'It's League Year': Jacory Barney Suggests 2026 Is the Year He Can Get Paid

The Nebraska wide receiver is confident he and the Huskers offense will make a big impact this fall.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a Nebraska football player making a catch, with the action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.Jacory Barney Jr.'s dynamic playmaking ability could be a driving force for the Nebraska Cornhuskers' offense in 2026.Lincoln Today

Jacory Barney Jr., a rising junior wide receiver for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, is feeling confident heading into the 2026 season. After a productive first two years in Lincoln, Barney is ready to take the next step and potentially earn a spot in the NFL draft. He's been putting in extra work with new quarterback Anthony Colandrea to build chemistry, and believes the Huskers' offense is poised for a big year. Barney also praised the development of younger players like Jamal Rule and Larry Miles, and is excited about the addition of UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer. With a focus on special teams and the leadership role he's taken on, Barney is ready to make 2026 his "league year."

Why it matters

Barney's breakout potential is significant for the Huskers, who are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season. As one of the team's top offensive weapons, his success could be a key factor in Nebraska's ability to compete in the Big Ten. Additionally, Barney's aspirations of reaching the NFL draft could inspire the younger players on the roster and help establish Nebraska as a program that develops pro-caliber talent.

The details

Barney was a frequent target in Nebraska's 2026 Spring Game, connecting with new quarterback Anthony Colandrea on six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. The duo has been working to build chemistry in the offseason, with Barney saying they've been putting in extra work after practices. Barney was also encouraged by the performance of the Huskers' first-team offense, praising the offensive line's progress and the playmaking ability of the wide receivers. As a veteran leader, Barney has taken younger players like Jamal Rule and Larry Miles under his wing, stressing the importance of developing the right mindset to contribute early in their careers. Barney has also formed a strong bond with UCLA transfer Kwazi Gilmer, with the two pushing each other to improve every day.

  • Barney is heading into his junior season at Nebraska in 2026.
  • The Huskers' Red-White Spring Game took place on March 28, 2026.

The players

Jacory Barney Jr.

A rising junior wide receiver for the Nebraska Cornhuskers who is looking to take the next step in his career and potentially enter the NFL draft after the 2026 season.

Anthony Colandrea

The new starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who has been working to build chemistry with Barney in the offseason.

Jamal Rule

A true freshman running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers who saw extended playing time in the Spring Game and is looking to make an impact in his first year.

Larry Miles

A true freshman wide receiver for the Nebraska Cornhuskers who caught four passes in the Spring Game and is aiming to contribute early in his career.

Kwazi Gilmer

A junior wide receiver who transferred to Nebraska from UCLA and has been pushing Barney to work harder in the offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's coming along pretty good. We're just working at it every day. After practice, we're getting extra routes in, extra passes with him, working on my connection with him, so I feel like there's a lot of good to come in the season.”

— Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Wide Receiver

“I feel like we took a step today. The offensive line has been progressively better. We've got a good quarterback back there. Wideouts- I know we're going to make plays when the ball is in the air. So, I believe the offense is going to be really good.”

— Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Wide Receiver

“Developing that mindset that you're going to play. And just attacking each and every day with that same mindset. You just have to work towards that and be different. Guys like Jamal Rule and Larry Miles just have to have the right mindset and get in the playbook early.”

— Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Wide Receiver

“I love that we picked him up. He reminds me of myself. He pushes me to work harder every day. I've been on him, he's been on me. We're the last two in getting extra work. The coaches already know, but they know we're going to make them a lot of money this coming season.”

— Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Wide Receiver

“That's the mindset that we have this year. It's league year. So, we've been putting the work in. We're confident that the work we put in will get the results that we want. If we get those results, then we're going to the league.”

— Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska Wide Receiver

What’s next

Barney and the Huskers will continue to work on building chemistry and developing their offense throughout the summer in preparation for the 2026 season. The team's performance in the fall will be crucial in determining if Barney can achieve his goal of entering the NFL draft.

The takeaway

Jacory Barney Jr. is a confident and driven leader for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and his success this season could be a key factor in the team's ability to bounce back and compete at a high level. Barney's focus on developing younger players and building strong relationships with his teammates suggests he is committed to leaving a lasting impact on the program.