Nebraska SquareOffs

Will Nebraska's 2027 football recruiting class finish in the top 15 nationally?
381 6
Will Nebraska's 2027 football recruiting class finish in the top 15 nationally?
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Is Nebraska in any real danger of losing the commitments of Trae Taylor and/or Tory Pittman?
369 7
Is Nebraska in any real danger of losing the commitments of Trae Taylor and/or Tory Pittman?
Husker Max
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Will No. 4 Nebraska softball make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2026?
136 1
Will No. 4 Nebraska softball make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2026?
Husker Max
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Thoughts on the $600 million Memorial Stadium renovation plan?
364 10
Thoughts on the $600 million Memorial Stadium renovation plan?
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Will Jamal Rule start at RB for Nebraska's 2026 opener?
409 3
Will Jamal Rule start at RB for Nebraska's 2026 opener?
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Will Pryce Sandfort return to Nebraska for another season?
266 1
Will Pryce Sandfort return to Nebraska for another season?
Husker Max
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Will Nebraska beat Vanderbilt to reach the Sweet 16?
244 3
Will Nebraska beat Vanderbilt to reach the Sweet 16?
Husker Max
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Husker Max
After losing five of its last 10 games, will Nebrasketball regain its mojo?
180 4
After losing five of its last 10 games, will Nebrasketball regain its mojo?
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Will Riley Van Poppel take a noticeable jump under Nebraska’s new DL coaching?
244 3
Will Riley Van Poppel take a noticeable jump under Nebraska’s new DL coaching?
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Can Nebraska’s running back room stay productive without Emmett Johnson?
108 0
Can Nebraska’s running back room stay productive without Emmett Johnson?
Husker Max
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Given the Huskers’ difficult 2026 football schedule, is it realistic to think 8 wins are possible?
317 13
Given the Huskers’ difficult 2026 football schedule, is it realistic to think 8 wins are possible?
Husker Max
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Will the Huskers beat UCLA with true freshman TJ Lateef at QB?
547 12
Will the Huskers beat UCLA with true freshman TJ Lateef at QB?
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Does Nebraska’s collapse vs Minnesota signal a bigger issue?
622 12
Does Nebraska’s collapse vs Minnesota signal a bigger issue?
Husker Max
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Which problem can Nebraska least afford to repeat against Michigan State?
299 4
Which problem can Nebraska least afford to repeat against Michigan State?
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Will Nebraska shock Michigan in their Big Ten opener this weekend?
700 13
Will Nebraska shock Michigan in their Big Ten opener this weekend?
Husker Max
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63%
Yes WINNER

10

37%
No

9

63%
Yes

10 Comments
Robert Lloyd
3
Robert Lloyd

Good people as coaches. The line depleted, now is in the hands of a great upcoming coach. Linebackers and d-backs are in good hands.

Reply
Jay Safford
1
Jay Safford

I like their chances but it may take a few games with a young d-line. I wish the veterans would have stuck around 1 more year. Our young d-line improvement is the key i believe.

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Louis Scholz
0
Louis Scholz

I'm a word Parella .......

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Isaiah Skrdla
0
Isaiah Skrdla

I don't think that it will happen this year. I think this year will be terrible. However I think 2017s defense could be pretty good. I feel better about the direction of the defense than the ofense.

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Valerie Gilmore
0
Valerie Gilmore

the talent was there last year, the talent is there this year and we have a new motivator speaking in terms that will get them ready for games, so yeah Nebraska will turn it around.......

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Danny Baker
0
Danny Baker

I feel they were almost there last year and now with Parella, the package will be complete.

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Gene Baker
0
Gene Baker

Yes they have a ton of young talent and great coaches, especially John Parela! I'm actually very excited to see the finished product out on the field! GBR!!!

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Kevin Hamilton
0
Kevin Hamilton

Talent is down in the line but I expect to see improvement this year.

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Michael McKain
0
Michael McKain

I believe these are good coaches with good talent. John Parella will help instill the Blackshirt pride.

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Todd Michael
0
Todd Michael

I believe in this staff

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37%
No

9 Comments
Bob Dickson
6
Bob Dickson

To me, the 'D' coordinator is still a question mark. 'D' line is a question mark. Although I like John Parrella's chances of bringing them around.

