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The Common Fans welcome old friend Evan Bland back to the program for another trip to the Blandstands, and we spend a big chunk of the show digging into what Matt Rhule has to do to show progress in 2026. We hit the excitement, the concerns, the “prove-it mode” vibes, and what all of this says about where the program is actually heading in the face of a brutal 2026 schedule. What does Matt Rhule have to do in 2026? The schedule is nasty. The fanbase is restless. And “progress” isn’t going to feel like progress unless Nebraska finally beats somebody it’s not supposed to beat. We talk big-picture identity, what Indiana’s rise tells us is possible, and why “prove-it mode” might be the most honest place Nebraska has been in years. The intrigue surrounding Anthony Colandrea Evan shares nuggets from his reporting on Colandrea’s background, his path through the transfer portal, and why Nebraska’s late pivot might end up shaping the entire season. The crew talks style of play, the “gunslinger” element, and why a quarterback who can move isn’t just a luxury in college football — it might be the difference between punting and putting a team away. Plus – Colandrea’s career turnover numbers come up (because they have to), but so does the bigger point: Nebraska has watched quarterbacks turn it over anyway — and still struggle to extend drives. If you’re going to live with some chaos, wouldn’t you rather get the explosive plays and third-down magic that come with it? Is Dana Holgorsen finally going to cook? The boys assess how the combination of a new direction at quarterback, the impressive transfer portal additions on the offensive line, and two new offensive line coaches might actually unlock the Holgorsen offense fans have been waiting to see. Will we see a run-first offense that also incorporates some of the dynamic elements Holgorsen is known for?  Portal grade: Are we upgraded… or still incomplete? Evan gives his overall portal grade, with clear “wins” (hello, offensive line and linebacker) and the one area that continues to hang over everything like a storm cloud: the defensive line. The Huskers need their D line portal additions to hit, and they need some young Blackshirts to take the next step in 2026. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE!  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brian Christopherson joins the Common Fans to take a hard look at Nebraska’s transfer portal class: what the Huskers added, what they didn’t, and what it all says about the direction of the program. The boys go position-by-position through Nebraska’s portal haul, grading each group and discussing lingering questions. Along the way, the conversation keeps circling back to one central theme: we won’t know for sure until the Huskers prove it on the field in the fall.  A Reset at Quarterback Nebraska’s quarterback room went from sparse to crowded in a matter of days. After Dylan Raiola’s departure and the brief Lenny Minchey saga, the Huskers pivoted quickly, landing Anthony Colandrea from UNLV and welcoming Daniel KaeIin back into the fold. Colandrea brings proven production, mobility, and a fearless play style that Nebraska simply hasn’t had at quarterback — the kind of player who can turn broken plays into first downs. Add in KaeIin, TJ Lateef, and mobile 2026 addition Vibabul, and suddenly the Huskers have competition and depth again. It’s not a guarantee of success, but it’s a much healthier foundation than where things stood just weeks ago. The Trenches Tell the Real Story If there’s one place Nebraska clearly prioritized in the portal, it’s the offensive line. The additions of Brendan Black (from Iowa State), Tree Babalade (from South Carolina), and Paul Mubanga (from LSU), paired with the hiring of not one but two offensive line coaches, make the message unmistakable: Nebraska wants to pound the rock. The boys are anxious to see how Matt Rhule’s squad goes about building an offense that can run the ball, protect a mobile quarterback, and control games late — something Husker fans have been begging for going back many years, across multiple coaching staffs. Whether it works remains to be seen, but philosophically, this feels like a meaningful shift rather than another offseason slogan. The Most Underwhelming Position May Have Been the Most Important The most uncomfortable part of the conversation centers on the defensive line. Nebraska needed help stopping the run and getting after the quarterback, and while the Huskers added three players to their D line room, it’s fair to wonder whether enough difference-makers arrived. BC explains why the portal can be ruthless at that position — top-tier defensive linemen disappear fast, prices soar, and schools are often forced to