Nebraska's 2026 Schedule: A Deep Dive into CBS Sports' Pre-Season Rankings
As the college football season approaches, it's time to take a closer look at Nebraska's upcoming opponents and their pre-season rankings. The CBS Sports preseason poll provides an interesting insight into the teams that the Huskers will face in 2026, and it's clear that Nebraska has a challenging but exciting schedule ahead.
Ohio State: The Undisputed King
At the top of the list is Ohio State, ranked No. 1 by CBS Sports. This is no surprise, as the Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the country. The talent on their roster and their well-oiled recruiting machine make them a force to be reckoned with. While I could go into detail about their roster, I'll simply say that Jeremiah Smith is a real good player, and that justifies their ranking.
Oregon: The Team to Beat
Oregon comes in at No. 3, and it's easy to see why. Their veteran yet somewhat unproven offensive line gives me pause, but their skill position groups and fearsome defensive front are enough to make me extremely high on them. The new coordinators, Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton, will bring a different complexion to the offense and defense, but I'm confident in Oregon's current status as the team to beat in college football.
Indiana: The National Champions
Indiana, ranked No. 6, is coming off a 16-0 season and national championship. The Hoosiers were loaded with talent and have the coaching and financial backing to stay a while as a power. While Fernando Mendoza is about to see what he can do with the Raiders, the Hoosiers' success is undeniable.
Washington: The Rising Power
Washington, ranked No. 19, finished 9-4 last year under Jedd Fisch and has recruited well enough to be a popular preseason top 25 team in '26. The returning QB, Desmond Williams, is a key factor, but the offense still has room for improvement. The Huskies will need to step up their game if they want to compete with the top teams.
Iowa: The Solid Hawkeyes
Iowa, ranked No. 23, has a QB situation that hasn't been rated very high by pundits. However, the Hawkeyes have consistently found ways to be solid, even if the quarterback spot isn't top-tier. They're coming off a 9-4 season with close losses to Oregon, USC, Indiana, and Iowa State, all by a combined 15 points.
Illinois: The Rising Illini
Illinois, ranked No. 28, has to replace some key parts, including QB Luke Altmyer. However, Katin Houser is rated similarly to Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea in preseason write-ups among QBs with potential to land a big punch. The Illini finished 9-4 last year after going 10-3 the season before, so it makes sense people are starting to put Bret Bielema's team at least on the fringe of the preseason top 25s consistently.
Maryland: The Tightrope Walkers
Maryland, ranked No. 51, walked a tightrope with a two-minute drive and defensive stop to beat the Terps last year. Mike Locksley survived for another season, and Maryland does return quite a few players, including QB Malik Washington. The Huskers will need to be on their A-game if they want to avoid an upset.
Rutgers: The Easy-to-Forget Opponent
Rutgers, ranked No. 64, is an easy team to forget because it's sandwiched between a lot of other games. However, it will be a critical game for NU and Greg Schiano's program needs a game like this to try to get bowl eligible again after going 5-7 last season. The last time the two played in Lincoln in 2024, it was a dogfight won by NU 14-7.
Michigan State: The Rebuilding Spartans
Michigan State, ranked No. 66, is under the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald, who is trying to build the Spartans back up. The Spartans play Notre Dame the week before, and no question will put a lot into their Big Ten opener against Nebraska. It'll be the first 'biggest game' for the Husker in Year 4 of the Rhule era.
Ohio: The MAC Champions
Ohio, ranked No. 101, is Nebraska's season-opening opponent and is coming off a 9-4 season and were MAC champions. They'll be led by first-year coach Brian Smith, who took over for the bowl game amid some strange circumstances involving the previous coach. Ohio was a top 40 offense last year but loses the majority of key pieces, including the QB and an O-line overhaul.
Bowling Green: The Falcons' Rise
Bowling Green, ranked No. 120, is trying to build this thing up under second-year coach Eddie George, a former Heisman Winner. The Falcons are trying to elevate that squad after a 4-8 season. They host a solid FCS Tarleton State program the week before riding into Lincoln.
North Dakota: The FCS Power
While not slotted in the preseason CBS poll for FBS teams, North Dakota's Fighting Hawks were a top 20 team in the FCS that produced an 8-6 season in 2026. They bowed out of the playoffs in the second round after a 31-13 loss to Tarleton State. Nebraska needs to take winning FCS programs seriously, as they are fully capable of making it a really bad day for the Huskers.
Big Ten Teams Not on Nebraska's Schedule
The CBS Sports rankings of other Big Ten teams not on Nebraska's schedule this year are as follows:
- USC: 14th
- Michigan: 16th
- Penn State: 18th
- Minnesota: 40th
- Northwestern: 48th
- UCLA: 49th
- Wisconsin: 61st
- Purdue: 99th
In conclusion, Nebraska's 2026 schedule is challenging but exciting. The Huskers will face some of the top teams in the country, as well as some underdogs who could surprise them. It's going to be a tough season, but with the right preparation and execution, Nebraska has the potential to have a successful year. As for me, I think Nebraska will finish with a record of 8-4, and I'm excited to see how the season unfolds.
