Ranking Nebraska's opponents for the 2026 season

The 2026 season is almost here for Nebraska football, and the schedule is anything but merciful. With five top-25 opponents and an additional team receiving votes, the Huskers' challenges have increased from last year. 

Though there have been significant changes to both Nebraska and its opponents, it’s hard to say where any team is at compared to where they’ll end up at the end of the season, let alone after week one. However, based on Nebraska's offseason moves and those of its opponents, speculation can be made about which foe will be considered the toughest.

Here are the rankings of all 12 Nebraska opponents for the 2026 season.

No. 12: Bowling Green Falcons

Sitting at the bottom of the rankings to start the season is a team coming off a 4-8 season and is ranked ninth out of 13 teams in the MAC Football Preseason Coaches Poll. Bowling Green enters year two under Eddie George, who had a full offseason to continue the rebuild, but he faces a fierce opponent in the second game of the season. Though the former Ohio State and NFL running back turned around Tennessee State in two years and won an Ohio Valley Conference title in four, a lot needs to happen for an upset here. 

The Falcons return only three starters, but both their veterans and newcomers show potential for improvement. Oregon transfer quarterback Austin Novosad is one of the MAC’s top newcomers, and running back Austyn Dendy is set for a big season after suffering an injury last year. Dendy rushed for 493 yards in just five games. The Falcons also bring in a new offensive line and receiving corps, and present a firm defensive group. 

However, this team has a lot to prove this year, and it’ll come to Lincoln in week two to face its first major test. Compared to the other non-conference opponents on Nebraska’s schedule, the Falcons hold the unfortunate last spot.

No. 11: North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Despite it being an FCS foe, North Dakota enters 2026 with opportunities on the horizon. The Fighting Hawks finished 8-6 last season, making the second round of the FCS playoffs and are projected to finish fourth this year in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Nebraska is also North Dakota’s fourth opponent on its schedule, so it’s got time to establish a seasonal foundation before facing the Huskers. The Fighting Hawks already showcased a dominating resume, scoring 42 points in the first half in their win over Long Island. Though North Dakota didn’t score in the second half, and allowed 21 points, the team had sent the backups in.

The Fighting Hawks brought back some key players this season. Quarterback Jerry Kaminski remains under center after totaling 2,570 passing yards, 724 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns last season. Against Long Island, he finished 17-of-21 for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Such play can pose a challenge for Nebraska’s defense if left unchecked. 

North Dakota’s offense last season averaged over 387 yards per game and nearly 33 points per game. Though the Fighting Hawks averaged 3.7 yards per carry against Long Island, another test for the newly restructured Blackshirts. 

The Fighting Hawks also hold a firm defense, returning some key starters after allowing only 309.9 yards per game and under 20 points per game last season. North Dakota’s defense especially stood out in the ground game, surrendering just 102.7 yards per game. With Nebraska holding a slew of running backs, this matchup could serve as an indicator of who can be the main starter. 

Though a lot needs to happen for a potential upset, North Dakota certainly can come to Lincoln and make some noise. 

No. 10: Ohio Bobcats

Standing atop the non-conference trio is Nebraska’s first opponent of the season, Ohio. There a few reasons why the Bobcats are No. 10. To start, it’s a revenge game for quarterback transfer Anthony Colandrea, who fell alongside UNLV to Ohio 17-10 in the Frisco Bowl last season. 

Now, Colandrea gets another shot, and while Nebraska holds a significant advantage over the Bobcats, Ohio brings in other factors that elevate them above Bowling Green and North Dakota. The Bobcats finished 9-4 last season and even battled with multiple Power Four teams, falling to Rutgers 34-31 in the season opener before taking down West Virginia 17-10. 

Now, Ohio is in its first season under new head coach John Hauser, who served as interim head coach and defensive coordinator last season. The Bobcats stood tall defensively last season, holding opponents to under 22 points, 144 rushing yards and 208 passing yards per game. Against Ohio in the Frisco Bowl, Colandrea finished 19-of-30 for 184 passing yards, one interception and two sacks. He also rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on nine attempts. 

The team also brought in numerous transfers this offseason to add enough experience and enough quality players to take advantage of mistakes. The Bobcats also have a coaching staff with considerable experience as well. 

Though Nebraska should come out victorious, Ohio is the toughest non-conference opponent on its schedule. 

No. 9: Maryland Terrapins

The first Big Ten team on the list, Nebraska welcomes Maryland to Lincoln after a 34-31 comeback win last year in College Park. This comes after the Huskers suffered a 13-10 loss at home in 2023. Now, Nebraska can avenge that defeat and get its first at-home win against the Terrapins since 2016. 

