Nebraska Football Coordinators Discuss Second Week of Spring Practice

Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and defensive coordinator Rob Aurich provide updates on the Huskers' progress after two weeks of spring workouts.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Nebraska football coordinators Dana Holgorsen and Rob Aurich met with the media to discuss the team's progress after the second week of spring practice. Holgorsen highlighted the offense's continued installation process, the development of the quarterbacks, and the need for wide receivers to improve at extending plays. Aurich discussed the defense's installation of his new scheme, the pass rush, and standout performers so far in spring drills.

Why it matters

As Nebraska looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, the progress made by the Huskers during spring practice will be crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming year. Holgorsen and Aurich's assessments provide insight into where the team stands and the areas that need the most improvement before the start of the 2026 campaign.

The details

The Huskers held a 150-play scrimmage on Saturday, which Holgorsen said provided good tape to evaluate the team's progress. The offensive coordinator is still working to get the offense to gel, with the quarterbacks handling the high volume of installation well. Holgorsen praised the mobility of new QB Anthony Colandrea, saying it has been a learning experience for the coaching staff. On defense, Aurich is focused on installing his scheme and getting players up to speed, with transfers like Jahsear Whittington, Anthony Jones Jr., and Dexter Foster standing out. The pass rush and defensive back competitions are also areas of emphasis.

  • The Huskers will hold their Red-White Spring Game in three weeks on March 30, 2026.
  • Saturday's scrimmage featured around 150 plays.

The players

Dana Holgorsen

Nebraska's offensive coordinator, who is working to get the offense installed and evaluate the team's personnel.

Rob Aurich

Nebraska's defensive coordinator, who is focused on installing his new defensive scheme and identifying standout performers.

Anthony Colandrea

Nebraska's new quarterback, who has impressed the coaching staff with his mobility and ability to extend plays.

TJ Lateef

Nebraska's returning quarterback, who Holgorsen says needs to continue improving his speed of play.

Jahsear Whittington

A transfer defensive tackle from Pitt who has stood out in spring practice.

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What they’re saying

“Anthony can make a lot of things happen with his feet. He's been a real test for everybody in the program to live to the extra length of the play. Scramble drills become a huge part of the day-to-day process.”

— Rob Aurich, Defensive Coordinator (si.com)

“Watching Anthony has been good for him. Anthony does everything so fast: he processes fast, he moves fast, he drops fast, he goes through reads fast. Everything is just really fast because he's started for three years.”

— Dana Holgorsen, Offensive Coordinator (si.com)

What’s next

The Huskers will continue spring practice over the next three weeks, leading up to the annual Red-White Spring Game on March 30, 2026.

The takeaway

Nebraska's coaching staff is working to install new offensive and defensive schemes this spring, with the mobility and experience of quarterback Anthony Colandrea emerging as a key factor on both sides of the ball. The Huskers are also seeing strong performances from several transfer additions as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.