Nebraska’s spring football tradition is getting a slight twist this year, but fans won’t have to wait too long to see the Huskers in action. Head coach Matt Rhule confirmed that the Red-White Spring Game is back-and this time, it’s coming a little earlier than usual, with a kickoff set for March 28.
Athletic director Troy Dannen added some key details during a recent Sports Nightly appearance, including a likely 11 a.m. start time. The early kickoff isn’t just about football logistics-it’s about making room for what could be a packed day across Husker athletics. That same weekend, Nebraska baseball hosts Indiana, the softball team welcomes UCLA, and if all breaks right, the basketball squad could be playing for a spot in the Elite Eight.
“Even if there is a game on that day, we know those Elite 8 games are late afternoon and evening,” Dannen said. “So I would anticipate at the very least it would be an 11 a.m.-type kick for the spring game so there's definitely no overlap.”
The goal? Let fans enjoy the spring football showcase, catch some top-tier baseball and softball, and still be home in time to see Nebraska basketball fight for a Final Four berth. That’s the kind of scheduling synergy every athletic department dreams about.
And speaking of Husker hoops-what a ride it’s been. Nebraska improved to a perfect 19-0 overall and 8-0 in Big Ten play with a win over Washington on Wednesday night, continuing one of the most impressive runs in recent program history. Dannen didn’t hold back in his praise for head coach Fred Hoiberg and the culture he’s built.
“Exceedingly fun,” Dannen said. “So many people have high regard for Fred.
Everybody I talk to says, ‘Amazing, amazing. I'm so happy for Fred.’
Fred is a helluva coach.”
Dannen made a point to highlight the patience it takes to build something sustainable in college athletics-a nod to the trust Nebraska placed in Hoiberg even when results weren’t immediate. That investment is paying off in a big way now.
One decision that’s proving to be a turning point? Last year’s participation in the Crown postseason tournament.
Dannen admitted he was hesitant at first, but Hoiberg pushed for it. That experience-playing in a win-or-go-home format-has helped this year’s team develop resilience and maturity.
“Fred was absolute that we needed to do that,” Dannen said. “And it’s helped this group learn how to win close games.”
Beyond the hardwood and the gridiron, Nebraska is also making waves by stepping into new territory. Earlier this week, the school announced it will become the first Power Four program to add women’s flag football as a varsity sport. It’s a bold move, and one that Dannen says puts Nebraska at the forefront of a growing national trend.
“The table is set for others to come on board,” he said, joined during the announcement by NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent Sr.
Dannen also touched on his recent trip to Miami for the College Football Playoff National Championship. From his vantage point, it was a strong showing for the Big Ten, which now boasts three straight national titles from three different teams. Indiana earned this year’s crown, and Dannen was quick to credit the Hoosiers’ consistency and execution.
“They don’t miss tackles. They don’t turn the ball over,” he said. “All those things that you say are your goals when the season starts.”
Closer to home, Dannen praised Nebraska’s football staff for their work during the transfer portal cycle, though he stopped short of diving into specifics. As he put it, “Until you start playing games, you don’t really know.”
One offseason addition who’s already turning heads is quarterback transfer Anthony Colandrea. Dannen had a chance to meet with Colandrea and his family during their visit to Lincoln, and he came away impressed.
“He has a presence about him, to be sure,” Dannen said.
Dannen, who serves on the College Football Playoff Committee, shared that several committee members who had evaluated Mountain West games-where Colandrea previously played at UNLV-were blown away by the young quarterback’s talent.
“The folks that evaluated the Mountain West Conference took the time to come up and say, ‘The quarterback was the most impressive player we saw,’” Dannen said. “They loved everything they saw. And they watched every game.”
It’s clear Nebraska is entering 2026 with momentum across the board. From football to basketball to new frontiers in women’s sports, the Huskers are making moves-and doing it with purpose.