Three Observations from Nebraska Football's Season-Opening Win Over Ohio

Three Observations from Nebraska Football's Season-Opening Win Over Ohio

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Three Observations from Nebraska Football's Season-Opening Win Over Ohio

LINCOLN — Nebraska football opened the 2026 campaign with a 49-21 win over Ohio. Here are three observations from the contest.

Running Back

Welcome to college football, Jamal Rule.

There were ORs on the depth chart earlier this week, but there was a clear leader in the room on Saturday. Rule led the team in carries (15), rushing yards (122), and rushing touchdowns (2). Mekhi Nelson was next up with 10 carries for 67 yards and a score.

That pair was also dangerous in the receiving game. They had two receptions and a touchdown each. Nelson tallied 54 yards to Rule's 47.

Despite Jamal Rule's big day, Mekhi Nelson made a strong argument for his usage out of the backfield. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Despite Jamal Rule's big day, Mekhi Nelson made a strong argument for his usage out of the backfield. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Isaiah Mozee ripped off a 24-yard scamper right away, but then added just seven yards on five carries after that.

On Monday, there might be ORs on the depth chart again. But don't let that fool you about who is at the top of the room going into Week 2.

Discipline

A missed assignment on the first play of the game. Penalties in every phase of the game. And decision-making on kick return. There weren't many facets of Saturday that didn't have discipline come into play.

The Huskers committed nine penalties, more than in any game in 2025. Those went for 65 yards and included:

  • Two offsides on kickoff
  • Multiple false starts
  • Face mask to extend an Ohio drive
  • Intentional grounding
  • Blindside block to wipeout a touchdown

Those penalties played a big part in Nebraska leading just 14-13 at halftime and 28-21 early in the fourth quarter.

Matt Rhule said the conversation at halftime was about how Nebraska was simply beating itself. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Matt Rhule said the conversation at halftime was about how Nebraska was simply beating itself. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Discipline, however, was much better in the second half. After the opening drive was derailed by Anthony Colandrea's intentional grounding, he led the Huskers on five straight touchdown drives. Coach Matt Rhule even said after the game that the team didn't do anything new in the second half besides not shooting itself in the foot so often. That includes Nyziah Hunter having a kick return past the 20, with room to get beyond the 30, and instead reversing field and getting tackled at his own 8-yard-line.

The Heat 

Saturday at Memorial Stadium was hot and gross. 

Rhule complimented the fans who showed up, adding that he would have preferred coaching inside, too. Although it cleared out quite a bit in the second half, it was nearly full at kickoff.

What kind of heat was on the field, though? The ridiculous kind.

Temperatures on Tom Osborne Field reached at least 140 degrees.

Herbie Husker and Lil' Red also battled the heat at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Herbie Husker and Lil' Red also battled the heat at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

It was that type of heat, plus first-game fitness, that led to some puking on the field. That got Jahsear Whittington a couple of times, including a strange instance where he was called for a penalty for being offside. Tough luck on that one.

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