As the Nebraska football team begins spring practice, the Common Fans look at five players (plus a few honorable mentions) who are poised for breakout seasons in 2025. Emmett Johnson – finished 2024 on a major high note and set to be THE GUY at running back in 2025. Cortez Mills – the true freshman wide receiver most likely to make an immediate imp…

The Common Fans each pick three intriguing storylines to follow as the Nebraska football team prepares to begin spring practice. Can the offensive line go from good to dominant? Year 2 for Dylan. Completely overhauled D line. Phil Snow effect. New look WR room. Can the defense avoid a steep falloff? Who will emerge alongside Emmett Johnson at RB? M…

Nebraska baseball legend Joba Chamberlain joins the Common Fans for a wide ranging conversation about his journey from Lincoln Northeast to the MLB. The crew also talks Husker football fandom and gets Joba’s take on Matt Rhule. Growing up around the baseball scene in Lincoln. Journey from Lincoln Northeast to UNK to UNL to the New York Yankees. Onl…

There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Nebraska football, and Brian Christopherson from Husker 247 joins the Common Fans to discuss all the recent happenings for the Big Red. BC’s take on new Associate Head Coach Phil Snow (spoiler: he’s impressed). Pondering an interesting question: what’s more likely – problems with the new staff gelling in…

The Common Fans look at Matt Rhule’s history of taking a big leap in his third year at a program, and provide their reasons for why it will happen at Nebraska in 2025. Everyone agrees – special teams must be better (and with Mike Ekeler on board, it will!). Lots of belief in what Dana Holgorsen can do for the offense. The moves Rhule has made (rost…

The Common Fans celebrate their 100th episode (!!!) by going through every position group on the roster and breaking down where the Huskers have had the biggest gains - and losses - heading into the 2025 season. Major losses on the defensive side of the ball, both through graduation and transfers leaving. Can they replace Ty Robinson and the Polar …

Even in the offseason, it’s been a busy stretch for Nebraska football and the Common Fans cover it all! David City, Nebraska native Mike Ekeler is announced as Nebraska’s new special teams coordinator. Ekeler is an elite special teams coach, and may well end up being the most important addition of the offseason. The Common Fans also discuss Matt Rh…

Brandon Vogel from counterread.com joins the Common Fans to discuss Nebraska’s most likely path to the CFP, Year 2 for Dylan Raiola, Year 3 for Matt Rhule, and much more! The Huskers’ best – and perhaps quickest – path to the playoff. Can Dylan Raiola take the kind of leap necessary in Year 2 to carry the Huskers to the next level? What Dana Holgor…

Two legendary Nebraska sportscasters – Gary Sharp and Mike’l Severe – join the Common Fans for a wide ranging discussion on the state of the Nebraska football program. The crew dissects the 2024 season, looks ahead to 2025, and much more! Evaluating the 2024 season: was it a success? Biggest surprise from the season that was. Looking at the areas w…

ESPN’s Taylor McGregor joins the Common Fans to talk all the latest with the College Football Playoff, give her take on the sniping between the Big Ten and SEC, and offer some thoughts on Nebraska football heading into Year 3 under Matt Rhule. Year 1 of the expanded CFP: more football is better than less football! This year proved the expanded play…

The Common Fans go through Nebraska’s 2025 schedule and offer their early predictions for how the Huskers will fare in the coming season: Manageable non-conference slate, highlighted by the opener vs. Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium. Similar to 2024, the back half of the schedule presents the biggest challenges. Of the four Big Ten teams to make th…

The Common Fans examine some of the biggest questions facing Nebraska football as the Huskers look to take a big leap in Year 3 of the Matt Rhule era: What will it take to make special teams special again? Can we really expect the defense not to regress? Are the Huskers doing enough in the transfer portal? Offensive line: buying or selling? What ca…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s 20-15 win over Boston College in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl: On a sloppy day at Yankee Stadium, the Big Red gets a W in the Big Apple. Not always perfect, but the Huskers won the line of scrimmage and made big plays when they most needed to. Offense moved the ball consistently. Youth movement takes cente…

The Common Fans talk to 1962 Nebraska co-captain and Tom Novak Award winner Dwain Carlson about his experiences as a Husker, including: Growing up in Fullerton and how the bus driver helped him land at Nebraska How growing up on a farm helped him on the football field in the days when nobody lifted weights Devaney’s arrival in 1962 and how he turne…

The Common Fans talk about their biggest wishes for Nebraska football in 2025. It’s the holidays, so it’s OK to dream big. We won’t spoil the episode for you, but you can expect to hear more about: Big leap on offense. Improvement on special teams. Can the defense hold steady? Winning close games. How far off is the playoff conversation for the Hus…

