Spring arrived early in much of the western United States, so it was appropriate that Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule chose to start the Huskers spring football camp roughly three weeks earlier than usual this year. Judging by the results, it’s pretty likely this will become the norm for the Big Red.
After electing not to hold a spring game last season due to concerns revolving around the since-eliminate spring transfer portal, Rhule brought back the uber-popular Red v White spring football game in 2026 just as most programs are starting spring ball. As a result, Nebraska players will have extra rest time to recover and begin off season conditioning programs and individual workouts.
Fall camp starts in August, with the Huskers first game set for September 5th at Memorial Stadium against the Ohio Bobcats.
Crowd Smaller Than in Past Springs
There wasn’t the same kind of enormous crowd that Nebraska has seen in past seasons (just over 27,000 were in attendance) but those who were there were treated to some very solid play on both sides of the football.
The format featured the Red offense against the White defense, with the Red scoring late to secure a 22-17 win. With the final score and afterthought, Rhule was able to watch newcomers like transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea, who displayed the mobility and passing touch that’s been touted since the Huskers added him in the transfer portal last January. An eight-yard scoring pass on a back shoulder throw from Colandrea to Quinn Clark was the highlight in the passing game, with Clark making a spectacular one-handed catch in the corner of the end zone.
Quarterbacks T.J. Lateef – who started the final three games of last season after Dylan Raiola was injured – and Danny Kaelin – the Nebraska native who had originally signed to be a Husker before spending last season at Virginia – saw the bulk of the action under center. Both showed flashes of mobility with Kaelin appearing to be the better passer among the two battling for the QB2 spot.
Later in the scrimmage, true freshman running back Jamal Rule, who was the star on offense, bolted 75-yards for a touchdown. The North Carolina native led all ball carriers with 121 yards on just 10 carries, and added a 15-yard reception as well.
Running back Conor Booth also ripped off a 32-yard scoring run with just five seconds to play to clinch the Red victory.
Turnovers and Penalties Were Limited
There were a pair of interceptions by the defense, one against Colandrea on a pass that was tipped. There were no fumbles from the offense.
The game also featured just two penalties, both occurring in the defensive backfield. There were no pre-snap infractions with a veteran group returning up front. Three key roster additions along the offensive line appeared to blend in seamlessly.
The defense was led by Nebraska native Derek Wacker, a sophomore from Yutan. He led the defenses with 13 tackles, including a sack and another tackle for a loss. Newcomer Jahsear Whittington, who transferred to Lincoln from Pitt, also had a sack.
Nebraska’s 2026 schedule will rank among the most difficult in the country. Defending National Champion Indiana headlines the home slate, which also includes Washington and Ohio State. There are also road games at Michigan State, Oregon and Illinois.
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