choose where to spend their resources. Nebraska appears to have chosen the offensive line over chasing elite defensive line talent, betting instead on development, retention, and a new defensive system to unlock more from the players already on the roster. That bet may define the season. Linebackers, the Secondary, and a Bet on Continuity Linebacker quietly emerges as one of the stronger portal groups, highlighted by Owen Chambliss, who knows new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s system and could become a centerpiece immediately. Additions in the secondary, especially Dwayne McDougal, aim to stabilize the back end after a late-season collapse. Just as notable, though, is where Nebraska didn’t add — namely at running back. BC explains why the staff appears comfortable betting the existing room after Emmett Johnson’s departure. What It All Means Heading Into 2026 This episode isn’t a victory lap or a doom spiral. It’s a reality check. The big questions remain unanswered: Can a more mobile quarterback unlock the offense?Will the rebuilt offensive line deliver?And can the defense, especially up front, take a real step forward? Those answers won’t come until fall. But for now, the roster is in place as Husker Nation waits for spring ball. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Now that the transfer portal is finally, officially (mostly) closed, the Common Fans zoom out and take a look at some major questions for Nebraska football as the program heads into a critical offseason full of uncertainty. The season ended with a thud, the critical position groups have been reshaped in a matter of weeks, and Husker Nation is firmly in “trust, but verify” mode heading into 2026. Should We Be Concerned About Special Teams?  This question has become very real, very fast — because the smoke around Mike Ekeler potentially leaving Nebraska is starting to feel like a forest fire. The guys react to Matt Rhule’s pointed public comments, and take issue with some of his seemingly passive aggressive digs at Ekeler. Bottom line: if Ekeler goes, yes, special teams becomes a concern again.Ekeler is the one assistant under this staff who has proven he can flip a unit overnight — and after two years of special teams misery prior to Ek’s arrival, it’s hard to just assume Nebraska will stay solid without him. Rhule insists the system will remain and other coaches can carry it forward… but the Common Fans aren’t ready to grant that benefit of the doubt without seeing it. Will the Transfer Portal Additions Make All the Difference?  Going into a critical fourth season of the Matt Rhule era, “nice additions” aren’t enough — Nebraska needs hits, not just rotational guys. The guys agree: for this roster to take a real step forward, 80–90% of these additions need to be meaningful contributors, especially on both lines of scrimmage.The discussion keeps circling back to the same reality: Nebraska is building a roster that looks older, more experienced, and more physically ready — but the portal additions need to prove it on the field. The portal class might not solve everything, but it has to solve enough to keep Nebraska from getting shoved around again. How Will the Offense Change with Anthony Colandrea Under Center?  If Colandrea is THE GUY for 2026, the Common Fans are begging for one thing: an actual offensive identity. With every quarterback on the roster now more mobile than Dylan Raiola, plus new offensive line coaching hires (including a run game coordinator), the expectation is clear: more movement, more RPOs/zone read, more designed QB run threats, and a real commitment to pounding the rock.But there’s still the Dana Holgorsen question: can he evolve, adjust, and build something dynamic… or are we headed for more “great scripted start, then total confusion” football? The offseason theme holds: we’ll believe it when we see it. Can Rob Aurich Pull a Bo Pelini? In 2003, Frank Solich hired a young defensive coordinator by the name of Bo Pelini. The team’s defense drastically improved, forcing a school record 44 turnovers and helping the team to a 9 win season after going 7-7 the year before. After the final three games of the 2025 season, Nebraska needs that kind of defensive flip right now. The guys talk about what’s encouraging: new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s track record getting after the quarterback, new defensive staff, and bringing a couple of trusted players with him to help install the system. The bottom line? Nebraska needs a defense that can stop the run, pressure the QB, and get off the field on third down. Anything less won’t cut it with the brutal schedule in 2026. The Common Fans will be here all offseason to walk through the chaos — and as soon as the Big Ten drops the official schedule, you can bet the way-too-early predictions episode is coming. