Nebraska is 4-0 for the first time since 2016, and that’s enough to make October feel like a full-on celebration in Lincoln. The Huskers head into their matchup with Maryland with momentum, confidence, and a fan base more than ready to sip the mid-season Kool-Aid.
A lot of the optimism starts with something Nebraska fans haven’t always been able to count on: the breaks are going their way. For more than a decade, the feeling around this program has often been that the odd bounce, the close call, or the review tends to go against the Huskers.
Last week against Michigan State, it flipped. Nebraska recovered one of two fumbles in the game, watched the other go out of bounds, and came out on the right side of several reviewed plays.
Even when the Spartans seemed ready to swing momentum, a penalty would hit them and Nebraska would take advantage.
Then there’s Anthony Colandrea, who has been a difference-maker all season and keeps proving why he was the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in 2025. When Nebraska needed a spark against Michigan State, he delivered with his legs and his arm. His ability to escape pressure and fit throws into tight windows gives the Huskers a quarterback who can change the game on his own.
The defense has been just as important. Against Michigan State, Nebraska’s front was everywhere, finishing with six sacks and three takeaways.
Through four games, the Huskers rank first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in total defense, giving up about 233 yards per game. That sets up an interesting test against a Maryland offense that has averaged 431 yards per game and sits seventh in the Big Ten in total offense.
The Terrapins’ passing game figures to challenge Nebraska, but the blackshirts have been getting better every week.
Kwazi Gilmer has also become a major piece of the offense, and the connection with Colandrea is obvious. Gilmer made several standout catches against the Spartans and has repeatedly delivered when Nebraska has needed him most. Jacory Barney Jr and Quinn Clark are also expected to help, but Gilmer is the one riding the hottest hand right now.
There’s also reason to like Nebraska’s ground game in this one. The running backs didn’t have their best outing last week, and Jamal Rule was banged up, but this matchup looks more favorable. Rule and the rest of the group should have a chance to make noise against Maryland’s rush defense and leave a bigger imprint on the game.
In Other News...
Nebraska Volleyball Had Fans Cracking Up Over One Awkward Viral Moment
A recent Nebraska volleyball press conference turned into an unexpected social media moment when a clip from the Cornhuskers womens team began circulating online. The exchange came after one player was asked about a teammates ability, and her answer landed with a little more awkwardness than anyone in the room probably intended.
Still, the reaction only added to the visibility of a Nebraska program that is already sitting atop the national rankings and operating with the kind of profile that makes even a routine media session worth replaying. Under John Cook, the Cornhuskers have built a reputation for success, and even a stray line in a press conference can quickly become part of the conversation around a team that has plenty of eyes on it already. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraskas Backfield Suddenly Has A Maryland Problem Fans Will Notice
Nebraskas first injury report for the Maryland game brought the kind of backfield concern that tends to get noticed quickly in a September-week buildup. Running back Jamal Rule was listed as doubtful, while Jacory Barney landed in the questionable category, leaving the Cornhuskers with some uncertainty in an area where continuity matters and depth can get tested in a hurry.
There is at least some better news up front, with offensive lineman Brendan Black expected to play. If Nebraska needs to shuffle things, Gibson Pyle and Gunnar Gottula are both in line as possible substitutes, which gives the staff a few options as it sorts through the week. Elsewhere on campus, Nebraska volleyball is also preparing for a notable test against 16th-ranked Penn State, with that match set for the Big Ten Network. [Read more 🡒]
Nebraska Faces A Dangerous Maryland Test Despite That Ugly Final Score
A week after getting routed by UCLA, Maryland is headed into another difficult spot, this time against Nebraska. The 54-3 final drew the kind of frustration that usually hangs around a program for a few days, and head coach Michael Locksley had to address that reality while also noting his routine meeting with the athletic director. For Nebraska, though, the score from last week is only part of the scouting report, not the whole story.
The Cornhuskers know Maryland still brings defensive strengths that can make life uncomfortable, even with the Terrapins trying to steady themselves after a rough outing from quarterback Malik Washington, who threw four interceptions against UCLA. Nebraska is also working through its own injury issues, which adds another layer to a game it cannot afford to treat like a simple bounce-back spot for the opponent. There is enough here to make this one feel dangerous in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]