Until he settles on a plan, the speculation figures to keep following the defense wherever it goes next. [Read more 🡒]
Rutgers Just Gave Nebraska Fans A Very Different Reason To Look Closer
Rutgers opened its season with a home loss to UMass, a result that immediately rippled beyond the Big Ten East because of who was driving the Minutemen offense. Pop Watson, once a Nebraska commit, was sharp from the start and kept Rutgers on its heels while UMass snapped through a matchup many expected the Scarlet Knights to control.
For Nebraska fans, the relevance is obvious. Watson finished 19 of 22 for 197 yards and three touchdowns, a reminder of the arm talent the Huskers once had in their recruiting database, while Rutgers quarterback Dylan Lonergan never found rhythm and was eventually replaced late after a rough night. It was the kind of opener that leaves both Rutgers looking for answers and Nebraska followers wondering what might have been. [Read more 🡒]