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE!  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans discuss transfer portal madness, a completely reshaped quarterback room, big swings on the offensive and defensive lines, and what it all means for 2026. They also share their thoughts on Dylan Raiola’s move to Oregon, Mike Ekeler rumors, the excitement surrounding Nebraska basketball, and much more!  A New Year, A New QB Room Nebraska’s quarterback room has been completely remade heading into 2026. After the brief “Lenny Minchey Era” came and went in about 24 hours, the Big Red pivoted fast.The Huskers land UNLV standout Anthony Colandrea, a dual-threat with over 7,500 career passing yards, 1,100 rushing yards, and 61 total touchdowns.Even better: Bellevue West product and Elite 11 QB Danny Kaelin is coming home, giving Nebraska three scholarship QBs (Colandrea, Kaelin, and TJ Lateef) with real D1 experience to compete for the starting job next season. The guys talk about fit, upside, and why having an experienced QB room matters more than ever in the portal era. Building in the Trenches: O-Line, D-Line, and Development On offense, Nebraska has two returning anchors (Justin Evans Jenkins and Elijah Pritchett) and three big portal additions from South Carolina, Iowa State, and LSU.Is this an indictment of a certain former staffer’s offensive line development… or just the reality of needing to win now in Year 4? The crew wrestles with that question. On defense, multiple new faces arrive at linebacker and along the defensive line, but the harsh reality is these can’t just be depth pieces — they all have to hit.The crew also kicks around a bigger philosophical question: in the portal era, is true “development” dying, or does Nebraska still have to be a developmental program at its core? Raiola to Oregon, Ekeler Rumors, and More Dylan Raiola to Oregon: should he have put out some sort of message or announcement thanking Nebraska and Husker fans? Do we really care?And how might Husker handle it if he lights it up for the Ducks? Rumblings about Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler potentially drawing interest elsewhere have the boys practically shouting into the mic: “Pay that man his money.” The Common Fans also give a special shoutout to the Nebraska Men’s Basketball team as they continue to chase Husker hoops history.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE!  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans got so fired up during their Las Vegas Bowl recap episode, they forgot to award Corn Cobs for the game. In this supplement to the full episode, the boys discuss their Corn Cob recipients and find some silver linings from the game.  Check out this supplemental episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE!  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Since the Las Vegas Bowl, there’s been no shortage of Husker news — and even less shortage of angst in Husker Nation. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, the boys air their grievances about Nebraska’s 44–22 loss to Utah, react to major transfer portal news, and zoom out to the big-picture question hanging over the program as we turn the page to 2026: based on the last three games of the 2025 season, do we have clarity on anything going into 2026?  Kenny Minchey Transfers to Nebraska The news broke right before the Common Fans hit record: Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey is headed to Lincoln.Geoff in Lincoln breaks down what Husker fans are getting: a QB with a big arm, the ability to push the ball downfield, and (importantly) some mobility—something the crew has been begging to see integrated into Nebraska’s offensive identity.The boys are excited to see more from Minchey, but also admit they are officially in “show me” mode. The Las Vegas Bowl: A Fast Start, Then the Same Old Movie Nebraska scored on its first two possessions by shoving the ball down Utah’s throat, and for a moment it felt like the Huskers might actually belong on the same field.Then the bottom fell out — again. The defense couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t stop the pass, and the offense never overcame the adjustments made by the Utes’ staff. Sadly, the way the game played out was not at all surprising, and the anger among the fan base is still boiling several days after the game.  