But while there are differences in the Huskers’ structure, Maryland primarily remains the team it was last season, returning a large portion of its roster. The Terrapins are also coming off back-to-back 4-8 seasons, but once again look to get over the hump and reach bowl eligibility. The only difference this time around is that Nebraska plays host in Maryland’s first Big Ten road trip. 

On top of that, Nebraska’s changes to its offense and defense could allow for more separation than last season. The Terrapins forced three interceptions last year, resulting in 17 points, and sliced up Nebraska’s defense. This time around, that may not be the case. 

But anything can happen between now and early October for both of these teams. However, based on the current landscape, Maryland is the least concerning Big Ten opponent on Nebraska’s schedule. 

No. 8: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Similar to Maryland, Nebraska’s last two clashes with Rutgers have come down to the wire. But the Huskers are also 7-0 against the Scarlet Knights since joining the Big Ten, and sooner or later, a loss can creep up. Rutgers is also a scrappy team that can frustrate its opponent, which could result in another close game for Nebraska. 

Here, the Huskers’ battle with the Scarlet Knights is sandwiched between a slew of top-25 opponents. Also, Nebraska heads to Piscataway in mid-November for this matchup, coming off a Friday night road game at Illinois the previous week. Rutgers has been considerably better at home than on the road under Greg Schiano, going 8-6 at home over the past two seasons. 

Though the Scarlet Knights are without quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who helped Rutgers average 407.1 yards and 28.7 points per game in 2025, Boston College transfer Dylan Lonergan takes the reins. Lonergan, who previously spent time at Alabama, threw for 2,025 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions for Boston College in 2025, giving Rutgers a quarterback with considerably more experience than a typical first-year starter. 

The team also still has Antwan Raymond, who posted 1,241 rushing yards last season and earned All-American recognition. K.J. Duff also returns for the Scarlet Knights after producing 1,084 receiving yards in 2025.

All of this, paired with a firm Rutgers defense, gives this team slightly higher difficulty elevation than Maryland.

No. 7: Michigan State Spartans

Nebraska’s first Big Ten battle, Michigan State is entering its first season under longtime Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. The longtime Wildcat, like Rutgers, has frustrated the Huskers from time to time and now returns to college coaching after a four-year period. 

Fitzgerald's Northwestern teams weren't usually loaded with talent. They won by being physical, disciplined and opportunistic. That approach made Northwestern one of the more annoying opponents in the conference during Fitzgerald's successful years.

The Spartans have been active in the transfer portal, and there are legitimate pieces on the roster. Sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic returns after showing promise, while the additions of players such as UCF transfer Cam Fancher give Fitzgerald options at quarterback. The running back room has also been bolstered by transfers, including former UConn standout Cam Edwards. 

Also, though Nebraska got the better of the Spartans last season, it wasn’t a flawless victory. Now, Michigan State is a major question mark with Fitzgerald. The Spartans finished 4-8 last season and are in a rebuilding period.

However, with this being Nebraska’s first Big Ten game, and on the road no less, the initial challenge gives Michigan State an edge over Maryland and Rutgers.

Get more Michigan State news, analysis, and opinions on Spartans Wire

No. 6: Washington Huskies

A big game on what will likely be Halloween night, Nebraska finally faces off with Washington as Big Ten opponents. The No. 17 Huskies also finished 9-4 last season, but come packed with a wide range of both returning and new talent on the field. 

The biggest return is Demond Williams Jr., who produced 3,676 combined passing and rushing yards with 31 total touchdowns and only eight interceptions last season. His established presence in Washington gives his offense. The Huskies also return six offensive starters, including four offensive linemen.

This, paired with a solid defense, provides Washington with a firm opportunity to take another step towards its 2023 form. However, since joining the Big Ten, the Huskies are just 3-7 on the road, which can be a key factor for Nebraska, especially if this ends up being a night game.

USC felt the pressure of being at Memorial Stadium in a blackout game last season. Now, Washington could be the next victim. The Huskers will also be coming off back-to-back top-five matchups, Indiana and Oregon. Washington, meanwhile, will have two Friday night battles between Iowa and Purdue under its belt. All of this just adds to the various directions this matchup can go.

Get more Washington news, analysis, and opinions on Huskies Wire

No. 5: Illinois Fighting Illini

After a one-year gap, Nebraska once again dukes it out with Illinois on Friday night for the third straight time in a matchup that can go either way. Both teams will face each other on a short week to start November, and Illinois is the home team. On top of that, Illinois is at the tail end of a stiff gauntlet for Nebraska, who will have played Indiana, Oregon and Washington. 

