​Earlier this week On3 published a list of the Top 10 Quarterbacks in the Big Ten, and it’s clear that Nebraska no longer benefits from the assumption of unquestioned preseason optimism. That assumed advantage has, rightfully, faded. Yet it’s fair to say that any optimism surrounding Anthony Colandrea at Nebraska for 2026 isn’t unfounded. He was the 2025 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, started 17 games at Virginia before transferring to UNLV, and then started all 14 games in 2025 for UNLV, posting numbers that earned him consideration as the top offensive player in the conference. But the Mountain West is not the Big Ten, and the Big Ten in 2026 features a multitude of capable quarterbacks, which will make it tougher for Colandrea to crack a Top 10 list. Would I have placed Colandrea in the Top 10? No. Do I think Colandrea has a strong chance to surprise and climb into consideration as one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks? Definitely. I’d like to see Nebraska recapture some of that “benefit of the doubt.”
In other news, this week’s 3-2-1 column covers four Top-100 recruits, Nebraska’s high-profile decision to gamble in the Big 12 landscape, and a breakdown of transfer numbers, QB rankings, and more. We dive into those topics along with questions and a bold prediction. The Sporting News has updated its College Football Playoff and bowl projections for 2026, with Bill Bender laying out the full playoff bracket and every postseason matchup. While many details will shift between now and December, these projections offer an early snapshot of where programs stand as the 2026 season approaches.
Nebraska’s Fall Camp Preview for 2026 looks at the offense, with Matt Rhule entering his fourth fall camp at the Huskers. HuskerOnline’s fall camp series starts with the offensive line, a rebuilt unit expected to take another significant step forward in 2026. We also spotlight Most Indispensable Huskers, including Isaiah Mozee, who has evolved from a receiver recruit into a versatile running back, as he dedicates himself to mastering the position and enduring the Big Ten’s weekly grind.