Everything Should Be on the Table for Nebraska Football in 2026 The crew considers a thesis: no one should feel comfortable heading into next season — players or coaches. To be clear: no one is calling for any firings. But everyone should be feeling uncomfortable with how the season ended. The broader frustration isn’t “why aren’t we Georgia?” It’s: why can’t Nebraska be a consistent Top 25 program—8 to 10 wins, a team we’re proud of, and no more November faceplants?The crew debates patience vs. urgency in Year 4 under Rhule, especially with a brutal schedule looming and a fan base that feels like it’s living on the edge of a cliff. The Backwards Camo Hat, The Vibes, and the “Earn It” Standard Yes, the infamous backwards camo hat gets its own segment — because when you get embarrassed three games in a row, everything becomes fair game.The guys agree on the simple solution: win, and nobody cares about the hat. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.  Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans discuss the latest news around Nebraska’s upcoming bowl game against Utah, and look at three questions heading into the matchup vs the Utes. Kyle Whittingham to Michigan The Utah head coach - who was already planning to leave Salt Lake City after this season - has officially been named the head man at the University of Michigan. Will this development create uncertainty for the Utes? Will it benefit the Huskers?Whatever the case, Whittingham is undeniably one of the good guys in college football, and all three Common Fans agree the cheaters in Ann Arbor do not deserve him. He is one of the best coaches in the country, and he is a clear upgrade for the Wolverines.  What should we expect from TJ Lateef in the bowl game? Is Lateef fully healthy? Matt Rhule says he looks good to go and ready to run the offense.The boys wonder if offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will open up the playbook, having Lateef run the ball and possibly even mixing in some trick plays. The Las Vegas Bowl will be a big opportunity for Lateef to cement his status as the starter going into 2026.  How well will Nebraska’s offense run the ball without Emmett Johnson? The crew gives one final shoutout to EJ, the best back Nebraska has had in at least a decade. How will the Big Red run the ball without him?While backups Isaiah Mozee, Kwinten Ives, and Mekhi Nelson have shown promise at times, none of them even has 20 carries on the season. There are a lot of unknowns, simply because of how much #21 carried the load all year. Will the Blackshirts be able to stop the run? Utah comes into the Las Vegas Bowl at #2 in the country in rushing, averaging nearly 270 yards on the ground per game. Rushing defense, of course, has been a challenge for Nebraska’s defense in 2025.Can the Husker D come up with any answers? Two of the Utes’ best offensive linemen will forego the bowl game to begin preparing for the NFL draft. Will that make enough of a difference for Nebraska’s defense to slow down the run? This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! A very heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from TJ, MattyO, and Geoff in Lincoln, and as always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans dive into the biggest developments surrounding Nebraska football this week. From a spicy Matt Rhule press conference to personnel changes to an opportunity in the Las Vegas Bowl, there’s a lot on the line as 2025 turns into 2026. The boys discuss what it all means, and also share their Christmas wish lists for Husker football.  Matt Rhule’s Press Conference Rhule pushed back hard on any suggestion that Nebraska is in a “reset,” calling that idea ridiculous while acknowledging the late-season slide wasn’t good enough. Rhule acknowledged the team should have won nine games instead of seven this year — owning the results while still defending his progress and process. The boys discuss Rhule’s assertion that he inherited a mess. While that may be true, Rhule has mostly refrained from making those types of statements for most of his tenure. The coach also referenced getting his staff fully in place and pointed to the incremental year-by-year improvement of the team’s record, while speaking frankly about the work still ahead. The Common Fans react to what felt like a more emotional Rhule at the podium. Staff Moves Signal a New Direction The Huskers made significant changes in the wake of the rough end to the regular season, with John Butler (defensive coordinator), Donovan Raiola (offensive line coach), and Terry Bradden (defensive line coach) among those who were let go. The crew hones in on two new hires in particular: Georgia Tech’s Geep Wade as offensive line coach, and Lonnie Teasley as run game coordinator. Both have significant experience as Power Five offensive line coaches, and both are known as strong recruiters. The Common Fans speculate–and hope–that this is a signal that Coach Rhule is shifting the offense to a more run-heavy approach.  