The Big Ten Conference released conference schedules for the 2024 through 2028 seasons. The conference initially released a conference schedule this past summer, but the new additions of Washington and Oregon forced the conference to throw out that schedule.
Head coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska have their future schedules set, which could play a significant role in getting back to the “promised land” in national contention.
Here are my takeaways from Nebraska’s future non-conference and conference opponents.
The New Big Ten Schedule Release for Nebraska
2024
Home: UTEP, Colorado, Northern Iowa, Illinois, Rutgers, UCLA, Wisconsin
Away: Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, Purdue, USC
The 2024 schedule has Nebraska going to the West Coast to take on USC. Also, having to play Ohio State and UCLA as well will make things interesting.
Otherwise, Nebraska has four original Big Ten West opponents Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Purdue. The Huskers have seven total home games, with three non-conference games being played at home.
2025
Home: Akron, Louisiana Monroe, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, USC
Away: Cincinnati, Maryland, Minnesota, Penn State, UCLA
The 2025 schedule is a very interesting schedule but still has its issues. 2025 has Nebraska going on the road to Penn State and UCLA. They do get USC and Michigan at home, which will be a good test for the Huskers for where they could be at that time.
A road game at Cincinnati will be interesting, with a fun road slate having to go to the Northeast with Maryland and Penn State. Having to go to the West Coast against UCLA as well will be tough. So being on both coasts for road games will be rough for the Huskers in 2025.
2026
Home: Ohio, Tennessee, North Dakota, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio State, Washington
Away: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Oregon, Rutgers
In 2026, it will be the first time Nebraska gets to play new conference opponents, Washington and Oregon. Getting Washington at home adds to the loaded home slate with teams like Ohio State and Tennessee coming to Memorial Stadium for 2026.
The Huskers’ road slate isn’t tough other than having to play on both the east coast against Rutgers and the west coast against Oregon. The other three matchups stay in the midwest with Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan State.
2027
Home: Northern Illinois, TBA, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, Purdue, Rutgers
Away: Tennessee, Northwestern, Ohio State, Washington, Wisconsin
2027’s road slate is rough for Nebraska. Having to go on the road to Tennessee, Ohio State, Washington, and Wisconsin will make things difficult for success. With a home slate that includes Oregon will make it enjoyable as well. Whoever is at the helm at this point will have a demanding schedule to manage.
2028
Home: UTEP, South Dakota State, Arizona, Northwestern, Penn State, UCLA, Wisconsin
Away: Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Purdue, USC
In 2028, Nebraska plays UCLA and USC again after a two-season hiatus without playing them. The home slate includes UCLA, Penn State, and Wisconsin for conference play, which should be interesting as well.
Road matchups at Michigan and USC will be tough, but it’s tough to gauge with it being five years from now.
Overall Takeaways
The college football landscape is changing every day and the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington to the Big Ten. Nebraska has a couple of loaded slates, especially next season. Having to go on the road to USC and Ohio State will be tough for Rhule in his second season in Lincoln.
There is a lot of excitement within the program of where Rhule can take them and there is hope that the Huskers could be a contender when 2026-27 comes. They have to get through this season first, still having a chance to make a bowl game in year one.
