Nebraska is already looking past the present with Anthony Colandrea.
On the eve of Big Ten play, Sean Callahan of Husker Online reported that the Huskers are working to keep Colandrea in Lincoln for the 2027 season. Negotiations have been ongoing, and Callahan said a deal could be done by October. Nebraska is reportedly paying Colandrea $2.5 million this season, and that number figures to climb after the way he opened the year.
The five-for-five situation also gives Colandrea another year of eligibility, which would line up neatly with Trae Taylor’s development. In that setup, Taylor could spend a year learning instead of being rushed onto the field before he’s ready.
That’s the ideal path Nebraska appears to be chasing, and it makes sense the staff is already working to secure Colandrea for a second season.
There’s also been plenty of chatter around five-star tight end Ahmad Hudson, but the latest buzz is cooler than expected. Bryan Munson of Husker Online cited a source saying there hasn’t been any talk about Hudson visiting any programs other than LSU.
There had been reports that he might make it to Lincoln for the Indiana game, so that visit could still happen. For now, though, the momentum around a Nebraska flip seems to have quieted.
Elsewhere, Nebraska volleyball is moving into conference play after sweeping Missouri in three sets Wednesday. The Huskers open the 2026 Big Ten schedule at home Friday against 9-3 Rutgers, then host Ohio State on Saturday at 8 PM. Friday’s match will air on BTN+ and Nebraska Public Media, while the Ohio State match will be on the Big Ten Network.
In Other News...
Nebraska Fans Suddenly Have A New Reason To Watch Dylan Raiola
Dylan Raiolas path to the Oregon starting job was supposed to be straightforward, with the former Nebraska quarterback waiting until 2027 to take over after Dante Moore moved on to the NFL. But early-season chatter around Moore has added a new wrinkle, and it has Nebraska fans paying closer attention to Raiolas next step than they probably expected.
The speculation, including talk from radio host Chuck Oliver, is that Raiola could be pushed into action sooner if Moore keeps struggling or finds himself benched during the 2026 season. For Nebraska, that means a once-familiar name now carries a little extra intrigue, with the possibility that Raiola could end up facing the Cornhuskers earlier than the original timeline suggested. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraskas Big Ten Opener Just Got Trickier For Both Sides
Michigan States trip to Nebraska already carried the usual weight of a Big Ten opener, and now the injury report has made it even more complicated for both sides. The Spartans will be without linebacker Brady Pretzlaff, one of their top defenders this season, while running back Cam Edwards is expected to be available after leaving the previous game early.
For Nebraska, the biggest concern on its own side of the ledger is in the secondary, where safety Rex Guthrie has been downgraded to doubtful. With Michigan State missing a key piece on defense and still leaning on Edwards as its leading rusher, the matchup has taken on a little more uncertainty than it had at the start of the week. [Read more 🡒]
Matt Rhule Just Raised The Stakes In Nebraska's Roster Battle
The Big Tens expanded travel roster gives Nebraska a little more flexibility on Saturdays, but Matt Rhule made it clear the extra spots are not meant to be handed out casually. Conference road trips now allow 80 players instead of 74, and for the Cornhuskers that only sharpens the competition for a place on the plane. Rhule said the standard starts much earlier in the week, with practice habits and daily performance shaping who gets a look.
For Nebraska players, the real pressure point comes long before kickoff. The coaching staff makes the final call, and those travel lists are announced on Thursdays before road games, turning practice into a weekly audition for anyone on the bubble. With the roster room a little wider, the challenge is still the same: earn the coaches trust, stay sharp, and make sure your name is among the ones called. [Read more 🡒]