Nebraska’s Litmus Test: Can Rhule Finally Beat a Ranked Team?

The Story: Matt Rhule’s Nebraska tenure hits its biggest moment yet—Indiana, ranked and hungry, rolls into Lincoln. The Huskers are 0-5 against ranked teams under Rhule, and another loss here could spell disaster for a program still searching for its footing. The game isn’t just about wins; it’s about proving Rhule’s rebuild isn’t just hype. Indiana’s defense is stout, but Nebraska’s offense has shown flashes. If the Huskers can’t pull this off, the preseason Top 25 chatter—already overblown—gets even louder.

The Numbers: Rhule’s 0-5 vs ranked teams is the worst active streak among Power 4 coaches. Nebraska’s offense ranks 87th in yards per play (5.2), while Indiana’s defense is 22nd in yards allowed (308.7/game). The line? Huskers +3.5. Vegas isn’t buying it.

The Poll Problem: Preseason Top 25s are a joke now. Teams like Michigan (preseason No. 2) are a mess, while others (looking at you, Texas) got overranked and haven’t delivered. The polls are slower to adjust than a Nebraska offensive line in pass protection. If the Huskers lose, expect the "overrated" takes to flood in—again.

Jeremiah Smith: The Best WR in College Football History?

The Hype: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith isn’t just good—he might be the most talented WR in college football history. Bruce Feldman broke it down: Smith’s combination of size (6’3”, 215 lbs), speed (4.35 40-yard dash), and route-running is unmatched. He’s already torched Alabama (12 catches, 189 yards, 2 TDs) and Michigan State (3 TDs in one half). The kid’s a cheat code.

The Context: Smith’s 2026 season is on pace to shatter records. Through 5 games, he’s at 45 catches, 789 yards, and 10 TDs. For comparison, Marvin Harrison Jr. had 764 yards all of last year. If Smith stays healthy, he’s a lock for the Biletnikoff—and maybe the Heisman.

The Mess: Michigan football. That’s all. The Wolverines are a dumpster fire, and no one’s sure why. Jim Harbaugh’s seat is cooling, but the program’s identity crisis is real. Expect more chaos before clarity.