Common Fan Christmas Wish Lists The boys wrap up by providing their Christmas wish lists for Nebraska football this year. They discuss everything from hoping for a bowl win to knowing who the next starting QB will be to beating a top team in 2026.Many thanks to all the Common Fan listeners this year. We love doing this and we will continue to be coming out with new episodes throughout the entire offseason.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans discuss the biggest news of the week: the announcement that two year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola will be entering the transfer portal. They also discuss what it means for 2026, the upcoming bowl game, and some of the news around college football.  The Raiola Reaction The boys give their immediate, unfiltered reactions — and they may not be what you expect. They talk about why some fans likely feel disappointment, why others feel relief, and how the transfer portal era has changed the way we process these moments. A few years ago, losing a five-star QB would’ve felt like the sky was falling. Now? It’s still big, but it’s also the world we live in. Ultimately, we wish Dylan well, but it’s time for the Nebraska football team to look forward.  Freed Up Cash Flow The boys dig into a slightly uncomfortable conversation: value. In a world of NIL and revenue sharing, it’s fair to ask whether performance matched investment — and what Nebraska can do now that a significant amount of funds have been freed up. Can they build a better roster by spreading those dollars across multiple impact players, especially in the trenches? And was Raiola’s skill set ever a clean fit for what Nebraska is trying to be offensively? Portal Season = Massive With Emmett Johnson off to the NFL and Raiola on the way out, Nebraska has significant work to do in the offseason. They absolutely need to hit on most of the players they add in the portal. Speaking of, they need at least one QB (and maybe two), a running back, probably an offensive lineman or two, and they need a major infusion in the front seven on defense. Additionally, which current players might be hitting the portal? It’s a reality in modern day college football, and the players Rhule and his staff target will to some extent be determined by who they lose off of the roster.  Reset Year, Or Just Reality? The Common Fans close out by looking ahead to 2026: a brutal schedule, a fan base that’s tired, and the debate over whether or not Nebraska is in the midst of a reset. Can they find a way to win the bowl game? Can the team exceed expectations in 2026? Are we in the midst of a rebuild? Or is it simply reloading in a sport where everyone is turning over rosters every year? This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Since the Nebraska football team’s Black Friday loss to Iowa, there have been some seismic changes around the Husker program. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, TJ Birkel, Matty Owens Sr., and Geoff in Lincoln give their thoughts on the latest news, and look at the biggest questions hanging over the team heading into the Las Vegas Bowl. John Butler and Donovan Raiola Relieved of Their Duties Both defensive coordinator John Butler and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola were fired in the week following the Iowa game. One could argue Butler’s unit played well enough in the first 10 games of the season, but the defense fell off a cliff in the final two games of the year. The crew discusses the hire of Rob Aurich from San Diego State to replace Butler, and pontificates on what needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball in 2026. Donovan Raiola also had his moments, and his offensive line seemed to do a pretty good job of paving the way for Emmett Johnson in the second half of the season. But Nebraska’s O line has left plenty to be desired in recent years, between the sacks in 2025, to the lack of NFL draft picks on Raiola’s watch. Raiola’s replacement–Geep Wade from Georgia Tech–has already been named, and appears to be an upgrade.  Emmett Johnson to the NFL Emmett Johnson, Nebraska’s best running back in more than a decade, the 2025 Big Ten Running Back of the Year, and the heart and soul of this year’s football team, announced he will be forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. The Common Fans are not surprised with Johnson’s decision, which almost certainly means he is out for the bowl game. The boys pay tribute to EJ, and look ahead to who might carry the load in the bowl game.   