Ranking Nebraska's 11 remaining opponents of the 2026 season

After week one, Nebraska football, and many of its opponents, have already set the tone for what the season will be. For the Huskers, they needed a half of their season opener before pulling away in a 49-21 win over Ohio. Though Nebraska can certainly rebound from the unbalanced performance, it shows that this team is in for a rough season.

That said, almost every opponent remaining on Nebraska's schedule has also revealed its season layout after just one game, if previous seasons have shown us anything. This has caused a slight shift in the rankings since last week, whether because Nebraska can fare better against the opponent or because the opponent still has ways to go.

Here are the rankings of Nebraska's 11 remaining opponents for the 2026 season.

No. 11: Bowling Green Falcons

Bowling Green lost at home to Tarleton State 20-13. That is already not a good sign for a team sitting at the bottom of the rankings. Though the Texans are currently No. 5 in the FCS rankings, Prairie View A&M scored 30 and allowed 49 against Tarleton State a week ago.

Bowling Green also fell behind 17-0 in the first half to Tarleton State, another sign of trouble for Nebraska's next opponent. Granted the Huskers did enter halftime up 14-13 over fellow MAC opponent Ohio but took off in the second half. However, Nebraska's outing differs significantly from the Falcons'.

On the stat sheet, Bowling Green surrendered 250 rushing yards on just 26 carries to one player in the loss to Tarleton State, which only sets up what may be a field day for Nebraska's running back room. In the air, the Falcons coughed up 206 passing yards and two touchdowns on just 16 completions, which also gives room for Nebraska's passing game to find its footing after an unbalanced week one.

On those facts alone, this upcoming matchup should be reminiscent of Nebraska's win over Akron last year.

No. 10: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers opened up the season losing to UMass, a team that entered the matchup on a 16-game losing streak. Now, the Minutemen can continue shocking the college football world and go on a run. But right now, this loss is ugly, to say the least, for the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers surrendered nearly 400 total yards of offense to the Minutemen, with 200 coming on the ground and 197 coming through the air. Dylan Lonergan struggled in his debut for the Scarlet Knights, throwing three interceptions and getting striped sacked. Though he finished with 242 passing yards and two touchdowns on just 16 completions, it was on 29 attempts.

Rutgers also never got the running game going, partly because they played from behind, with their top rusher earning just 42 yards on 14 carries. The team overall finished with 30 yards on 20 carries.

UMass's quarterback William "Pop" Watson threw 19-of-22 for 197 yards and three touchdowns, slicing apart the Scarlet Knights in the massive win. The Minutemen also tallied their 200 rushing yards and one touchdown on 41 carries, allowing for complete control of the clock. On top of that, UMass out-possessed Rutgers by nearly 13 minutes.

If this is what UMass is capable of doing at Piscataway, New Jersey, right now, Nebraska can certainly do much more damage in November if both it and Rutgers continue heading in its respective directions.

No. 9: North Dakota Fighting Hawks

North Dakota moves up the list after another strong weekend of play. The Fighting Hawks improved to 2-0, are now ranked No. 7 in the FCS Coaches Poll, and have scored 104 points in their first two games. Whether North Dakota gives Nebraska a headache like Ohio remains to be seen, but for now, the team is looking to make a statement.

The Fighting Hawks opened with a 42-21 win over LIU and then demolished St. Thomas 62-26. Senior quarterback Jerry Kaminski is 40-of-50 for 465 passing yards and eight touchdowns through two games. Even against opponents like LIU and St. Thomas, Nebraska needs to watch for this.

The Huskers should have the advantage, though, with the Fighting Hawks still surrendering over 20 points per game. The Big Ten-level size, speed and depth against North Dakota should be enough. Plus, with the game being played under the lights at Memorial Stadium, Nebraska is surely getting the win.

However, if the Huskers play the first half against North Dakota the way it played the first half against Ohio, this could become a much more interesting game than Nebraska fans expect.

