Nebraska’s offense already knew the 2026 schedule would be a grind. Thursday’s latest defensive rankings just made that reality look even harsher.
On3 analyst JD Pickell released his list of the best defenses in the country, and Nebraska’s Big Ten path showed up all over it. The top of the list was especially rough for the Huskers: Pickell put Oregon at No. 1 nationally, a nasty development for Nebraska with the Ducks set to host the Huskers in Eugene on October 17.
That’s the headline problem, but it’s hardly the only one. Pickell’s top 10 also includes three more Nebraska opponents, turning the back half of the schedule into a string of heavyweight defensive tests.
Ohio State came in at No. 8 on Pickell’s list. Nebraska faces the Buckeyes in its penultimate game of the season.
One week later, on Black Friday, the Huskers get Iowa at Memorial Stadium, with the Hawkeyes slotted No. 9.
Just before that Ohio State game, Nebraska will also see Indiana, which Pickell ranked No. 10. That makes the Hoosiers another defense the Huskers will have to deal with late in the year, even as some analysts have floated Indiana as a team Nebraska could upset if everything breaks right.
It’s a reminder that the path gets steep fast once Nebraska gets deep into Big Ten play. The first few conference games may offer some room to settle in, but after that, the schedule loads up with defenses that can make life miserable for any offense.
And that’s the real takeaway here: Nebraska can’t afford to give away games it’s supposed to win in 2026. If the Huskers take care of business early, they should be 5-0 when Indiana comes to Lincoln. Even then, getting beyond 6-6 would be a major climb.
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