Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast

T.J. Birkel, Matt Owens, Geoff Langenberg
  • 4.8 (64)
  • Football
  • Updated Semiweekly

A Nebraska football podcast by the Common Fan, for the Common Fan.

  1. 5d ago

    Governor Jim Pillen Talks Husker Football With the Common Fans

    Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joins the Common Fans to talk about his path from a small-town Nebraska kid hoping for a chance to play for the Huskers to becoming a two-time first-team All-Big Eight selection—and, eventually, Governor of Nebraska. Along the way, he shares some fantastic behind-the-scenes stories about Coach Osborne, his thoughts on Matt Rhule, and what concerns him about the direction of college football. And yes, we finally get a sitting governor on the record about the possibility of banning fall weddings. Playing for Tom Osborne Pillen takes the Common Fans back to a very different era of recruiting. His first contact from Osborne came through a card in the mail around the 1974 Cotton Bowl. "My heart is somehow to get to Nebraska," Pillen remembers telling another coach who wanted him to take a recruiting visit. He eventually got there, joining Osborne's second recruiting class as Nebraska's head coach. Pillen says what made Osborne special wasn't simply his football mind or ability to recruit. "My answer is really simple. It's just his character, who he was." Pillen shares a terrific story from his senior season, when he lined up incorrectly during a critical Alabama drive. Osborne repeatedly rewound the film in front of the team but never screamed or personally called Pillen out. "Got a fifth-year senior lining up wrong. That won't work." Pillen says the message was enough. He tripled down on his preparation and made sure it never happened again. Why Pillen Believes in Matt Rhule Pillen is a believer in Matt Rhule. "I'm a Matt Rhule fan," Pillen says. "My humble opinion would be he's the closest to Tom Osborne of anybody that's been here in this new era." Pillen believes relationships and culture remain critical even in an era dominated by NIL and the transfer portal. He also got a firsthand look at the 2026 Huskers during a recent scrimmage and came away impressed by the competition throughout the roster. College Football's Wild West Having played college football, and later served on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, Pillen has a unique perspective on college athletics. He's supportive of players having opportunities to make money, but worries about the consequences of constant transferring—including players who enter the portal, don't find another opportunity and potentially lose their path to a college education. He'd like to see more structure around eligibility and transfers, arguing that constantly moving also costs players something that lasted a lifetime for his generation: relationships with teammates. "If I haven't seen somebody for 40 years, it's like I saw them just last week," Pillen says. Governor Pillen Takes on the Toughest Issue of All Finally, after discussing Osborne, Rhule and the future of college sports, the Common Fans tackle the public-policy question Husker Nation has been waiting for: should Nebraska ban weddings on football Saturdays? Pillen isn't ready for government intervention. "If anybody's getting married on a football Saturday, they just must not want anybody to come to their wedding." Fair enough, Governor. The market has spoken. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Governor Jim Pillen Talks Husker Football With the Common Fans

