Common Fan

This week, the Common Fans are joined by Brandon Vogel to process Nebrasketball’s program-changing season—and to ask what it might mean for the athletic department and the future of Husker football. Nebrasketball Resets the Standard From the first NCAA Tournament win in program history to a Sweet 16 run that had the entire fan base locked in, this wasn’t just a “nice season.” It felt bigger than that. We talk about what this run meant—not just in the moment, but long-term. The way it pulled in casual fans. The way it created core memories for kids. The way it turned Nebraska basketball into our team for a few weeks in March. Is this the new baseline? Or was this lightning in a bottle? Why Did It Have to Be Iowa? Let’s just get it out. If Nebraska loses to a one-seed, we all tip our cap and move on. But losing to Iowa—after leading for most of the game—adds an entirely different layer. We unpack why that matchup felt different, why the loss hit harder, and how it somehow managed to be the most Nebraska ending imaginable. From missed shots late…to that moment with four players on the floor…it all felt painfully familiar. And then we collectively agree: we’re done talking about Iowa (for now). Where Was Nebraska Football This Spring? In one of the strangest developments of the offseason, football just…took a back seat. With basketball dominating the conversation, and disappointment from the 2025 season still lingering, spring ball came and went with far less hype than we’re used to. The boys discuss why that might actually be a good thing—and whether “flying under the radar” is exactly where this program needs to be right now. What’s the Football Version of This Basketball Run? If what we just experienced with basketball felt like a breakthrough…what’s the equivalent for football? Is it making the playoff? Winning 9–10 games? Just being in the conversation again? And maybe the bigger question: would one season be enough to reset the narrative—or does this fan base need to see it for a sustained period of time? Spring Ball Takeaways Brandon gives his main takeaways from the Spring Game and spring ball in general. We dive into: Why the defense is the biggest swing factor What Tony C brings to the offense (and the risk that comes with it) Whether this team can finally generate something unexpected And why “prove it mode” is still the only mindset that matters Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! #nebraska #collegefootball #football #bigten #podcast #bigtenfootball #collegefootballpodcast #sports #huskers #nebraskafootball #nebraskacornhuskers #huskerfootball #nebrasketball #mattrhule #fredhoiberg #blackshirts #nebraskapodcast #lnk #oma #nebraska #commonfan #commonfanpodcast

The guys kick things off by celebrating the Common Fans’ run to the Final Four of Mike’l Severe’s local podcast bracket challenge. Thanks to an incredible push from the Common Fan community, the pod took down some major names–including the Pick Six Podcast and Nick Bahe’s podcast–before finally losing in a razor-close matchup with the Schick and Nick Podcast. It was shameless, deeply competitive, and wildly fun. In other words: it was perfect. What should we make of Nebraska’s 2026 projected win total? The conversation then turns to FanDuel’s early over/under for how many games the Nebraska football team will win in 2026. It opened at 5.5, quickly moved to 6.5, and that number says a lot about where the outside world sees this program right now. The boys dig into what that means, why expectations have dropped so considerably, and whether that might actually be a good thing (at least for now). For once, Nebraska is not winning the offseason. There’s not much hype. There’s not much juice. And maybe, just maybe, that’s better than the annual offseason national championships. Does Matt Rhule need a Fred Hoiberg season? Watching Nebraska basketball explode past expectations this year naturally raises the question: can Matt Rhule do the same with football? Fred Hoiberg’s team wasn’t just “better than expected.” It shattered expectations. It changed the conversation. It reset belief in the entire program for years to come. That’s the kind of season Nebraska football badly needs. Not necessarily a playoff run, but a season that feels undeniably different. A season that makes fans stop bracing for disappointment and start believing the trajectory has finally changed. The fellas wrestle with what that would actually look like. Is 7-5 enough if the team looks better? Is 8-4 the line where people finally exhale? And how much of Nebraska’s long, strange post-Osborne drift is about unrealistic expectations… versus just repeatedly hiring the wrong guys? Can Husker fans still enjoy the ride? The episode closes with some love for Nebraska basketball, some NCAA tournament hype, and a reminder that this has been one of the most enjoyable Husker sports years in a long time. The footballization of fandom has made everybody a little insane, but the guys make the case for stepping back and appreciating what’s happening — even while still demanding more from football. Ending with Gratitude The crew also reflects on just how invested they got in the aforementioned bracket challenge, and how cool it was to see so many Common Fans show up and vote. There’s a lot of gratitude here — and also a lot of laughing at themselves for how emotionally attached they got to a Twitter poll. But bottomline: we’re so grateful to all the Common Fans who have joined us on this ride, and can’t wait for a lot more fun and frivolity to come! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! #nebraska #collegefootball #podcast #football #bigten #bigtenfootball #nebraskacornhuskers #nebraskafootball #huskers #huskerfootball #collegefootballpodcast #collegefootballplayoff #mattrhule #fredhoiberg #nebrasketball #blackshirts #commonfan #commonfanpodcast #nebraska #podcast #nebraskapodcast

