Nebraska Cornhuskers Football

The Nebraska Cornhuskers football program, representing the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the Big Ten's West Division, has a rich history in college football. Boasting 46 conference championships and five claimed national titles, including noteworthy triumphs in 1970 and 1995, the team has produced iconic figures like Heisman Trophy winners Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, and Eric Crouch.

Under the leadership of legendary coach Bob Devaney, Nebraska achieved unprecedented success in the 1960s and '70s. Devaney's successor, Tom Osborne, further solidified the program's standing by introducing innovative strategies. However, since Osborne's retirement in 1997, the team has navigated coaching changes. In 2022, Matt Rhule took the helm as head coach, ushering in a new era for the Cornhuskers and aiming to revive the program's former glory.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football History

The history of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, dating back to 1890, unfolds as a narrative of triumphs, iconic players, and coaching legends. A powerhouse in college football, Nebraska boasts 46 conference championships and five claimed national titles, epitomized by the stellar 1971 and 1995 teams.

From the program's early successes in the 1900s, highlighted by coach Bob Devaney's era, to Tom Osborne's transformative leadership from 1973 to 1997, Nebraska became synonymous with excellence. Despite coaching changes post-Osborne, the recent appointment of Matt Rhule signifies a new chapter. The early years, marked by notable coaches like Walter C. Booth and Ewald O. Stiehm, set the stage for enduring success and cemented Nebraska's standing among football elites.

In the years following World War I, college football gained popularity, leading Nebraska to construct Memorial Stadium in 1923. Coached by Dana X. Bible and later Biff Jones, the team experienced success in the 1930s, including a national title pursuit in 1933. The program faced challenges during World War II, enduring losing seasons.

Bob Devaney's tenure from 1962 to 1972 marked a resurgence, winning national titles in 1970 and 1971. Tom Osborne continued the success, achieving three national titles in the 1990s. The post-Osborne era saw various coaching changes, including Frank Solich, Bill Callahan, and Bo Pelini. The program joined the Big Ten in 2011, with Scott Frost taking over as head coach in 2018.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Coach

The current head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team is Matt Rhule. Rhule assumed the position on November 26, 2022. As of the current date, he has guided the team through the 2023 season. Rhule brings with him a wealth of coaching experience, and his leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of the Nebraska football program. As the thirty-first head coach in the team's history, Rhule aims to build on the rich legacy of success established by his predecessors. Nebraska fans and the broader football community are keenly watching as Coach Rhule works to mold and inspire the next generation of Cornhusker athletes.

(Note: † denotes coaching on a non-permanent basis.)

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Stadium: Memorial Stadium at Tom Osborne Field

Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as The Sea of Red, has served as the revered home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers since 1923, boasting an impressive NCAA-record 395-game sellout streak since 1962.

With an official capacity of 85,458, the stadium transforms into the "third-largest city in Nebraska" on game days. A symbol of pride, three statues grace its exterior, including a depiction of Nebraska defenders in action and statues honoring legendary figures Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney.

The largest crowd in Memorial Stadium history gathered in 2014 for a Nebraska victory over Miami, reaching an attendance of 91,585. This iconic venue is a testament to Nebraska's deep-rooted football tradition, creating an electric atmosphere that resonates far beyond its storied walls.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Rivals

Nebraska boasts several significant football rivalries that have shaped its history. The Colorado-Nebraska rivalry, dating back to 1898, intensified in the 1990s, with Nebraska leading the 49–21–2 series. The Iowa-Nebraska matchup, established in 1891, became an annual tradition in 2011, featuring the Heroes Trophy; Nebraska leads the series 30–20–3. The Kansas-Nebraska rivalry, spanning 117 games until 2010, marked the longest non-interrupted rivalry in college football, with Nebraska holding a 91–23–3 lead. The Nebraska-Kansas State rivalry, dormant since 2011, saw Nebraska leading the series 78–15–2 from 1911 to 2010. Nebraska's rivalry with Miami, highlighted by the 1984 Orange Bowl, stands at a 6–6 tie.

The Nebraska-Minnesota series, dating back to 1900, involves the $5 Bits of Broken Chair Trophy, with Minnesota leading 34–25–2. The Nebraska-Missouri rivalry, dormant since 2010, features the Victory Bell, held by Nebraska at 65–36–3. The historic Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry, renewed in 2021, leans toward Oklahoma at 46–38–3, with future games scheduled for 2029 and 2030. Nebraska and Texas, former conference rivals until 2010, maintain a series led by Texas at 10–4. The Nebraska-Wisconsin rivalry, initiated in 1901, features the Freedom Trophy, currently held by Wisconsin at 11–4. These rivalries, rich in tradition and historic matchups, contribute to Nebraska's football legacy.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Record and Stats

Championship Conferences

With a storied legacy, the Cornhuskers have clinched forty-six conference championships, leaving an indelible mark in college football history. Their prowess spans conferences like WIUFA, MVIAA, Big Six, Big Eight, and Big 12, showcasing sustained success and dominance.

Division Championships

Nebraska's football dominance extends to divisional triumphs, securing ten championships. Noteworthy victories include the Big 12 North Division titles in 1996, 1997, and 1999 and the Big Ten Legends Division title in 2012. These achievements underscore the Cornhuskers' consistent pursuit of excellence.

Conference Championship Game Appearances

The Cornhuskers have showcased their prowess in the Conference Championship Games, making notable appearances that reflect their competitive spirit. These moments include challenging contests in the Big Eight and Big 12, highlighting Nebraska's commitment to reaching the pinnacle of conference competition.

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Roaster

Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Schedule