  2. Aug 31

    Five Bold Predictions for Nebraska Football in 2026

    We made it, Common Fans. The offseason is over, fall camp is in the books, and your Nebraska Cornhuskers will play an actual game this week. With game week finally here, the Common Fans offer five bold predictions for Nebraska football in 2026. From a breakout freshman running back to a Nebraska passing record, a resurgent Blackshirt defense, and two very different predictions for the Huskers' final record, we're officially allowing ourselves to believe again. Well, most of us are. Is Jamal Rule Nebraska's Next Breakout Running Back? The crew gets things started with a prediction that true freshman Jamal Rule will emerge as Nebraska's starting running back by the end of the season. The Common Fans have a pretty good recent track record when it comes to Husker running backs, as we were driving the Emmett Johnson bandwagon well before his All-American season, so naturally we look forward to taking full credit if this one works out, too. With no obvious workhorse returning, a (hopefully) improved offensive line and a mobile quarterback helping the running game, the opportunity could be there for Rule to follow in the footsteps of other Husker backs who made an impact as true freshmen. Can Anthony Colandrea Rewrite the Nebraska Record Book? Matty O predicts Anthony Colandrea, aka Tony C, will break Nebraska's single-season record for touchdown passes. The current record is 26, set by Zac Taylor, and the boys discuss the possibility that the combination of Colandrea, Dana Holgorsen and an intriguing group of receivers could finally take it down. After throwing for more than 3,400 yards last season, Tony C has already shown he can sling it. Now we'll find out if he can do it in the Big Ten. Will the Blackshirts Get Back to Being the Blackshirts? Another bold prediction: Rob Aurich's first Nebraska defense will finish in the top 25 nationally in total defense. After the run defense fell apart late last season, the Common Fans discuss why a simpler, more aggressive approach could help Nebraska get back to what we believe should always be the foundation of the program: defense. Stop the run. Get after the quarterback. Force turnovers. Give your dudes an opportunity to make plays.  Nebraska has made progress defensively under Matt Rhule, but after last season’s regression, the next step is becoming the kind of physical, attacking Blackshirt defense that can change games. Nine Wins...or Five? The episode sees two wildly different predictions for Nebraska’s final record. TJ predicts Nebraska goes 9-3. Geoff predicts 5-7. That sends the Common Fans into a full breakdown of a difficult 2026 schedule. Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State represent the top tier, while games against Washington, Illinois and Iowa may ultimately tell us much more about where Nebraska stands in year four under Matt Rhule. Can Nebraska finally start winning against the teams in its own weight class? Can it knock off a ranked opponent? Can the Huskers catch a couple of the breaks that have seemingly gone against them for years? Or is Geoff right that we're all setting ourselves up to have our hearts broken again? In any event, the speculation is almost over. Football is back. Everybody is 0-0, every possibility is still on the table, and for at least a few more days, we're choosing to believe. Well, most of us.  Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Five Bold Predictions for Nebraska Football in 2026

  3. Aug 24

    Evan Bland on the Position Groups that Could Define the Season for Nebraska Football

    College football is finally back, and the Common Fans are celebrating by bringing back old friend and Omaha World-Herald reporter Evan Bland.  With fall camp winding down and Nebraska’s opener right around the corner, Evan joins the Common Fans to break down what he’s seeing and hearing from Matt Rhule’s fourth Husker team — including some position groups that may be stronger than people realize, the impact of a revamped coaching staff, and why Anthony Colandrea could change the complexion of Dana Holgorsen’s offense. A New-Look Husker Offense There are new faces everywhere, starting with a wide-open competition at running back and a revamped offensive line. Evan explains why true freshman Jamal Rule is expected to play immediately, what Mekhi Nelson and Isaiah Mozee bring to the backfield, and why Nebraska may lean heavily on a committee rather than finding another workhorse like Emmett Johnson. But the biggest reason for optimism may be up front. Nebraska invested heavily in its offensive line — adding experienced transfers and bringing in highly regarded offensive line coach Geep Wade — and Evan thinks the Huskers may finally have legitimate depth beyond the starting five. Nebraska’s New Look Quarterback Room The Common Fans have spent all offseason talking about what Colandrea’s mobility could add to Holgorsen’s offense, and Evan sees plenty of reasons for excitement. Beyond his arm and ability to make plays with his legs, Evan says Colandrea has impressed the coaching staff with how quickly he processes the game, and even compares his confidence and swagger to former Husker quarterback Joe Ganz. The playbook itself may not look dramatically different. The difference could come when a play breaks down. Colandrea gives Nebraska the ability to turn something that isn’t there into a first down, a big play or a touchdown, and that’s something the Huskers simply haven’t had enough of in recent years. Reasons for Optimism on Defense After Nebraska’s run-defense struggles last season, the defensive line is understandably one of the biggest questions entering 2026. Evan explains why the return to a four-man front could better fit several players on the roster, while added depth gives the Huskers more options up front. Meanwhile, the secondary might quietly be the best position group on the entire team. Between returning contributors, experienced transfers and young talent, Evan believes Nebraska could legitimately go eight or nine players deep on the back end. What Does Nebraska Have to Prove in 2026? After a much quieter offseason from Rhule and his staff, Husker fans are finally starting to talk themselves into football again. Evan thinks the coaches correctly read the room after last season’s frustrating finish and simply (and quietly) went to work during the offseason. Now Nebraska enters the season with an older roster, a more experienced coaching staff and reasons to believe it can take another step. Does that mean Rhule has to win eight or nine games to keep his job? Evan doesn’t think so. But there is one thing he believes Nebraska absolutely needs to accomplish: beat a ranked team. After 30 straight losses against ranked opponents, it’s time for the Huskers to finally knock somebody off and give the fan base a signature win. And they’ll have plenty of opportunities. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Evan Bland on the Position Groups that Could Define the Season for Nebraska Football