Clester Johnson joins the Common Fans for one of the most fun conversations we’ve had in a while: a mix of Husker history, current program talk, and some unfiltered truth about what has gone wrong at Nebraska over the last two decades. Put on some Common Fan socks, kick up your feet, and enjoy this conversation with one of the major contributors on two of Nebraska’s national championship teams. Bring Back the Wingback Before diving into the current state of Nebraska football, the guys spend time with Clester reflecting on his own story, from growing up in Memphis, to starring at quarterback at Bellevue West, and eventually becoming a Husker. Clester shares how Tom Osborne’s leadership helped turn things around when he hit a crossroads early in Lincoln, and how a mindset shift and a position switch to wingback changed the course of his career. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the mentality of those championship-era teams and the standard that made Nebraska great. Tom Osborne’s Influence Clester’s stories about Osborne alone are worth the listen. He talks about TO’s presence, wisdom, and the way he could challenge players without calling them out by name. One speech in particular stuck with Clester for life — a message about accountability, distractions, and whether players were really doing everything they could to become the best version of themselves. The Frost Era, Loyalty, and Accountability The conversation also takes a more serious turn when the guys ask Clester about a tweet he recently sent regarding Scott Frost, the people around him, and the larger failures that deepened Nebraska’s slide. CJ does not duck the topic. He explains that he was excited when Frost came back and believed, like many fans did, that Frost was the right choice. But when things began to unravel, he became frustrated with the people inside the program and around the program–especially former players–who protected personalities instead of staying committed to the standard. It is an honest, thoughtful discussion about accountability, loyalty, and why Nebraska’s problems have gone far beyond just one coach. The Future Under Matt Rhule The boys also discuss Matt Rhule and the current state of Nebraska football. Clester gives his candid read on Matt Rhule, and why 2026 feels like a massive year. There’s still hope. There’s still belief that Nebraska can get back. But Clester makes it clear: this season has to look like progress. Real progress. Not spin. Not promises. Not another reset. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. Or watch now! As always, GBR for LIFE! #nebraska #collegefootball #football #bigten #bigtenfootball #collegefootballpodcast #sports #huskers #huskerfootball #nebraskafootball #nebraskacornhuskers #bigten #big10football #tomosborne #mattrhule #scottfrost #blackshirts #lnk #oma #gbr #gbr4life #gobigred #nebraska #podcast

Spring ball is well underway, Nebraska turns 159 years old, and the Common Fan Podcast is ready to try a little offseason optimism. Plus, the Common Fans are still alive in Mike’l Severe’s bracket competition among local sports podcasts! Look to vote on Tuesday! If Nebraska is going to take a step forward in 2026, who HAS to hit? After the way last season ended–and with Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, and Iowa waiting on this year’s schedule–this fan base is firmly in prove-it mode. If the Huskers are to actually prove it in 2026, which guys absolutely have to hit–or perhaps even exceed–their potential this season? Tony C: It’s probably the most obvious of the bunch. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and Anthony Colandrea is expected to be the guy in 2026. The career stats are strong (7,500+ passing yards, 1,100+ rushing yards, improved TD/INT ratio in 2025), but the Big Ten jump is still the unknown. Elijah Pritchett: Can the offensive line actually be a strength? That’s where a lot of Nebraska’s investment went in the offseason, but the Common Fans agree the most important piece is a guy who has already been on the roster for a year. The Alabama transfer looked shaky early in 2025, but eventually started to look like Nebraska’s best lineman. The season might hinge on whether or not Pritchett becomes the anchor of Nebraska’s O line. Mekhi Nelson: We haven’t seen a lot of Nelson in two seasons as a Husker, but part of that is because he was behind the great Emmett Johnson. He looked solid in the bowl game, and when you add in a mobile QB, new transfer offensive linemen, and two new O-line coaches, the run game should be as well positioned as it has been in years. Somebody has to step into the Emmett-sized void. In order for the Huskers to surprise some people in 2026, it needs to be Nelson. Riley Van Poppel: Husker fans have been waiting for RVP to dominate. Perhaps scheme/fit was part of the problem last year; he’ll get a fresh start with a new position coach, new defensive coordinator, and new scheme. Hopefully it plays to Van Poppel’s strengths; Nebraska sure needs it to. Owen Chambliss: The San Diego State transfer already knows the system and shows real instincts. The Big Red felt short-handed at linebacker at times last season (even with Vincent Shavers being a beast). Nebraska needs an “eraser;” a guy who turns what should’ve been seven yards into two. If Chambliss hits, the whole defense gets better. Cam Lenhardt: It’s been way too long since Nebraska consistently made quarterbacks uncomfortable. The tools are there. Now it’s time for the breakout season: tackles for loss, sacks, havoc, and the kind of blindside strip-sack that makes you yell so loud your neighbors consider calling somebody. Honorable mentions and the real point Yes, the receivers matter; Jacory Barney, Nyziah Hunter, and Kwazi Gilmer have to make plays (and maybe stay upright), and the room has depth and upside. The boys also discuss Carter Nelson, Cortez Mills, and some other talented youngsters who might take a step forward. And on defense, the DBs have been solid… but the takeaway numbers have to rise. Because most fans won’t see 6–6 as progress, no matter how challenging the schedule–especially not with every other Husker sport winning games and raising expectations. Nebraska needs impact players to actually hit. Keep it simple, Common Fans: enjoy spring ball… and vote for the Common Fans on Tuesday! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! #nebraska #collegefootball #huskers #football #collegefootballpodcast #collegefootball #commonfan #nebraskafootball #nebraskacornhuskers #bigten #bigtenfootball #mattrhule #blackshirts #anthonycolandrea #owenchambliss #lnk #oma #podcast #nebraskapodcast #lincolnnebraska #nebraska