No. 8: Maryland Terrapins

Maryland decimated Hampton 62-0. But a win over an FCS team that finished 2-10 last season doesn't tell the full story for the Terrapins' season. Still, it offers a sense of what Nebraska should expect come October.

Maryland produced 646 total yards, including 365 rushing yards. DeJuan Williams only ran the ball three times but tallied 116 yards and two touchdowns. If the Terrapins do lean on the run, the Huskers can be challenged there.

In the air, quarterback Malik Washington tossed 19-of-31 for 186 yards and one touchdown, spreading the ball around and playing in a comfortable position. Washington put together a strong outing last year against Nebraska, and it looks like he can replicate that if the Huskers allow him to.

However, Maryland begins FBS action this week, heading up to UConn. The Terrapins will face challenges there, and those challenges will continue with clashes against James Franklin's Virginia Tech and Bob Chesney's UCLA before visiting Nebraska. If Maryland comes to Lincoln undefeated, then they'll climb up the list.

No. 7: Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State was another Big Ten team that got headaches from a MAC team. Pat Fitzgerald's head-coaching debut for the Spartans was disjointed, but he's produced wins like this in the past. Regardless, a 30-20 takedown against Toledo at home can lead to other struggles.

Michigan State led 13-0 in the first half but then fell behind 20-19 in the fourth quarter. The Spartans scored the go-ahead touchdown on the following drive and then put the game away with a field goal after the Rockets missed a field goal. Michigan State also got a field goal off an interception.

Toledo did exploit the Spartans' mistakes, scoring touchdowns off a missed field goal and a turnover on downs. This, paired with Michigan State settling for six field goal attempts, gives Nebraska an opportunity to make some noise when they arrive in East Lansing.

But Michigan State still produced 247 passing yards and 150 rushing yards and controlled the ball for over 43 minutes. Clock management can be the Spartans' main weapon this season, and the Huskers will be their first Big Ten test with such a weapon.

However, they also play Eastern Michigan and No. 3 Notre Dame before Nebraska. If these teams find ways to topple Michigan State, then it may fall in the rankings.

No. 6: Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois' 42-23 win over UAB showed signs of Nebraska's win over Ohio. The Dragons stayed in the fight for a good chunk of the game, only really falling behind in the fourth quarter. However, there are few factors that keep Illinois in the middle of the rankings.

For starters, UAB shot itself in the foot multiple times, costing itself touchdowns and giving the Fighting Illini the edge. Illinois also scored on explosive plays, even though it had the ball for less than 19 minutes. The Dragons controlled the ball and really tested the Fighting Illini's defense.

Illinois shouldn't have to deal with headaches like this, especially with its slate of opponents coming up. If the defense continues to struggle and the offense needs to continue with the explosive plays, foes like Ohio State, Oregon or even Southern Illinois can bring a challenge.

No. 5: Washington Huskies

Washington opened up the 2026 season at home with a 24-10 win against in-state rival Washington State 24-10 in the Apple Cup. Though the Huskies triumphed, it wasn't without its imperfections.

Washington's offense was inconsistent, holding a 10-0 lead for most of the game. The Huskies scored their first touchdown after a Washington State interception that set them up on the 21-yard line. Washington then didn't score again until the fourth when the Cougars made it 10-7.

Washington State also made numerous mistakes, missing two field goals and throwing two interceptions, allowing for the Huskies to win by 14. Washington made mistakes as well, missing a field goal, losing the ball on downs and committing 12 penalties for 130 yards.

Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. did throw 24-of-35 for 268 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for a team-high 61 yards and a score on seven carries. His play kept Washington ahead, and he will be a key player to watch out for this season.

However, Washington also has to navigate a substantial Big Ten schedule before reaching Nebraska. That means the version of the Huskies that will show up on Halloween could be significantly better or significantly more worn down. But regardless of which team it is, they will come to Lincoln looking for a fight.

