Dana Holgorsen isn’t interested in backing Nebraska away from the deep ball.
Even after a performance last weekend that left him wanting more from the offense overall, the Huskers’ offensive coordinator made it clear Tuesday that the vertical game is staying front and center - especially with quarterback Anthony Colandrea showing he can hit it. In Nebraska’s 31-13 win over Michigan State, Colandrea went a perfect 3-for-3 on passes that traveled at least 20 yards downfield, and Holgorsen said that kind of production is exactly what Nebraska wants to keep building on.
That approach showed up in a big way on Colandrea’s 44-yard touchdown strike to Kwazi Gilmer, a play that paired a sharp throw with a strong finish in the end zone. Holgorsen said the route Gilmer ran was not the one initially drawn up, but the work the two had put in together made the adjustment possible. Their film study, practice reps and extra time on their own helped them recognize what would work better in the moment.
“His rapport with Ant is fantastic,” Holgorsen said during his Tuesday press conference. “They watch film together all the time.
They go out there; they think this turf field out here is like recess. They go out there during the day and just play catch.”
“I asked Ant if he was a big recess guy growing up and he was like, ‘Absolutely’,” he continued. “So, he’s a guy that wants the ball and goes out there and plays catch.
Kwazi’s special, now. That was probably the best throw and catch I’ve ever seen.
I’ve seen some good ones; that was exceptional… I think you’ll see more of that.”
Holgorsen also pointed to the need for more receivers to join the deep-ball mix. Nyziah Hunter has the speed to threaten defenses, but he has mostly stayed in the background so far this season. Jacory Barney brings similar speed, though he’ll have to wait to get back after the injury he suffered against Michigan State.
Nebraska is already near the top of the country in explosive plays, and Holgorsen believes the offense will only keep adding to that total as confidence grows. If that happens, the Huskers’ downfield passing game could become one of the more dangerous parts of the Big Ten race.
In Other News...
Jamal Rules Nebraska Breakout Comes With One Huge Worry
Jamal Rule has gone from under-the-radar recruit to one of Nebraskas early season revelations, and the freshman running back is already drawing national attention for the kind of start that can tilt a depth chart fast. Through the first month of the 2026 season, Rule has piled up 333 rushing yards in four appearances and two starts, while scoring six touchdowns in three games, production that has him sitting No. 4 on The Athletics list of the most impactful freshmen.
For Nebraska, the excitement comes with a catch, because Rules recent injury against Michigan State has left his availability uncertain at the exact moment his role was starting to expand. Coaches and analysts have been impressed by how quickly he adapted after arriving as a lower-ranked recruit, but the bigger question now is whether the Cornhuskers can keep building around a back who has already changed the look of their offense, if only they can get him back on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Former Huskers Are Giving Nebraska Fans Something To Track On Sundays
Week three of the NFL season gave Nebraska fans a familiar kind of Sunday viewing, with several former Huskers surfacing in game action and others staying part of the conversation from the sidelines. For a program that has long sold itself on developing pro-ready players, those weekly checks are becoming an easy habit for fans who want a little extra reason to keep one eye on the NFL schedule.
Ty Robinson showed up in Philadelphia with tackles for the Eagles, while Emmett Johnson was part of Kansas Citys win, giving Nebraska supporters a couple of names to follow beyond just box-score watching. The broader list of former Huskers on practice squads also keeps the pipeline visible, even if the biggest questions now are which of them can keep turning those Sunday opportunities into something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]
Tree Babalade Is Forcing A Nebraska Lineup Decision Up Front
Tree Babalades steady rise has become one of the more interesting developments along Nebraskas offensive front. After a strong showing against Michigan State, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen said the lineman is improving and earning more playing time, which is the kind of progress that can start to change how the Huskers think about their protection up front.
Holgorsen also pointed to Elijah Pritchett turning in his best game, and the next step may be figuring out how to fit Babalade, Pritchett and Gunnar into the rotation together. There is still some sorting to do, and the same goes for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, whose quick decision-making and mobility could give Nebraska another layer if the staff finds the right way to use him. [Read more 🡒]