Friend of the program Gary Sharp joins the Common Fans to discuss the big questions, most important position groups, and major storylines as the Nebraska football team kicks off spring practice. What’s the biggest question facing Nebraska football right now? Gary put it in a way that hits a nerve: Matt Rhule has to rebuild trust with a fan base that watched the bottom fall out late last season. It wasn’t just the record — it was the feeling that the foundation was cracking. The defense that was supposed to be Rhule’s calling card slipped. The team looked worn down. And Husker fans are left wondering what they should believe about this team going into the 2026 season. At the same time, there’s a weird upside to the current vibe: Nebraska isn’t winning the offseason as loudly this year. Fewer headlines. More “lay low and work.” After years of offseason championships, that might be exactly what this fan base needs. Mixed signals about the future of the offense The discussion naturally swung to the quarterback conversation, with Anthony Colandrea likely to take the reins as QB1 in the coming season. Gary framed it as something Nebraska hasn’t had in a while: real swagger at quarterback. Not performative swagger. Not “run out first and act like it means something” swagger. Real, fearless swagger. And that matters because it changes what Dana Holgorsen can do. The question we keep asking remains an open question: what offense is Dana running? How different will it look from the last three years? It depends on the QB, and it depends on whether the offensive line becomes what Nebraska thinks it can be — older, more athletic, and capable of letting the offense actually stress defenses with a power run game, motion, mesh, and using the middle of the field. What’s the position group that should worry everyone? The crew agrees: it’s the defensive line. Until we see pressure, disruption, and proof Nebraska can hold up in November, it’s the biggest concern. Nebraska has not run the ball or stopped the run nearly consistently enough, especially late in the season. Can this year’s D line be different? But the episode also offers a hopeful twist: the decision to run it back with many of the same defensive linemen might be an indication that the staff thinks last year was a scheme/fit problem, and not so much a talent problem. Will a new position coach and a different scheme unlock more production from the same players? What does success actually look like in 2026? Gary laid out three things that would be signs of progress in year four for Matt Rhule. All three are things that Nebraska hasn’t done in the Rhule era (or much of the last 10 years): Beat a ranked team Win at home consistently Be better in November than September Everyone agrees: even if they get to six or seven wins, progress has to look like something more than just surviving. And yes: Vote for the Common Fans! The Common Fans survived Round 1 of Mike’l Severe’s bracket competition among local sports podcasts, beating Nebraska Basketball Hour 52% to 48%. They now stare down the barrel of a showdown with number one seed, the Pick Six Podcast. It’s David vs. Goliath. MySpace vs. Facebook. Whatever analogy you need — we are shamelessly asking for votes. Remember–enjoy spring ball! Even with so many questions, it’s OK to be excited for football! Embrace the spring practice period, start gearing up for fall, and allow a little optimism to creep back in. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! #nebraska #collegefootball #huskers #huskerfootball #nebraskacornhuskers #cornhuskers #gbr #gbr4life #bigten #bigtenfootball #football #podcast #footballpodcast #collegefootball #collegefootballplayoff #collegefootballpodcast #mattrhule #danaholgorsen #anthonycolandrea #blackshirts #commonfan #commonfanpodcast #podcast #nebraska