Nebraska is shaking things up in 2026 with a fresh practice schedule. Coach Matt Rhule has announced that the Huskers will transition from morning to afternoon practices.
This isn't entirely new territory for Nebraska. Under former coach Mike Riley, the team practiced in the afternoons, but the schedule shifted to mornings when Scott Frost took over in 2018.
Rhule's decision aligns with a trend among his peers. Joey McGuire, Texas Tech's head coach and a former assistant under Rhule, made a similar switch and shared the positive outcomes with Rhule.
The change is strategic, considering the current dynamics of the Big Ten Conference. Rhule pointed out, “There’s a large part of us that likes morning practices, but this league is a lot different now.
There was twice last year we went to the East Coast and played a Friday game after. That takes a toll on your body certainly that week, and the weeks after."
Nebraska will kick off this new practice schedule with the start of spring training, beginning on Saturday, Feb. 21. This adjustment aims to better prepare the team for the rigors of their schedule and optimize performance throughout the season.