The Common Fans break down the first ever 12 team college football playoff, Nebraska’s bowl game, and the other Big Ten bowl matchups: Predictions for each first round CFP game. Who has the hardest path? Who is best positioned to win it all? Who could make a run? Possible cinderella stories. How close is Nebraska? When can Husker fans start dreamin…

The Common Fans break down all the latest Husker news: It’s official: Nebraska will play Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City on December 28. Fan base seems torn: some disappointment about the bowl destination and the opponent, combined with excitement about the first bowl game since 2016. Ultimately, it’s a step in the right direc…

The Common Fans break down all the latest Husker news: Defensive coordinator Tony White officially leaving for the same role at Florida State. Will defensive line coach Terrance Knighton follow him there? Dana Holgorsen locked in as offensive coordinator with a 2-year contract. Garrett McGuire out (but still w/the program), Daikiel Shorts in as WR …

Nebraska's Disappointing Finish Raises the Stakes for Bowl Game and 2025 Season The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s mind-boggling, infuriating, ridiculous loss to Iowa. For the second consecutive season, Nebraska was in a tie game against Iowa with under 25 seconds left in regulation, with the ball. For the second consecutive season, Nebraska tur…

It’s another View from the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the big win over Wisconsin and look ahead to Iowa. Huskers are going bowling! Possible bowl destinations. The Dana Holgorsen impact: simplifying the playbook, promoting competition, improving performance. What does Holgorsen’s futu…

The Common Fans are jubilant as they discuss Nebraska’s first win over Wisconsin in 12 years. Husker Nation is dancing in the streets as the Big Red gets to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The Nebraska offense played with fearless abandon, carrying the day and never letting Wisconsin make it interesting. It wasn’t just beating the B…

It’s another View from the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the latest Husker news and look ahead to Wisconsin. Discussing Matt Rhule’s comments from the weekly press conference. With 105 man roster limits coming next season, Nebraska will have no choice but to cut players in the offseason.…

The Common Fans discuss Nebraska’s heartbreaking loss to USC. The loss to USC perfectly sums up the last decade of Husker football. The unlucky bounces, the inability to make crucial stops on defense when needed, the offense not being able to convert key opportunities: all of it is all too familiar to the Big Red faithful. The painful loss leaves t…

It’s another View from the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the big Dana Holgorsen news and look ahead to USC. What Dana Holgorsen brings to the table. How much of a difference can we really expect him to make this late in the season? Discussing the changes we might see in the Nebraska offe…

The Common Fans are joined by longtime friend Nic Olsen, a fellow Common Fan and U.S. Army veteran. Nic talks about his journey from enlistment through basic training, and shares his experiences through six years in the Army: Going through basic training. Deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Differences between servine in Iraq vs. Afghanistan. Watchi…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the hugely disappointing loss to UCLA and where Nebraska goes from here. Assessing Coach Rhule’s comment that he’s bringing in outsiders to evaluate the offense, defense, and special teams. Should a staff of over 70 coaches and ana…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s garbage performance against UCLA: When it comes to Nebraska football, you cannot trust anyone. Matt Rhule said the team played with a championship mindset against Ohio State; Nebraska showed the opposite of that against UCLA. Everyone is to blame: the Head Coach, the offense, defense, and special teams. The tea…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the tough loss to Ohio State and look ahead to UCLA. Husker fans have seen variations of the Ohio State game so many times over the years–close but not enough. Even so, Ohio State was a culture game. Coming off the loss to Indiana,…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s heartbreaking loss to Ohio State: Husker Nation dealing with a wide range of emotions after yet another heartbreaking loss. Whether you’re feeling rage about the loss, or feeling more pensive and hopeful, all Common Fans are welcome. The boys are lamenting the missed opportunities, but ultimately feeling very e…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the Indiana loss, assess the current state of the program, and look ahead to Ohio State. Frustrations from the Indiana game boil over. Would the loss feel better if the Huskers had lost 35-7 instead of 56-7? 104 FBS teams have beat…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s meltdown loss against Indiana: Huskers implode in major test against the Hoosiers. Was this loss worse than any loss of the Frost era? A win over Indiana was never a guarantee, but no one saw Nebraska just completely failing to show up. Huskers tossed around at both lines of scrimmage. Belief that the defense c…