Huskers to the Las Vegas Bowl It’s officially officially official: Nebraska will play Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31. The Utes are the #15 ranked team in the country, and have the nation’s second best rushing offense, averaging almost 270 yards on the ground per game. They also have a rushing quarterback. On paper, this matchup is…not good, to say the least. That said, it will be another opportunity for Matt Rhule’s boys to try to take down a ranked team, and it’s a chance to head into the offseason with some momentum and optimism. Rhule, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, and interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow need to pull out all the stops to try to figure out a way to get a win in the bowl game.  Biggest Question in a Big Month for Nebraska Football What is the future of quarterback Dylan Raiola? Or TJ Lateef for that matter? What are Nebraska’s biggest needs in the transfer portal? Will there be more musical chairs among the coaching staff? It’s the most important offseason of Matt Rhule’s tenure in Lincoln, and there are arguably more questions than at any point in the last three years. How Rhule navigates this offseason will go a long way towards determining how his entire time as Nebraska’s head football coach is viewed.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nebraska’s regular season ended with a 40–16 gut punch that left Husker Nation stunned, exhausted, and questioning everything. On this edition of the Common Fan Podcast, TJ Birkel, Matty Owens Sr., and Geoff in Lincoln sit down shortly after the meltdown in Memorial Stadium to process a rivalry loss that felt like a referendum on the entire Matt Rhule era. The conversation is part therapy session, part postmortem, and part rallying cry. “Until Further Notice” – The New Reality for Nebraska Football The guys open with a declaration: Nebraska football has officially reached “until further notice” status under Matt Rhule. There is no more benefit of the doubt. No one is calling for Matt Rhule’s job, but the days of optimistic projections, culture speeches, and positive preseason vibes carrying water for the program are over. After back-to-back-to-back November collapses, and a squandered friendly schedule, fans have earned the right to be critical—and this loss crystallized why. Emmett Johnson, the Only Corn Cob Recipient For the second straight week, the Corn Cob segment is essentially one man. Emmett Johnson once again fought to deliver another brilliant performance, singlehandedly keeping the offense afloat. The guys talk about his emotional moment on the field postgame, the likelihood of him turning pro, and the reality that Nebraska may have just wasted one of its best running back seasons in a decade.  A Comedy of Errors That Wasn’t Funny The boys break down the turning points: the frustrating non-targeting call on Jacory Barney’s fumble, and two back-breaking second-and-four sequences where Nebraska abandoned the run for reasons passing understanding. Each moment becomes a microcosm of Nebraska’s larger identity problem: predictable when they should be adaptable, stubborn when they should be smart, and chaotic when they should be complementary. Big Picture: Identity Crisis, Defensive Regression, and the Rule of Year Three The second half of the show zooms out. The guys confront the uncomfortable comparison between Matt Rhule’s record and Mike Riley’s through the same point. They dive into Nebraska’s defensive collapse, the inability to stop the run, the non-existent pass rush, and the maddening lack of offensive identity. They question everything—staff, scheme, development, philosophy—while acknowledging that Rhule deserves the chance to make changes and evolve. Bowl Game, Portal Season, and the Winter Ahead Despite the despair, the episode closes with a sliver of perspective. Nebraska made back-to-back bowl games for the first time in more than a decade. Portal season offers opportunity. Change is possible. Hope—however battered—still flickers. But the message is clear: no more speeches, no more slogans, no more benefit of the doubt. It’s time for proof. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Throw out all the records. Throw out all the stats. Throw out anything that has happened this season. It’s Iowa week, and it is time for all of Husker Nation to unite against the hated Hawkeyes.  Looking at Iowa’s history:  The Common Fans lay out the facts to explain why Nebraska football is and always will be superior to Iowa. The Hawkeyes claim five national championships, but two are from the 1920s, and for the other three–from 1956, 1958, and 1960–Iowa didn’t finish #1 in either the AP poll or the coaches poll. Nebraska owns 46 conference championships, which ranks second in the nation all time. Iowa, by contrast, has 15. Iowa’s record all time is 708-585-39, good for a .546 winning percentage that is 65th best in the country.Nebraska, by contrast, is 931-434-40, which amounts to a .677 winning percentage that is 10th all time. Iowa has one Heisman Trophy winner ever, Nile Kinninck in 1939. This was such a big deal in Hawkeye Nation that they named their stadium after him. Nebraska has three Heisman trophy winners, all of which occurred after World War Two, including one which happened in this century. And of course, Nebraska still owns the advantage in the all time head-to-head matchup between the two teams, 30-22.The list goes on and on; you get the picture. No matter what has happened in recent years, the Common Fans are red ‘til they’re dead. Nebraska will always be the superior program, and it’s always better to be a Cornhusker.  