Nebraska Cornhuskers Football 2026: Schedule, Ranking, Matt Rhule's HBO Cameo, and Everything You Need to Know

Nebraska Cornhuskers football is 5-1 and ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 as of October 6, 2026, with head coach Matt Rhule simultaneously making national headlines for his cameo in the season finale of HBO's 'Lanterns.' The Huskers are coming off a 31-17 win over Michigan State and now prepare for a pivotal Big Ten road test at Iowa on October 10, 2026.

What is Nebraska's 2026 football schedule and current record?

Nebraska's 2026 schedule features 12 regular-season games, including seven home dates at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. The Huskers are 5-1 through six games, with their only loss coming at Ohio State on September 19, 2026, by a score of 27-20. According to the official Nebraska Athletics schedule released in February 2026, the remaining slate includes Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, UCLA, Penn State, and a Black Friday finale at Iowa.

Where is Nebraska ranked in the 2026 college football polls?

Nebraska is ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 and No. 13 in the Coaches Poll as of October 6, 2026, according to the latest weekly releases. That marks the program's highest ranking in October since 2016, when the Huskers reached No. 7 before finishing 9-4. In the 2026 preseason AP Poll, Nebraska opened at No. 18, meaning Rhule's team has climbed six spots in the first six weeks.

The Huskers rank No. 14 nationally in scoring offense (36.8 points per game) and No. 21 in scoring defense (19.3 points allowed per game), per NCAA statistics through Week 6 of the 2026 season. Quarterback Dylan Raiola, now a junior, has thrown for 1,642 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 68.4 completion percentage.

Who is Nebraska's head coach in 2026 and why is Matt Rhule on HBO?

Matt Rhule is in his fourth season as Nebraska's head coach in 2026, holding a 30-19 record with the Huskers. He made a surprise cameo appearance in the season finale of HBO's 'Lanterns,' a DC Comics-inspired series, which aired on October 4, 2026. Rhule played a Nebraska state trooper in a brief scene, a role he told ESPN he landed after a chance meeting with a producer during a recruiting trip to Los Angeles in spring 2026.

"It was a fun experience, but my job is to win football games at Nebraska," Rhule said during his October 5 press conference, according to 247Sports. "The players got a kick out of it. Now we need to beat Iowa."

The New York Times' The Athletic reported that the cameo was filmed in June 2026 in Atlanta and that Rhule's scene required three takes. The appearance has generated more than 4.2 million views across social media clips in 48 hours, according to ESPN's social media analytics team.

What does Nebraska's 2026 roster look like?

Nebraska's 2026 roster is led by junior quarterback Dylan Raiola, who is projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. The offense also features running back Emmett Johnson (612 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns) and wide receiver Malachi Coleman (38 catches, 521 yards, 5 touchdowns). On defense, linebacker Princewill Umanmielen leads the team with 42 tackles and 6.5 sacks, while cornerback Ceyair Wright has three interceptions.

According to 247Sports' 2026 team talent composite, Nebraska ranks No. 22 nationally in roster talent, its highest mark since 2019. The Huskers have 14 players who were four-star recruits or higher, including five on the offensive line.

How can fans get Nebraska football tickets for 2026?

Nebraska football tickets for remaining 2026 home games are available through the official Nebraska Athletics ticket office and secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. As of October 6, 2026, the cheapest get-in price for the October 17 Minnesota game at Memorial Stadium is $68, while the November 27 Iowa game starts at $145, according to SeatGeek data. Nebraska has sold out 398 consecutive home games, the longest active streak in college football, a record that dates back to 1962.

What is Nebraska's path to the 2026 Big Ten Championship Game?

Nebraska controls its own destiny in the Big Ten West race with a 2-1 conference record. If the Huskers win out, they would finish 11-1 and likely secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 5, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The biggest remaining hurdles are road games at Iowa (Oct. 10) and Penn State (Nov. 14), plus a home finale against Iowa on Black Friday.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) as of October 6, 2026, Nebraska has a 34.7 percent chance to win the Big Ten and a 61.2 percent chance to make the 12-team College Football Playoff. That would be the program's first playoff appearance and first conference title since 1999.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nebraska's football ranking in 2026?

Nebraska is ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 and No. 13 in the Coaches Poll as of October 6, 2026.

Who is Nebraska's head coach in 2026?

Matt Rhule is Nebraska's head coach in 2026, his fourth season with the program. He holds a 30-19 record at Nebraska.

When is Nebraska's next football game?

Nebraska plays at Iowa on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET. The game will air on NBC and Peacock.

Did Matt Rhule appear on HBO's 'Lanterns'?

Yes, Matt Rhule made a cameo appearance in the season finale of HBO's 'Lanterns,' which aired on October 4, 2026. He played a Nebraska state trooper.

What is Nebraska's record in 2026?

Nebraska is 5-1 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play through October 6, 2026.

How can I buy Nebraska football tickets?

Tickets are available through the official Nebraska Athletics ticket office or secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. Prices for remaining home games start at $68.