  4. Aug 17

    Tim Brando Sees Nebraska Football Taking Another Step in 2026

    College football is almost back, and the Common Fans are kicking things into gear with one of our favorite traditions: a visit from legendary college football broadcaster Tim Brando. Tim joins the podcast for the third straight year, and as usual, Timmy B has no shortage of opinions about Nebraska, the Big Ten, the SEC, the College Football Playoff — or ESPN. Does Brando Think Matt Rhule Can Get Nebraska Over the Hump? Tim remains a believer in Matt Rhule, pointing to his track record of rebuilding programs while also acknowledging that the process has taken longer at Nebraska. His biggest reason? The Big Ten is simply a much tougher league than the conferences Rhule navigated at Temple and Baylor — and, in Brando’s view, it’s currently the best conference in college football. But Tim also identifies the issue Husker fans know all too well: Nebraska has struggled to build on good performances from one week to the next. He sees the offensive line and defense as critical areas for improvement and believes the Huskers have to start developing the toughness and identity that defined Rhule’s previous rebuilds. Timmy B Likes Tony C The guys also ask Tim about new Husker quarterback Anthony Colandrea, whom Brando watched closely during his breakout season at UNLV. Tim calls Colandrea a “wrecking crew” and believes his move to Nebraska gives him the opportunity to prove himself against much better competition in the Big Ten. He also credits Dan Mullen for Colandrea’s development and sees plenty of reason for Husker fans to be excited about their new quarterback. The Big Ten, the SEC and the Future of College Football Things also got a little spicy. Brando pushes back — emphatically — against the idea that the SEC is superior to the Big Ten, argues that the new era of NIL and the transfer portal has changed the balance of power in college football, and offers some thoughts on Nick Saban, ESPN and the narratives that shape how the sport is covered. Tim also makes the case for something that would have sounded crazy not long ago: a 24-team College Football Playoff. He believes expanding the field would actually make more regular-season games matter deep into November, while giving college football a chance to create a postseason worthy of the sport’s enormous popularity. Who Does Brando Like in 2026? Tim is extremely high on defending champion Indiana, believes Oregon has one of the most talented rosters in America, and ultimately predicts an Indiana-Oregon national championship game. He also sees Notre Dame as a legitimate contender and expects a wide-open season without one obviously dominant team. And before we let him go, Tim shares a hilarious broadcasting story from his early days alongside Bill Raftery — plus why, after decades calling games across the country, he still considers Nebraska fans among the very best in college athletics. It’s another wide-ranging, entertaining conversation with one of the great voices in college football. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Tim Brando Sees Nebraska Football Taking Another Step in 2026

  5. Aug 10

    The All-Time, Definitive, Final Final Mount Rushmore of Nebraska Football (Probably)

