Nebraska’s 2026 schedule reshuffled after Week 2 performance
Rutgers drops to the bottom of the rankings due to turnover issues, while North Dakota climbs after a high-scoring start to the season.
Nebraska’s remaining opponents for the 2026 season have been re-ranked following the Huskers’ decisive 56-7 victory over Bowling Green in Week 2. The result marked a significant improvement from an uneven opening week, with Nebraska scoring 35 points in the first half. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns, while the team recorded 264 rushing yards.
According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the update reflects how most teams on Nebraska’s schedule have performed in line with their season expectations. The rankings have shifted as opponents either improved or regressed in accordance with their respective trajectories.
Rutgers has fallen to No. 10 in the rankings after suffering another loss to a Massachusetts-based opponent. The Scarlet Knights lost to Boston College in a Friday night game, a contest plagued by turnovers. Rutgers lost the ball four times in that defeat, bringing its season total to eight across just two games. The team also suffered two turnovers on downs, marking its second and third such incidents of the season.
These inconsistencies are largely attributed to the quarterback position, where Dylan Lonergan threw three interceptions and fumbled against UMass, while AJ Surace threw four interceptions against Boston College. Defensively, Rutgers has also struggled, surrendering 350 total rushing yards in its first two games while managing only 181 rushing yards itself. Despite these challenges, Antwan Raymond surpassed 100 yards rushing against Boston College, averaging five yards per carry.
North Dakota is ranked No. 9 after continuing to perform strongly in the Football Championship Subdivision. The Fighting Hawks have scored over 40 points in each of their first three games, including 40-plus points in the first half of their first two matches. While North Dakota has allowed over 20 points per game, it has maintained firm leads by striking early.
The rankings suggest that Rutgers may need to clean up its act before Nebraska visits in November. For now, the early-season data places the Scarlet Knights at the bottom of the list, while North Dakota’s offensive output has elevated its standing.
