Spring football games have always been a staple of college football culture, especially in powerhouse programs like Alabama and Oklahoma. Back in the late '90s, these games were all the rage, drawing massive crowds eager to see their teams in action, even if it was just a practice.
But times have changed. Attendance has dipped, partly due to a shift in focus towards player health and safety, and Nebraska is feeling this change more than most.
This past Saturday, Nebraska's Memorial Stadium saw a turnout of just 27,188 fans for their annual Red-White spring game. To put that in perspective, it’s the smallest crowd they've seen for a spring game since 2000, when only 22,415 fans showed up.
The Cornhuskers are gearing up for their fourth season under head coach Matt Rhule. They've been consistent, if not spectacular, posting a 7-6 record for the second year in a row in 2025. However, the season ended on a sour note with four losses in their final five games, capped off by a Las Vegas Bowl defeat to Utah.
Nebraska fans are hungry for a return to glory. The last time they hit double-digit wins was back in 2012 under Bo Pelini, who led them to a 10-4 record.
Since Pelini's departure, no coach has managed to maintain a winning record. Mike Riley and Scott Frost both struggled, and Rhule's current record stands at an even 19-19.
Looking ahead, Nebraska kicks off the 2026 season on September 5th at home against Ohio. They’ve also got non-conference home games lined up against Bowling Green and North Dakota before diving into Big 10 play at Michigan State on September 26th.
The challenge for Nebraska is clear: reignite the passion of their fan base and find a way back to the top. The road ahead is tough, but with the right moves, the Cornhuskers could be on the brink of something special.