Time to buckle in, Common Fans: Have there been frustrating moments this season? Yes. Did the Huskers once again leave some wins on the table? It would appear so. Are there things this team needs to address in the offseason? Absolutely.And guess what: we will have eight months to digest this 2025 season, and to talk about all the ways in which Matt Rhule’s program needs to improve.In the meantime, it’s time for Husker Nation to unite, from Scottsbluff to South Sioux City; from Alliance to Falls City; from Omaha to McCook; from sea to shining sea. IT’S IOWA HATE WEEK!!!!!This is the life we’ve chosen, and it’s time to beat the Hawkeyes.   Celebrating 150 episodes for the Common Fan Podcast: One final note: the Common Fans didn’t even realize it, but the Penn State game recap episode was their 150th episode. The boys reflect on this podcast journey and thank all the loyal Common Fan listeners for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It’s only been two years, and there is a lot more to come.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nebraska football walked into Happy Valley on Saturday night needing a breakthrough — and instead got bulldozed. The Huskers were outplayed, outcoached, and overpowered in a 37–10 loss to Penn State that leaves the fan base frustrated, salty, and searching for answers. On this week’s episode of the Common Fan Podcast, the crew breaks down everything that went wrong in State College and what it means for Matt Rhule heading into the Iowa game. Slim pickings for Corn Cobs:  The guys hand out their weekly Corn Cobs — and this one gets interesting. Geoff goes contrarian with a nod to punter-turned-missile Archie Wilson for showing some fire in a late-hit penalty. Matty O sticks with the obvious: Emmett Johnson, who once again carried the offense with 151 total yards despite having to break tackles five yards behind the line just to get back to even. TJ highlights linebacker Jacob Bauer, one of the few bright spots on a bad night for the Blackshirts. Three years in, this shouldn’t be happening: The crew discusses AD Troy Dannen’s early-season comments about Nebraska being “three years into a rebuild” — but pushes back hard. Is year three long enough to expect the Huskers not to get manhandled at the line of scrimmage? The boys discuss Penn State’s struggles coming intothe game, why this wasn’t a great Nittany Lion team, and why all of that makes it even more inexplicable that Nebraska came out of a bye week completely flat.  On the stakes for the Iowa game now:  The conversation quickly turns to what Friday now represents. Nebraska sits at 7–4. Lose to Iowa, and you’re suddenly staring at the very real possibility of finishing 7–6 for a second consecutive year after another 5–1 start. Beat Iowa, and the season feels salvageable — maybe even encouraging. But the guys agree: the seat doesn’t get “hot” with a loss… but it might start heating up. This is as urgent as a regular-season finale without playoff implications can get.  On the offensive identity and the QB conversation:  The Common Fans dig into the offense’s lingering identity problem. What exactly is Nebraska’s scheme? What is it trying to be? And how should that shape the Dylan Raiola vs. TJ Lateef conversation moving forward? No one blames Lateef for the loss — but the guys question the play-calling, the lack of RPOs, and the absence of creativity. They agree both quarterbacks bring valuable tools… but the staff needs a real offensive blueprint before either can thrive. On accountability, urgency, and a fan Base at its limit From concerns about Rhule’s messaging to frustration with local media predictions to a raw sense of being “bamboozled,” this episode captures the emotional whiplash of modern Nebraska football. The guys close by emphasizing the stakes, the rivalry, and the opportunity: beat Iowa, steady the narrative, and head into bowl season with momentum. This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mitch Sherman joins the Common Fans to discuss TJ Lateef, the remainder of Nebraska’s season, the outlook for recruiting and the transfer portal, possible bowl destinations, and much more!  