Big Ten coaches give strange quotes about Nebraska football

Athlon Sports has released its annual quotes from anonymous Big Ten coaches about the upcoming college football season. After reviewing the quotes, it's clear that the Big Ten's coaches don't think very highly of the Huskers and even made several strange statements about the current state of the program.

One coach criticized Nebraska's handling of the quarterback situation. Opening day starter Dylan Raiola transferred after two years with the program. He transferred to Oregon, where he could redshirt in 2026 now that the Ducks' starting quarterback, Dante Moore, is returning to Eugene next season.

In 22 career games at Nebraska, he threw for 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions while completing 69.1% of his passes. The 2025 season was cut short after suffering an injury in a loss against USC. In nine games this season, Raiola threw for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. 

One coach believes Raiola's departure could be the end for Nebraska football. The anonymous coach believes that Raiola was the glue that held Husker football together.

“They’re in a ton of denial with the quarterback situation. Dylan Raiola is as good as they get as a player and as a person; losing him, I thought he was their last hope. He was the pin that was holding that thing together.” 

Nebraska will have a new opening day starter in 2026. The Huskers have a QB room that includes TJ Lateef, UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea and Virginia transfer Daniel Kaelin.

Colandrea comes to Nebraska following a breakout junior year with the Rebels. The St. Petersburg, Florida, native finished the 2025 season throwing for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a 65.9 completion percentage.

The former Rebels' play earned him the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year award. Before UNLV, Colandrea played two seasons at Virginia. In 19 games, he totaled 4,083 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Another Big Ten Coach went after coach Matt Rhule, saying the Husker staff has too much turnover to maintain continuity.

“(Head coach) Matt Rhule has some great aspects. He can make you run through a wall, but there’s just always so much turnover with his staff. I know that it’s a tough environment for those coaches to be in. Rhule makes it like that on purpose because he doesn’t want you to get comfortable. I don’t want to say his model isn’t going to work, but I don’t know.”

Rhule is breaking in several new staff members in 2026. Geep Wade (offensive line), Rob Aurich (defensive coordinator) and Tyler Yelk (safeties coach) join the Huskers this season.

Nebraska opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Ohio Bobcats visit Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time is set for 11 a.m. CT and the game can be seen on FS1.

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Big Ten coaches give annoymous quotes about Nebraska football