Nebraska Football Weekly
ROGER CRAIG REACHES CANTON
The wait is finally over for Nebraska legend Roger Craig, who has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Craig becomes the sixth former Husker to receive football's highest honor, joining an elite group that includes Bob Brown, Mike Rozier, Will Shields, Johnny Rodgers, and Dave Rimington. The San Francisco 49ers star made history in 1985 as the first player ever to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, revolutionizing the running back position. Former teammates Frank Solich and Dave Rimington celebrated the news, with Craig's distinctive high-knee running style now immortalized in Canton.
2026 SCHEDULE SPARKS REALITY CHECK
Multiple outlets are sounding the alarm about Nebraska's challenging 2026 schedule, with expectations being tempered across the board. The consensus suggests that eight regular season wins would represent genuine program progress under Matt Rhule, though reaching bowl eligibility may require winning difficult road games. Fans are already debating whether the Huskers can finally beat ranked opponents while avoiding upsets, with winnable Big Ten matchups against Michigan State, Maryland, and Rutgers identified as critical targets.
QUARTERBACK ROOM TAKES SHAPE
Despite offseason drama surrounding Kenny Minchey's flip to Kentucky, Nebraska's quarterback situation may actually be more functional than last season. Anthony Colandrea, who earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors at UNLV with a 90.1 PFF grade, is ESPN's predicted starter for 2026. The Huskers also welcomed back Daniel Kaelin, creating unexpected depth. Meanwhile, the 2026 recruiting class lost QB commit Tanner Vibabul to James Madison, but the program remains strong at the position with experienced transfers and elite 2027 commit Trae Taylor, who recently climbed to No. 2 in Rivals rankings.
COACHING STAFF SHUFFLE CONTINUES
Nebraska moved quickly to replace safeties coach Miles Taylor, who departed after just 19 days to join the Baltimore Ravens. The Huskers hired Tyler Yelk, a Philadelphia Eagles defensive assistant from the 2024 Super Bowl champions, bringing NFL experience and familiarity with new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich's 4-2-5 scheme. The program also promoted former kicker Brett Maher to special teams coordinator alongside Nick Humphrey after Mike Ekeler left for USC.
SOURCES
Shatel: Roger Craig's Hall of Fame honor 'great news' to Frank Solich, Dave Rimington - Husker Extra [PAYWALL]
The Wait Is Over: Nebraska Alum Roger Craig Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame - Sports Illustrated Nebraska
We want your way-too-early 2026 Nebraska football predictions - Husker Extra [PAYWALL]