Bret Bielema isn’t pulling any punches this offseason. The Illinois head coach has been busy upgrading his staff, and the additions are raising eyebrows across the Big Ten-especially in Lincoln.
First came Bobby Hauck, the longtime Montana head coach, stepping in as defensive coordinator. Now, former NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley joins the Illini to coach the position he once dominated on the field.
That’s a serious injection of experience and credibility on both sides of the ball.
For Nebraska, that’s not exactly welcome news. The Huskers are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, and their November 7 matchup against Illinois is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle.
Given the grind of Nebraska’s schedule, every winnable game matters-and Illinois just got tougher. Bielema’s staff additions could be the kind of moves that tilt close games, especially late in the year when depth and coaching adjustments matter most.
Nebraska Basketball: Still in the Fight, But on Shaky Ground
On the hardwood, Nebraska men’s basketball is walking a fine line. The Huskers are slight favorites over Iowa heading into their next matchup-just 1.5 points, according to the oddsmakers.
That narrow margin speaks volumes. Yes, Nebraska has dropped three of its last four, but it’s worth noting those losses came against Top 15 opponents.
Still, perception is everything in college hoops, and right now, the Huskers are fighting to keep the faith of analysts and fans alike.
A win in Iowa City could go a long way toward restoring some of that belief. It’s the kind of game that doesn’t just show up in the standings-it defines momentum. Fred Hoiberg’s squad has shown flashes of being a serious tournament threat, and this is the type of road test that could help them prove it.
Women's Basketball: Slipping at the Worst Time
While the men’s team is trying to stay in the national conversation, the women’s squad is dangerously close to falling out of it. Amy Williams’ team dropped its fifth straight game on Monday, falling to Iowa 80-67 at home. That marks their fourth home loss of the season and drops them to 16-10 overall, with a 5-10 mark in Big Ten play.
The concern is real now. A team that once looked like a lock for the NCAA Tournament is suddenly on the outside looking in.
The pieces are there, but the execution hasn’t followed. With the calendar creeping toward March, time is running out to right the ship.
Softball Stuns Again: Huskers Take Down No. 1 Texas Tech
Don’t look now, but Nebraska softball is showing a flair for the dramatic. Rhonda Revelle’s team pulled off a massive upset on Sunday, taking down No.
1 Texas Tech 3-2. It’s the second time this season the Huskers have toppled the top-ranked team in the country.
Their 6-4 record might not jump off the page, but context matters. Nebraska has faced a brutal early schedule, and the fact they’re 2-0 against No. 1 teams says plenty about their potential. The bigger question now: Can they bring that same energy against the rest of the field?
Football Recruiting: Huskers Eye Colorado’s Best
Matt Rhule and his staff are wasting no time on the recruiting trail. One of their top targets for the 2027 class is Jackson Roper, the No. 1-ranked player in Colorado-and he’s got Nebraska high on his list. Roper is planning a spring visit to Lincoln, and there’s growing optimism that the trip could seal the deal.
Landing a player of Roper’s caliber would be a statement for Rhule’s program. The Huskers are looking to build a dominant offensive line for the future, and Roper fits the mold. This recruitment is far from over, but Nebraska is clearly in the driver’s seat right now.
Baseball: Early Momentum Meets Reality Check
Nebraska baseball got off to a dream start, opening the season 3-0 for the first time in two decades. But the streak came to an end Monday afternoon in a tough matchup against Stanford. With several pitchers sidelined by illness, the Huskers couldn’t keep pace, falling 11-6.
It’s a setback, sure, but not one that derails the early optimism. Will Bolt’s team has shown signs of life, and they’ll have a chance to bounce back quickly.
Next up? A Friday showdown with the No.
15 Louisville Cardinals. Another test, another opportunity to show what this team is made of.
Bottom Line: Whether it’s coaching hires, recruiting battles, or early-season upsets, Nebraska’s athletic programs are in the thick of it right now. Some teams are on the rise, others searching for answers-but across the board, the Huskers are making headlines. And with the spring stretch heating up, the spotlight isn’t going anywhere.