Athlon's Early Big Ten Football Predictions for 2026
- Thread starter Bigred2467
- Start date
Remember when it used to matter? Those really were fun times. Going to the kwik shop and seeing the athlons or the street and smiths with Tommie on the cover and the promise of a great season ahead.
It ain't coming back, boys.
It ain't coming back, boys.
One thing is for sure … our guys will get an opportunity to put some stuff on tape against the best!
Sadly, we are ranked too high...
I wouldn’t expect us to be any higher, what stands out which isn’t no big surprise is we play 4 of the top 6 teams.
As much as we have some questions on both sides of the ball, Illinois has a lot of rebuilding to do from the past two successful seasons.
Washington plays much better at home than they usually do on the road.
As much as we have some questions on both sides of the ball, Illinois has a lot of rebuilding to do from the past two successful seasons.
Washington plays much better at home than they usually do on the road.
Nebraska also plays 15, 16, and 17 ranked teams in that poll.
I predict the season's crowning achievement will be keeping it close with one of the conference titans when we catch them sleeping, much like 2024.
We should really try to cancel these games
It’s incredibly stupid to showcase our young talent to all the poachers out there like this
This is usually the point at which this site sees a significantly dwindled presence from posters like you (passive aggressive non-fans).
A new schtick that will tire quickly. Nowhere else really to go from here.
See you back here regularly in 2028, bud. Hopefully sooner.
Well, I have logged my prediction.
we will see what happens.
it appears to me you’re broken and your condition is worsening.
Maybe - like you’re always reprimanding others re: bitchhing about the state of the program and our soft furry little elf of a head coach - you should understand nothing you type here will change anything about others’ behavior.
also it would help to have a sliver of wit (very hard with your background, I know).
I don't waste my time trying to change your mind about the program or the staff. I do grow tired of the bitching and moaning about the same thing post after post. But I'll get over it, or maybe I won't and maybe I will continue to reply.
I love that we are at the point where we just assume that Indiana will now beat NU.
If you are a fan and you think Indiana will pound NU but you don't think Rhule needs to be gone, then you are one of those fans that is happy with 7 wins.
If you are a fan and you think Indiana will pound NU but you don't think Rhule needs to be gone, then you are one of those fans that is happy with 7 wins.
Like what exactly? There are at least 70 million reasons why nothing CAN be done. Unless you are Warren Buffet or hit the Mega Millions. I hate the state this program is in but here we are. Dannen dug our hole even deeper this year.
It is being done...How this season starts is going to determine if rhule is here another year or not.
I lived for those issues coming out. I would sit in the store and read them for an hour or until an employee would ask if I was going to buy one. I saved my paper route money in the 80’s and would usually pony up for Street and Smiths.
the rest of my money would go to buying a USA Today on Tuesday and Wednesday when all the team and individual stats would get printed. Nebraska always at or toward the top in rushing, scoring etc
Don't attend or watch games. Don't buy NU apparel. I think that's what Tuco means. Unless the fans stop spending money, the status quo will remain.
Illinois has a better coach. They’ll beat us.
I once used to buy a new husker apparel every season. I probably have 30 husker hoodies. I haven’t bought a new hoodie or anything husker in the last 10 years. I feel bad for the store owners but I’m tapped out on anything husker football. Next year will be the least I have ever cared.
.500 coach puts us right where his lifetime record predicts: in the middle, with room each season for one better or one worse than average.
With Rhule, it's basically a coin toss for the season.
My guess for next season is 6-6, give or take one on each side.
Par for the preacher's flat-lined course.
With Rhule, it's basically a coin toss for the season.
My guess for next season is 6-6, give or take one on each side.
Par for the preacher's flat-lined course.
Well I have to say his time in Madison has been a bust. And I am sure he knows that. He caught lightning in a bottle in Cincinnati and it just never took hold at Wisconsin. He was the hot hire. I think at one point in time we wanted to hire him. It goes to show that coach hires are a minefield of hit and miss guys. And NIL makes that even worse. Basically NIL has changed what is and what is not a "good" coaching job.
His schedule goes from the toughest to one of the easiest next year. Wisconsin will take a jump next year. Even with their crap season, I believe they beat two ranked teams.
And I’m sure by November we will have people crying that we should have hired him rather than Rhule.
Thie 2026 team has a ceiling of 5 wins if they're lucky. 2 conference wins (Maryland and Rutgers). Nebraksa is lucky Northwestern was swapped out for Rutgers.
Nothing about our roster makes me think we will take a big jump next year. Tougher schedule and about the same roster talent. And Rhule is once again breaking in new coaches. Our new QB is a huge unknown. Ditto for our retooled defensive line.
Hard to get excited about the program right now. Sad.
Hard to get excited about the program right now. Sad.