But the Fighting Illini also enter the season with some key changes. Illinois has a new quarterback, a new defensive coordinator and substantial turnover along both the offensive and defensive lines. These factors, as of now, lead to a more unpredictable outlook for Illinois against Nebraska.

East Carolina transfer Katin Houser takes the helm under center for the Fighting Illini. Last season, Houser, in 12 starts, tossed for 3,300 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions, which are similar stats to Luke Altmyer, which could translate to a dangerous outing for Nebraska’s defense. 

Illinois’ defense also took a hit, however, losing defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, who is now at Notre Dame. Bobby Hauck is now coordinating the defense and is implementing a 3-3-5 system. The former Montana head coach could certainly amp up an already strong defense. 

But when compared to other Big Ten foes Nebraska is set to face, the Fighting Illini don't have the overwhelming roster talent of Ohio State, Oregon or Indiana. This keeps them lower on the list. But despite these flaws, Illinois has the coaching, physical identity and home-field advantage to make Nebraska earn every yard.

No. 4: Iowa Hawkeyes

Sitting at No. 4, Iowa once again remains high in the ranking, but not at the top. The Hawkeyes once again bring their method of play, which has mainly hindered numerous opponents, outside of the elites. Nebraska remains one of those non-elites, being just 4-11 against Iowa since joining the Big Ten and dropping its last three matchups. 

The Huskers’ struggle in close games, but once again, they enter the season with opportunity. The Hawkeyes also lost significant personnel from a unit that helped them reach nine wins last season, and preseason evaluations have repeatedly identified defensive inexperience as one of the biggest concerns entering the season. 

Iowa’s relied on its defense as its offense has struggled as of late. Though the Hawkeyes did find slight improvement last year with Mark Gronowski, the team is once again entering the year with a question mark at quarterback. But even with that in mind, recent history shows that all signs point to the Hawkeyes on Black Friday in Iowa City.

Get more Iowa news, analysis, and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire

No. 3: Indiana Hoosiers

The defending national champion, many wonder if Indiana is capable of replicating its 2025 success. Right now, it is tough to say with the number of athletes the Hoosiers lost this past offseason. But even with the question of who is on Indiana’s roster, Curt Cignetti has managed to find ways to overwhelm opponents.

Indiana has brought in former TCU quarterback Josh Hoover, who has immense shoes to fill following Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman season. He totaled 3,472 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season for the Horned Frogs, which Cignetti can certainly turn into an extraordinary advantage. This, paired with a defense that holds numerous star athletes, significantly keeps Indiana in the forefront. 

Nebraska could come swinging, especially if they start the season 5-0. But Indiana will be the start of a fierce stretch of games for the Huskers. Even with home-field advantage, Nebraska will have a lot to deal with when the Hoosiers come to town.

No. 2: Oregon Ducks

After facing down Indiana, Nebraska travels to Oregon the following week for its toughest road trip of the season. Much like the AP poll, the Ducks sit at No. 2 on this list for similar reasons. Though this is without a doubt the hardest game on the schedule for Nebraska environment-wise, Oregon is among other stiff competition. 

But that does not take away the fact that the Ducks have an elite quarterback, a loaded roster, one of the country's best coaching staffs and an intense atmosphere in Autzen Stadium. Oregon has also gone 17-1 in Big Ten play and 14-1 at home since joining the conference, again indicatiting the sheer difficulty Nebraska will have. 

However, the Ducks are not without their faults and missing variables. There is a chip on Oregon’s shoulder this year after its 13-2 season last year, and it will either give an opening for Nebraska to play spoiler or just add fuel to already intense fire up in Eugene. But there is one other foe that the Huskers need to be cautious about.

Get more Oregon news, analysis, and opinions on Ducks Wire

No. 1: Ohio State Buckeyes

Standing atop the list is the top-ranked team in the AP polls and the Big Ten preseason favorite, Ohio State. For Nebraska, it’s a late November battle at home and its second-to-last bout of the regular season. 

The Huskers’ last clash with Ohio State under Rhule was a 21-17 defeat in Columbus. But the Buckeyes enter the year with the return of numerous key players, including quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. This, paired with the Buckeyes’ recruiting depth, pins Nebraska down by a large margin. 

Though Ohio State is bringing a slew of new starters on defense, it doesn’t change the fact that this team once again begins the season with a shot at the national championship. The Huskers, regardless of where they are by this point of the season will be facing a team that is eyeing that championship. If it plays with the same drive as 2024, it will be Nebraska’s toughest opponent on the schedule.

Get more Ohio State news, analysis, and opinions on Buckeyes Wire

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Ranking Nebraska's opponents for the 2026 season