Mitch Sherman, writer for The Athletic and host of the Locked on Nebraska podcast, joins the Common Fans to assess where things stand for Nebraska the football team at mid-season. Big picture takeaways: Team has been inconsistent but has made significant gains compared to a year ago. Husker fans should be happy with 5-1, with much more left for thi…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk Rutgers, Indiana, and a mid-season review of Nebraska football. Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the Common Fan Podcast. The Common Fans announce the first ever Common Fan tailgate, to be hosted during the UCLA game in Lincoln on No…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s rugged win over Rutgers: Huskers win an old fashioned, Big Ten rock fight against the Scarlet Knights. Nebraska led 14-0 at half and then held on for dear life for the win. Celebrate 5-1! Huskers learning how to win, have responded with backs against the wall the last two weeks. Blackshirts come up HUGE. Two in…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football. Is officiating in college football worse than it’s ever been? Feeling like officials are being taught to throw flags more than ever. Evan’s take on the Purdue game: Defense turns back into “old reli…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s bounce-back win over Purdue: Huskers overcome atrocious 1st half to win decisively Defense dominant once again Emmett Johnson coming out party 2nd half success a sign of growth for Matt Rhule’s program in Year 2 Penalties, penalties, penalties Horrendous Special Teams Positive turnover margin very promising The…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football. Did the Huskers’ performance against the Illini raise some concerns that affect how we look at the rest of the season? How good is Illinois? Decade-long drought in overtime games. Is Nebraska’s inco…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s gut punch loss to Illinois: Huskers lose in familiar fashion, with late mistakes, crucial penalties, and an atrocious overtime performance. Outcoached, out-schemed, outplayed. Perhaps more concerning than anything was the performance of the defense, which never really looked to be in control. Re-setting expecta…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football. Did the win over Northern Iowa tell us anything new? Team took care of business but expects to be better moving forward. D expects bounce-back performance after less than dominant showing vs. UNI. L…

The Common Fans celebrate Nebraska’s 34-3 win over Northern Iowa: While perhaps a little bit sloppy, the Big Red took care of business to get to 3-0. This offense is fun to watch - playmakers everywhere, and with Dylan Raiola, everything seems possible. Nebraskans everywhere! Heinrich Haarberg (Kearney), Carter Nelson (Ainsworth), Jaylen Lloyd (Oma…

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football. What does the win over CU mean for the rest of Nebraska's season? This appears to be the turning point we've been waiting for. D line dominance: how the Huskers are getting to the quarterback while …

The Common Fans celebrate Nebraska’s decisive win over Colorado: Like a school yard bully, the Huskers stuffed the Buffaloes into a locker on Saturday night. Nebraska’s defense was dominant throughout. The Buffs got punched in the mouth early, were in a big hole by halftime, and flat out quit by the 4th quarter. Dominant first half: not only did th…

The Common Fans announce “View From the Blandstands,” a weekly show that will be airing mid-week, every week of the college football season. Evan Bland of the Omaha World Herald will be joining the Common Fans to dissect each game, look ahead to the next game, and talk all the latest Husker football news. This week, the crew dives head first into C…

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s win in the home opener against UTEP: So much to love about Dylan Raiola. Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks: transfer portal success stories. The defense is who we thought they were. Hello successful two-minute drill, it's been so, so long since we've seen you. Emptying the bench like the old days. The boys also exp…

The Omaha World Herald's Tom Shatel joins the Common Fans to help kick off the 2024 Nebraska football season. The crew celebrates the coming season by diving in on a wide range of topics, including: A tribute to Nebraska football fans. The hope that Dylan Raiola brings, both for 2024 and beyond. What’s more important to the success of the 2024 Nebr…

Nebraska football Hall of Famer Adam Carriker hangs out with the Common Fans to discuss the latest developments with the Husker football team, including: The recent "this is why we lose" video of Coach Rhule addressing the team during practice, and the subsequent decision to close practice to media and guests. How Tony White flipped the defense in …

Josh Peterson joins the Common Fans to look at the similarities between the 2024 Huskers and the 2019 Huskers: Popular Head Coach heading into Year 2 Young, dynamic QB expected to be a difference-maker Local and national media hype surrounding the team Belief in an improved culture and a team expected to make a big jump The crew dissects the reason…

Kent Pavelka, the voice of Nebraska football and basketball for a generation of fans, joins the Common Fans for a wide ranging discussion: What made TO so good The 1994 national championship team and Kent's famous "Bring that trophy back to Lincoln!" call Lyle Bremser memories Outlook for Matt Rhule The feelings of losing the mic for Husker footbal…

Legendary sports broadcaster Tim Brando joins the Common Fans to talk Husker football, Matt Rhule, and his incredible career in sports media. Brando is high on the 2024 Huskers, and believes they will return to a bowl game. He noted the favorable early schedule in particular, and thinks if the Huskers can start strong, they will get to eight or mor…

The Common Fans bring you Episode 6 of The Reckoning series. This episode, featuring long time Nebraska sports reporters Mike'l Severe and Brandon Vogel, focuses on the promise of Matt Rhule. Before getting into Coach Rhule and the future of Nebraska football, the Common Fans talk through the post-Osborne era with Mike'l, and get his take on the mi…