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Stephen Johnson
1
Stephen Johnson

Same defensive staff, different day. Same pass defense, 115 this year????

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Roger Lohr
1
Roger Lohr

I'm not sure Mr Banker can coach a successful pass defense.

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James Traut
1
James Traut

Likely improvement in the DBs negated by weaker defensive line.

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T David Andrew M
1
T David Andrew M

Did not see enough development last season to give me any meaningful reason to suggest that what is returning on the defensive side of the ball will be anywhere near what will be needed for a winning season.

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Jc Clark
1
Jc Clark

Not this year with the lack of depth and meaningful experience on the defensive line. it all starts there. We're going in the right direction though.

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Terry Darnall
0
Terry Darnall

Not sure. This year will tell a lot. I was hoping it was a aggressive defense, but I didn't see it last year. Only Nate Gerry at the end of the year got aggressive. No excuses this year, players know the defense, so now we will find out/

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Byron Augustin
0
Byron Augustin

Because Banker is still the DC.

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Kevin Bolin
0
Kevin Bolin

The D coordinator has NEVER had a top D so why would we expect one now - especially when the D line is so young?

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79%
Really good WINNER

3

21%
Average

2

79%
Really good

3 Comments
Jerry Williams
2
Jerry Williams

I think he has good potential and that perhaps Tommy will throw better balls this year.

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Terry Darnall
0
Terry Darnall

Westy could have a great season. First to be a 1000 yard receiver at NU. But the question is whether Armstrong will get it to him, or throw it to the opposition. I have no faith in Armstrong as a passer. Hand it off to someone else and let them pass it.

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Stephen Johnson
0
Stephen Johnson

He has great hands and the ability to get open.

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21%
Average

2 Comments
Stephen Douglas
0
Stephen Douglas

Who knows, hopefully he stays healthy

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James Traut
0
James Traut

Average is still really good. Improvement over 2015 depends on the line play so Tommy isn't scrambling to avoid sacks.

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68%
Yes WINNER

25

32%
No

13

68%
Yes

26 Comments
Scott Lausterer
17
Scott Lausterer

I believe Riley and his staff are very competent in developing and recruiting players. The coaches and players will be much more familiar with each other this year, and the players will buy in.

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Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas

When does he show that development side? He never did at OSU, he definitely had better recruits than Boise, yet never was at Boise's level.

Peter Campbell
2
Peter Campbell

At least 3 of the losses last year were just dumb luck or play and nothing to do with his coaching (Iowa, Wisconsin, and Miami, but probably BYU too). He's recruiting like a madman, and his offense this year, barring injury, is going to be a force to contend with. I can't wait for the season!

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Places InYour Heart
2
Places InYour Heart

You must be blind if you don't see the improvement

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Louis German
1
Louis German

With his players he will do well soon !!!!

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Andrew LaFevre
1
Andrew LaFevre

Mike Riley knows are to coach and gameplan and last year was a mutiny that sadly had to happen

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Gene Baker
0
Gene Baker

The proof is seen last year. The team never gave up, and actually played better at the end of the season against the best. They beat UCLA, beat Iowa in every way but the score, they beat Michigan State, should of beat Wisconsin and Illinois, the team just never quit, and I attribute that to MR & sta

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Kevin P. Miller
0
Kevin P. Miller

Number one is how well respected he is by other elite coaches and players whose opinions I value. Two, is that his coaches that came to NU to coach on his staff all wanted to coach with him enough to leave where they were at the time he asked them... and some of those guys had pretty good NFL jobs!

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Visitor
0
Visitor

I like the general direction of the program and think he runs a tight ship yet is relatable to young guys still and able to recruit with charisma I think we're destined for big things

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Wober Wobers
0
Wober Wobers

I like his chances. He'll make this right.

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Vaden Fuller
0
Vaden Fuller

just trying be optimistic

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Kevin Hamilton
0
Kevin Hamilton

Year one behind us, recruiting on a major upswing, don't expect miracles this year but I do expect to see improvements!