Assessing Coach Rhule’s comments about having the resources to compete for the best players in the nation:  There will be more resources, both in the form of dollars in the NIL collective and in sponsorship deals for players, to help shore up the roster. It’s important not to forget the need to keep current impact players on the roster.Money isn’t always the deciding factor in where a player lands, but Nebraska feels like it can be competitive with anyone now.As always, offensive and defensive linemen will be a priority, along with at least one running back.  Looking at Nebraska’s win over UCLA: It was an excellent first outing from true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, and the playbook wasn’t exactly watered down. The offense ran a lot of the same things they would have run if Dylan Raiola had been playing. Moving forward, ideally Nebraska would be able to put a game like that away, and not let the opponent back in it.  On Emmett Johnson’s Heisman Trophy chances: Realistically, Mitch doesn’t think EJ has a shot to win the prestigious award.The momentum among the national media, and the campaign being run by the University, really got going in November which is just too late. That said, Johnson is likely in line to be a 1st team All Conference player, and possibly an All American.  Looking ahead to Penn State: With Penn State’s win against Michigan State over the weekend, the Nittany Lions can still make a bowl game, and will have plenty to play for. With quarterback Drew Allar out for the remainder of the season with an injury, it will be critical for Nebraska to stop the run. PSU’s defense is formidable. They will have players who can come off the edge and get after the quarterback in a way that only Michigan has done against the Huskers this season.  Can Nebraska keep both Dylan Raiola and TJ Lateef in 2026? Lateef will almost certainly be coveted, and will likely get an offer to leave Nebraska.Will the Huskers be willing to pay top dollar for two quarterbacks?  Possible bowl destinations for the Big Red: The Music City Bowl in Nashville is looking increasingly likely as a possible bowl destination.One of the Florida bowls would be an indication of a strong finish to the season.Whatever the case, Nebraska will definitely not be returning to New York City this year.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s bounce-back win against UCLA, TJ Lateef’s coming out party, Emmett Johnson’s continued dominance, and much more.  On true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef:  Lateef sparkled in his debut as Nebraska’s quarterback, leading the Big Red past the Bruins in front of 20,000+ Husker fans at the Rose Bowl. The offense seemed to find a spark they have been missing in recent games.Lateef’s ability to run with the football is such a benefit to the offense. On do-everything running back Emmett Johnson:  What can’t Emmett Johnson do? EJ continues to shine. He continues to top his own performance from previous games, seemingly getting better, stronger, and faster as the season goes on. Will Johnson return for his senior year in 2026? The Common Fans speculate on the pros and cons from a player’s perspective. Hopefully, the prospect of more money in college, being a potential Heisman candidate, and drastically improving his draft stock are enough to bring him back for one more season.  On the performance by the defense: It wasn’t a perfect performance by the Blackshirts, and they were gashed by running quarterback Nico Iamaleava.That said, they made critical stops when the Huskers absolutely had to have them, and they did enough for Nebraska to win the game. John Butler’s unit has a lot of young talent, and optimism is sky high for the future.  On the Nebraska crowd at the Rose Bowl:  Husker Nation does it again! 20,000+ fellow Common Fans take over the Rose Bowl in what was an electric night to be a Cornhusker.Common Fan co-host T.J. Birkel was in the house, and shares his experiences on the night.  On the future of Nebraska football: Vibes are sky high among the Common Fans right now. No, it hasn’t been a perfect season, but the Big Red continues to improve, and Matt Rhule is committed to being in Lincoln for the long term. The Huskers have a real chance to finish strong this season, and they have one of the youngest rosters in all of college football. Rhule will have to figure out how to get over the hump, and go from being good to great, but it feels like a strong culture and foundation are in place for much future success.  This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE!  Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR    Check out our website: www.commonfan.co   Our Partners:  You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.    For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/   For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy