Top 10 Nebraska Football Players to Watch in 2026

Anthony Colandrea is the first name to watch because quarterback play can define Nebraska’s 2026 season. He arrives with real college experience, and that matters.

The biggest question is fit. Can he run the offense cleanly? Can he avoid forced throws? Can he handle pressure in road games? If Nebraska gets confident quarterback play from Colandrea, the entire offense becomes easier to trust.

• He has starting experience.
• He can affect games with his arm and legs.
• He plays the most important position on the roster.
• His decision-making will shape Nebraska’s ceiling.

Jacory Barney Jr. may be Nebraska’s most exciting returning playmaker. He has already shown value as both a receiver and return specialist.

Players like Barney are valuable because they don’t need 12 touches to change a game. A punt return, a screen pass, or a deep route can flip momentum quickly.

• He can score or set up points in multiple ways.
• He brings explosive ability to special teams.
• He may become the top target in key passing situations.
• He gives Nebraska needed speed.

Vincent Shavers Jr. feels like one of the safest picks on this list. He played a major role in 2025 and now enters 2026 with a chance to become one of Nebraska’s defensive leaders.

Linebacker is not always flashy, but it’s one of the most important spots in Big Ten football. Shavers can help against the run, cover space, and create negative plays.

• He has proven tackling production.
• He can make plays behind the line.
• He gives Nebraska energy at linebacker.
• He may be one of the defense’s tone-setters.

Andrew Marshall is one of Nebraska’s most important defensive backs. Cornerback play matters every week in the Big Ten, especially against teams with strong passing attacks.

If Nebraska’s pass rush improves, Marshall could benefit. Pressure up front often creates better chances for defensive backs.

• He has starting experience.
• He can match up with Big Ten receivers.
• He may help stabilize the secondary.
• He has a profile worth watching for pro potential.

Carter Nelson is one of the most interesting breakout candidates on the roster. He has the size and athletic profile fans love at tight end.

If he becomes a reliable middle-of-the-field target, he can help Colandrea and make Nebraska’s offense less predictable.

• He has strong size for the position.
• He can become a matchup problem.
• He may help in the red zone.
• He still has room to grow.

Elijah Pritchett is a key player because offensive line play affects everything. Nebraska can talk about quarterbacks, receivers, and tight ends, but the offense starts up front.

Pritchett brings size and transfer experience. That gives him a chance to become a major piece on the line.

• He has high-level experience.
• He brings size to the offensive front.
• He can help protect the quarterback.
• His play may shape Nebraska’s run game.

Cameron Lenhardt gives Nebraska an experienced edge defender. Pass rush is one of the biggest difference-makers in modern college football.

Sometimes edge players don’t need huge sack totals to matter. Pressures, forced throwaways, and run containment can be just as important.

• He has experience in the system.
• He can affect the quarterback.
• He helps set the edge against the run.
• He may improve his NFL profile with a strong season.

Grant Brix is a young offensive lineman Husker fans should track closely. Offensive linemen often develop quietly before becoming key starters.

If he earns a larger role, that says something positive about Nebraska’s future up front.

• He has long-term upside.
• Nebraska needs young linemen to grow.
• His role could expand during the season.
• He may become part of the next core.

Riley Van Poppel is a defensive tackle to watch because interior line play can decide Big Ten games. A strong defensive tackle can disrupt runs, collapse the pocket, and make linebackers’ jobs easier.

• He plays a physical Big Ten position.
• He can help against the run.
• He may create inside pressure.
• His growth could help the linebackers.

Nyziah Hunter is a receiver worth watching because Nebraska needs more passing-game answers. Barney may be the headline playmaker, but one receiver can’t carry the entire offense.

Hunter brings transfer experience and an opportunity to earn a role. The key will be trust with the quarterback.

• He adds competition at receiver.
• He may give Nebraska another reliable target.
• He can benefit from improved quarterback play.
• His role could grow quickly.