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Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas

You may be sorely disappointed

Danny Baker
0
Danny Baker

He knows what he is doing and as the right mind set to suit Nebraska. Him and his staff are also great recruiters.

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Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas

Please explain how he knows what he is doing. Did you not see the consistent gaffes on clock management and play calling last year?

Loren Wissmann
0
Loren Wissmann

He is doing things the right way and has outstanding assistant coaches with him

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Keith Petrie
0
Keith Petrie

I'll give him this year to prove that he isn't what his record at OSU shows. GBR!

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Blake Nelson
0
Blake Nelson

Because Riley can coach and recruit!!!

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John Wacker
0
John Wacker

Building a great foundation for the future!

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Michael McKain
0
Michael McKain

Recruiting is going well. Coach Riley and his staff are not intimidated by other schools going after top recruits. Vibe seems positive around the program.

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Alan Blackburn
0
Alan Blackburn

He's very knowledgeable in relationships, the game, let's hold the players accountable for once!

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David MacKay
0
David MacKay

Well I'm gonna be a yes/no kind of guy...there is no doubt from the onset that it looks like Riley is gonna give us excitement in the recruiting world however his and his staff's management of the game play left a lot to be desired last year...so let's get that fixed and as always GO BIG RED!!!!

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 Jim Jones
0
Jim Jones

I have full confidence in Coach Riley

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Scott Bisarek
0
Scott Bisarek

I think that he is evaluating the team and coaches daily. he is not afraid to make changes and evolve.

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Isaiah Skrdla
Isaiah Skrdla

His system doesn't seem to have evolved at all. Ran the same plays at Oregon St. as he did last year reguardless of tallent set.

James Wieker
0
James Wieker

I think there is more that needs to be seen, but I think he is headed in the write direction. Whether or not he can win championships are not remains to be seen. I think year 2 will be a huge gage because the biggest leap is always from year one to year two.

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John Gibson
0
John Gibson

He inherited a broken team that had continued meddling after they were fired. He is a long time coach who appears to 'get' football and Nebraska and the recruiting and player comments reflect a team that is moving in a positive direction.

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Chris Norlem
0
Chris Norlem

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, as long as he shows more clock intelligence this year and wins at least most of the close ones.

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Jerry Williams
0
Jerry Williams

His recruiting has been good, the team seems to have made a transition with the new coaching staff, he changed the defense line coach when he felt change was needed and made a good hire. Good with the press and has student interest.

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Mark Dennis
0
Mark Dennis

I think he can and will recruit far better than our previous coach. He seems willing to make what ever changes are need to be successful here.,such as the hiring of our new DL coach and firing the previous on

Reply

32%
No

9 Comments
Stephen Douglas
6
Stephen Douglas

History repeats itself, he's a mediocre coach, has been throughout his career.

Reply
Isaiah Skrdla
2
Isaiah Skrdla

Proof is in the pudding not the koolaid.

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Lucas Evan Flowerday
2
Lucas Evan Flowerday

Mike Riley has only won in Canada as a head coach, he is recruiting as well as pelini who everyone said recruited poorly and with the exception of the charity bowl game failed to adapt to personnel

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Stephen Johnson
1
Stephen Johnson

There was a huge problem with pass defense during 2015. No real changes on a defense ranked 122 out of 125 teams. The offense just needs to score 75 points a game.

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Fred Gibson
1
Fred Gibson

Haven't seen enough yet. Face it, he is a career .500 coach. He seems to be recruiting well though

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T David Andrew M
1
T David Andrew M

Expecting a bird to change its feathers is pretty tough to do, If our defense hasn't improved it almost doesn't matter how much the offense does, we will be below .500 again. This coaching staff has only demonstrated poor choices in the past.

Reply
Kevin Gress
1
Kevin Gress

He has a resume and while he's shown he can put together a good season, he can't seem to do it consistently.

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Terry Darnall
0
Terry Darnall

So far Riley hasn't proved his staff can win. So, my guess is they might get lucky some year, but Riley's teams do not win on a regular basis.

Reply
Jc Clark
0
Jc Clark

He has a proven track record from OSU. He is already a known commodity. In five years I would expect 2 Big Ten West championships, and no big bowl wins.

Reply

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