LINCOLN — The Red-White Spring Game made a return in 2026, kicking off earlier than usual and wrapping up before April. Nebraska’s offense, clad in red, managed to secure a 22-17 victory over the defense, dressed in white. Spring game scoring can be a bit puzzling, but that’s all part of the fun.
Here are some highlights and observations from the event:
Quarterbacks
Anthony Colandrea has clearly established himself as the top quarterback. His quick decision-making and agility are impressive. He’s got stronger arm power compared to previous seasons, making him a standout. However, he needs to avoid risky throws, like trying to pass while running sideways, which led to an interception when he was pressured.
TJ Lateef looked solid as the second QB. He showed flashes of his old speed, previously hampered by injuries. The coaching staff might want to redshirt him this year, limiting his playing time.
Meanwhile, Daniel Kaelin is still finding his place and needs to improve his escapability. He missed a promising touchdown opportunity by underthrowing his target.
Running Backs
This year’s breakout star appears to be freshman Jamal Rule. He rushed for an impressive 121 yards and a touchdown, with a highlight run of 75 yards. His speed and skill make him a likely top pick for the starting spot come fall.
Backing him up, Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee also showed potential. Nelson had some solid runs, while Mozee displayed excellent burst from the backfield. Redshirt freshman Conor Booth also made a statement with 87 yards and a touchdown, suggesting a competitive depth chart ahead.
Special Teams
In special teams play—although it wasn’t live—there were some notable performances. The place kickers were perfect, hitting all their goals. John Hohl converted from 32 and 33 yards, while Australian freshman Michael Sarikizis nailed a 49-yarder into a strong wind.
Archie Wilson had a good day punting, averaging over 41 yards and landing three inside the 20-yard line. However, the return team still needs improvement, as they muffed the opening kickoff.
Attendance Trends
Attendance for the game was 27,188, the lowest since 2000. Many factors contributed to this, including an earlier date and competition from other sports. The chilly weather didn’t help either, with kickoff at around 46 degrees. The recent success of the basketball team also drew attention away from spring football.
There’s a noticeable shift in fan sentiment. Many are adopting a “prove-it” attitude towards the football program, wanting to see tangible results before investing their enthusiasm. Even with back-to-back bowl appearances, the excitement seems tempered.
Head Coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the focus on other sports, viewing it positively. He stressed that the team’s priority is improving for a challenging fall season ahead.
As the team gears up, fans are left wondering how the upcoming season will unfold. With a new roster and evolving strategies, anticipation builds for what the future holds for Nebraska football.
