Nebraska's 2026 Schedule: A Deep Dive into CBS Sports' Preseason Rankings
As the college football season approaches, it's time to take a closer look at Nebraska's upcoming opponents and their preseason rankings. The CBS Sports preseason poll provides an interesting insight into the teams that the Huskers will face in 2026. While some of these rankings may seem surprising, they offer a glimpse into the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Nebraska.
Ohio State: The Undisputed King
At the top of the list is Ohio State, ranked No. 1 by CBS Sports. The Buckeyes have a well-oiled recruiting machine and a talented roster, making them the clear favorite to win the national championship once again. However, as Chip Patterson points out, it's not just about the talent; it's about the system and the culture that Ohio State has built in Columbus. This raises a deeper question: Can Nebraska's coaches and players match the intensity and focus of their Big Ten rivals?
Oregon: The Team to Beat
Oregon is ranked No. 3 by CBS Sports, with Richard Johnson praising the Ducks' skill position groups and fearsome defensive front. The new offensive and defensive coordinators, Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton, respectively, will play a crucial role in shaping the team's success. However, the veteran yet unproven offensive line gives Johnson pause. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's defense step up and challenge Oregon's high-powered offense?
Indiana: The National Champions
Indiana, ranked No. 6, is coming off a 16-0 season and national championship. The Hoosiers have the talent, coaching, and financial backing to remain a power in college football. However, as the article notes, the transition to a new coach and the Raiders' potential impact on the team's dynamics could be a wildcard. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Indiana's defense?
Washington: The Rising Power
Washington is ranked No. 19 by CBS Sports, with the Huskies returning a talented quarterback in Desmond Williams. The team's recruiting efforts have paid off, making them a popular preseason top 25 team. However, the offense's inconsistency, with days where it scored 10 points or less, could be a concern. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's defense step up and challenge Washington's offense, especially on the road?
Iowa: The Solid Hawkeyes
Iowa is ranked No. 23 by CBS Sports, with the Hawkeyes finding ways to be solid even if the quarterback spot isn't top-tier. The team is coming off a 9-4 season with close losses to Oregon, USC, Indiana, and Iowa State. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Iowa's defense, especially on the road?
Illinois: The Rising Illini
Illinois is ranked No. 28 by CBS Sports, with the Illini replacing some key parts, including the quarterback. However, Katin Houser is rated similarly to Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea in preseason write-ups among quarterbacks with potential to land a big punch. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Illinois' defense, especially on the road?
Maryland: The Tightrope Walkers
Maryland is ranked No. 51 by CBS Sports, with the Terps walking a tightrope with a two-minute drive and defensive stop to beat Nebraska last year. The team returns quite a few players, including quarterback Malik Washington. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Maryland's defense, especially on the road?
Rutgers: The Easy-to-Forget Team
Rutgers is ranked No. 64 by CBS Sports, with the Scarlet Knights being an easy-to-forget team on Nebraska's schedule. However, the game will be critical for NU and Greg Schiano's program needs a game like this to try to get bowl eligible again. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's defense step up and challenge Rutgers' offense, especially on the road?
Michigan State: The Rebuilding Spartans
Michigan State is ranked No. 66 by CBS Sports, with Pat Fitzgerald in charge of trying to build the Spartans back up. The team plays Notre Dame the week before and will put a lot into its Big Ten opener against Nebraska. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Michigan State's defense, especially on the road?
Ohio: The MAC Champions
Ohio is ranked No. 101 by CBS Sports, with the MAC champions led by first-year coach Brian Smith. The team was a top 40 offense last year but loses the majority of key pieces, including the quarterback and an O-line overhaul. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's defense step up and challenge Ohio's offense, especially in the season opener?
Bowling Green: The Falcons' Rise
Bowling Green is ranked No. 120 by CBS Sports, with the Falcons trying to build under second-year coach Eddie George. The former Heisman Winner is trying to elevate the squad after a 4-8 season. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's offense find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Bowling Green's defense, especially in the season opener?
North Dakota: The FCS Power
While not slotted in the preseason CBS poll for FBS teams, North Dakota was a top 20 team in the FCS that produced an 8-6 season in 2026. The Fighting Hawks bowed out of the playoffs in the second round after a 31-13 loss to Tarleton State. This raises a question: Can Nebraska's defense step up and challenge North Dakota's offense, especially in the season opener?
Nebraska's Big Ten Ranking
Nebraska is ranked ninth among the 18 Big Ten teams in these rankings. This raises a question: Can the Huskers live up to their potential and challenge the top teams in the conference, or will they struggle to find consistency throughout the season?
Conclusion
As the college football season approaches, Nebraska's schedule looks challenging but also full of opportunities. The CBS Sports preseason rankings provide an interesting insight into the teams that the Huskers will face in 2026. While some of these rankings may seem surprising, they offer a glimpse into the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Nebraska. As a fan, I can't wait to see how the team performs and whether they can live up to their potential. Personally, I think that Nebraska has the talent and coaching to compete with anyone in the Big Ten, but it will take consistent effort and focus throughout the season to achieve success.
