Rhule Pleased With Huskers' Spring Game Performance

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule breaks down the Red-White Spring Game, highlighting standout players and next steps for the program.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold red, white, and black tones depicts the dynamic movements and intensity of a Nebraska football game, reflecting the team's progress under new leadership.A cubist interpretation of the action and energy of Nebraska's Red-White Spring Game captures the program's forward momentum under coach Matt Rhule.Lincoln Today

Nebraska football held its annual Red-White Spring Game, with the Red team defeating the White team 22-17. Head coach Matt Rhule was pleased with the overall performance, noting the offense's ability to play with increased tempo, the mobility of quarterback Anthony Colandrea, and the standout play of freshman running back Jamal Rule. Rhule also highlighted the strong play of the defense, led by transfer defensive tackle Jahsear Whittington.

Why it matters

The spring game provided valuable insight into the progress of Nebraska's football program under coach Matt Rhule, who is entering his fourth season. The performance of key players and the overall team dynamics will help shape the Huskers' outlook for the upcoming 2026 season as they look to build on recent successes.

The details

Rhule was impressed with the offense's ability to play with increased tempo at times, saying it's a "tremendous neutralizer" that fits the personnel they have. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea's mobility was on full display, as he extended multiple plays by getting outside the pocket and taking off running. The running game was also a bright spot, with the offense totaling 374 yards and two touchdowns on 64 carries. Freshman running back Jamal Rule stood out, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. On defense, transfer defensive tackle Jahsear Whittington made his presence felt, getting to the quarterback for a touch-sack.

  • The Red-White Spring Game took place on March 28, 2026.
  • Rhule and the team will now have five to six weeks of training and work ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Matt Rhule

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, entering his fourth season.

Anthony Colandrea

The transfer quarterback for Nebraska, known for his mobility and ability to extend plays.

Jamal Rule

A true freshman running back who had an impressive performance in the spring game, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown.

Jahsear Whittington

A transfer defensive tackle from Pitt who made his presence felt with a touch-sack in the spring game.

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What they’re saying

“Jamal had a really good spring. What he looked like today, he looked like all spring long. He's very conscientious. He's big, he's tough, he's fast, he's got home run ability.”

— Matt Rhule, Head Coach

“He's a really, really explosive kid who plays really hard. I think on defense, you have to have tone setters, guys who play hard, who play tough, and other people around them, it's contagious. And they can then demand it from other people. He has that ability.”

— Matt Rhule, Head Coach

What’s next

The Huskers will now have five to six weeks of training and work ahead of the 2026 season, allowing players to get healthy and the coaching staff to further evaluate the team's strengths and areas for improvement.

The takeaway

Nebraska's spring game showcased the progress the program has made under coach Matt Rhule, with standout performances from key players like Jamal Rule and Jahsear Whittington. The increased tempo on offense and the strong defensive play are positive signs as the Huskers look to build on their recent successes and compete at a high level in the upcoming season.