Nebraska Football Kicks Off Spring Practice Under Matt Rhule

Huskers focus on defensive install and quarterback competition in first week of spring workouts

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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Nebraska football has officially started spring practice, with head coach Matt Rhule discussing the team's progress after the first week. Rhule highlighted the early start to spring ball, allowing more time for installing the new defensive scheme under coordinator Rob Aurich. The Huskers have already been in full pads and are looking forward to upcoming scrimmages. Rhule also commented on the new practice fields, the quarterback competition, and his approach to player evaluations during this phase of the offseason.

Why it matters

Nebraska is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season under new head coach Matt Rhule. Getting an early start on spring practice gives the Huskers more time to implement Rhule's vision for the program, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The quarterback competition will also be a key storyline to watch as Nebraska looks to replace multi-year starter Dylan Raiola.

The details

Nebraska football kicked off spring practice earlier than normal this year, with the team already a week into workouts. Head coach Matt Rhule said the early start has allowed more time to install the new defensive scheme brought in by coordinator Rob Aurich. Rhule praised Aurich's detailed approach and noted the defense is not just about Xs and Os, but also how the players will be tackling. The Huskers have already been in full pads this week and are looking forward to some upcoming scrimmages to further evaluate the team. Rhule is focused on making sure everyone understands their responsibilities, rather than worrying about potential changes to the transfer portal calendar.

  • Nebraska football officially started spring practice in late February 2026.
  • The Huskers will hold their annual Red-White Spring Game exactly four weeks from the start of spring practice.

The players

Matt Rhule

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, hired in 2025 to turn the program around.

Rob Aurich

The new defensive coordinator for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, brought in by Matt Rhule to install a new defensive scheme.

Dylan Raiola

The previous starting quarterback for Nebraska, who has since transferred to Oregon.

TJ Lateef

The returning quarterback who started the final four games for Nebraska in 2025.

Anthony Colandrea

A transfer quarterback joining the Nebraska quarterback competition this spring.

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What they’re saying

“He knows his defense. There's not a lot of gray area. It's something that he owns. He's not putting something new in, so he's able to teach it well. He's extremely detailed.”

— Matt Rhule, Head Coach

“Really, for me right now, it's as much making sure that everybody understands exactly what's being asked of them.”

— Matt Rhule, Head Coach

What’s next

The Huskers will hold several scrimmages on upcoming Saturdays as they continue spring practice, leading up to the annual Red-White Spring Game in four weeks.

The takeaway

Nebraska's early start to spring practice under new head coach Matt Rhule is allowing the team to thoroughly install the new defensive scheme and get a head start on evaluating the quarterback competition to replace multi-year starter Dylan Raiola. Rhule's focus on ensuring players fully understand their responsibilities is a key priority as the Huskers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.