Spring football games once drew massive crowds, with fans flocking to see teams like Alabama and Oklahoma in action. But times have changed, and attendance has dipped as coaches focus more on player health than packed stands. Yet, the downturn at Nebraska stands out, with their 2026 spring practice drawing a notably sparse crowd at Memorial Stadium.
The Cornhuskers reported an attendance of 27,188 for their annual Red-White spring game, marking the smallest turnout since 2000 when just over 22,000 fans showed up. This comes as Nebraska gears up for its fourth season under head coach Matt Rhule. The team wrapped up the 2025 season with a 7-6 record, including a tough stretch of four losses in their last five games, capped by a Las Vegas Bowl defeat to Utah.
Nebraska has been chasing the glory of a 10-win season since Bo Pelini led them to a 10-4 record in 2012. Since Pelini's departure in 2014, no head coach in Lincoln has managed to maintain a winning overall record. Mike Riley finished his tenure with a 19-19 record, Scott Frost struggled with a 16-31 mark, and Rhule currently stands at 19-19 after three seasons.
Looking ahead, Nebraska kicks off the 2026 season on September 5 at home against Ohio. They’ll also host non-conference games against Bowling Green and North Dakota before diving into Big 10 action at Michigan State on September 26. The Cornhuskers are hoping to turn things around and recapture the magic that once filled Memorial Stadium to the brim.