No. 4: Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa shut out Northern Illinois 40-0, piling up 507 yards while allowing only 120, which included just seven rushing yards. The Hawkeyes also scored on a punt return and totaled nearly 300 rushing yards. That's Iowa bread and butter. However, there are a few questions that have been left unchecked for the Hawkeyes.

The main one lies at quarterback. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski both earned touches in the win and both point up decent numbers. However, a two-quarterback system can result in Iowa's offense having another disjointed season. But as mentioned before, bread and butter.

The schedule is favorable for the Hawkeyes, with only two ranked teams currently awaiting Iowa this season. But a season-long quarterback battle could affect other aspects of the team. The defense is strong right now and it can be strong at the end of the season, only time will tell.

Unless Iowa falls apart this season or Nebraska does find a way to take the next step forward, this year's Black Friday will be similar to those of season's past.

No. 3: Oregon Ducks

Oregon dropped down to No. 3 after a nail-biting 34-27 win over Boise State. Though some would argue this outcome was expected, the Ducks still appeared unconventional at times.

Oregon suffered multiple turnovers on downs, a muffed punt and 10 penalties for 90 yards and surrendered three passing touchdowns. On top of that, Boise State led for nearly the entire first half. All of that seems a bit excessive for the then-No. 2 team in the country to have in week one.

Of course, the Ducks have had slow starts in years past and managed to turn them around quickly. But they have little room for error given how high the expectations are in Eugene. If such slip-ups continue, things can go in either direction, which Nebraska can possibly take advantage of come October.

But Dante Moore still threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns, while Jeremiah McClellan caught seven passes for 150 yards. That type of play will likely give Nebraska trouble in Eugene, but relying solely on Moore when the offense totals under 120 rushing yards could be problematic.

Regardless, this is Nebraska's most difficult road game. Even though Boise State made a statement, the challenge is still severe for the Huskers.

No. 2: Indiana Hoosiers

Moving up a spot, Indiana put together its best season-opening win in the Curt Cignetti era, a 52-16 showcase against North Texas. Though it wasn't a flawless victory, it's still the best start under Cignetti which indicates that the Hoosiers' run for a repeat may be serious trouble for their 11 remaining opponents.

Nebraska gets them in early October in Lincoln, and though the Sea of Red can try to shake up Indiana, it'll take more than that to slow down this Hoosier team. Indiana comes fast and hard and will look to get closer and closer to perfection week by week as shown in its previous two seasons.

It could be possible that Nebraska tests them like Penn State or Ohio State did last year, but right now it seems more likely that the Huskers will just try to avoid the 2024 massacre they suffered in Bloomington. The Hoosiers sustained some injuries, including running back Khobie Martin, who is expected to miss time, but again, a lot more needs to happen based on Indiana's first game and recent history.

The Hoosiers are clearly in the driver's seat for their season and will without a doubt give Nebraska a major exam in about a month from now. But, in terms of the toughest opponents the Huskers will face, one team still remains on top.

No. 1: Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes stay atop the list following their 56-3 blowout win over Ball State. Considering how some Big Ten teams struggled against MAC opponents this past week, that's already a major win for the No. 1 team in the country. So, for Nebraska, it only continues to solidify the other David vs. Goliath it'll have in Lincoln.

Julian Sayin threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while going 21-of-25. Jeremiah Smith alone caught eight passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Ohio State tallied 237 rushing yards and averaged 6.8 yards per carry. On defense, the Buckeyes allowed just 165 total yards, which included just 45 rushing yards. Ohio State also scored 14 points in each quarter, showing consistency from start to finish.

Indiana will be tough no matter what, but Ohio State has the edge right now because they will be coming to Nebraska in November, where the Huskers have mainly struggled over the past decade. The Buckeyes play No. 5 Texas this week and depending on their showing there, they may slip down like Oregon. But for now, Ohio State remains Nebraska's toughest foe.

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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Ranking Nebraska's 11 remaining opponents of the 2026 season