    The Mount Rushmore series has been one of our favorite offseason projects, and the final episode was perhaps the most difficult.  After spending the summer building separate Mount Rushmores for quarterbacks, offensive players, defensive players, special teams standouts, walk-ons, and coaches, the Common Fans finally put it all together. Joined once again by Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read newsletter and Mitch Sherman of The Athletic, we narrowed decades of Husker greatness down to just four names.  The Impossible Assignment One of the biggest challenges wasn't deciding who belonged—it was deciding who had to be left off. Nebraska's history is overflowing with legends, from three Heisman Trophy winners to championship quarterbacks, dominant Blackshirts, and offensive linemen whose names are literally attached to college football awards. Along the way, the conversation revisits the criteria that guided the entire series: championships, impact on the program, cultural significance, defining moments, longevity, and the lasting legacy each player left on Nebraska Football. Great statistics matter, but they're only part of the equation. Who Makes the Final Four? The debate quickly centers around some of the biggest names in school history. Tommie Frazier's unmatched record as a starter. Johnny Rodgers' iconic Game of the Century punt return and status as Nebraska's first Heisman winner. Ndamukong Suh's breathtaking 2009 season and whether any defender has ever been more dominant. Dave Rimington's place as the face of Nebraska's legendary offensive line tradition. Of course, every selection means somebody else gets left behind. Heisman Trophy winners Mike Rozier andEric Crouch. Dominant defensive linemen Rich Glover and Grant Wistrom. A truckload of offensive linement, including Bob Brown, Will Shields, and about half the starters from the 1990s. The list goes on and on, and the honorable mention discussion becomes almost as entertaining as the final vote itself, reminding everyone just how deep Nebraska's football history really is. A Window Into Nebraska's History, A Look to the Future As the group works through the final list, a pattern becomes impossible to ignore: almost every serious candidate played 15 years ago…or more. Sometimes much more. It's a reminder of just how extraordinary Nebraska's run of success was for four decades...and how long it's been since the program consistently produced players who belong in conversations like this. That naturally leads to one final question: looking at today's roster, who has the best chance to someday earn a place on a future Nebraska Football Mount Rushmore? It's a fun way to close out the series—and officially turn the page from offseason history lessons to the excitement of the 2026 season. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    The All-Time, Definitive, Final Final Mount Rushmore of Nebraska Football (Probably)

  6. Aug 3

    Matt Rhule Knows This Season Has to Be Different for Nebraska Football

    The countdown to Nebraska football is officially on. With Big Ten Media Days in the rearview mirror and fall camp about to begin, the Common Fans take a break from their Mount Rushmore series to focus on the present. From Matt Rhule's comments to position battles, college football changes, and even the future of Memorial Stadium, there was plenty to unpack as football season draws closer. Matt Rhule Knows the Stakes Matt Rhule made headlines at Big Ten Media Days when he declared, "We didn't come to Nebraska to go 7-6." The boys discuss why that message is important–and whether Nebraska fans are buying it.  Has the fan base become apathetic? Or are Nebraska fans simply done believing until they see better results on the field? We talk about the pressure facing Rhule in Year 4, why this season feels different from the past three, and what kind of record—or more importantly, what kind of progress—would restore confidence in the program. The crew also dives into a thought-provoking column from Tom Shatel and debate whether 2026 should be viewed as a make-or-break season, or simply another step toward building something bigger. Fall Camp Storylines to Watch With camp about to begin, attention turns to the football field. Who wins the running back job? Can Nebraska finally lean on what appears to be the strongest offensive line of the Matt Rhule era? And what kind of spark can transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea bring to Dana Holgorsen's offense? The Common Fans discuss the wide-open competition in the offensive backfield, why this year’s offensive line could completely change the identity of this team, and there is reason to hope that Husker Nation might see an offense that could finally stretch the field again. The Future of College Football The conversation also takes a broader turn as the boys discuss reports that college football could eventually expand to a 24-team playoff while dramatically changing—or even reducing—the traditional bowl system. The Common Fans get nostalgic about past bowl memories, and debate whether today's bowls still carry the same meaning in the NIL and transfer portal era. It's a fun discussion about nostalgia, tradition, and where the sport is headed next. Memorial Stadium's Big Red Rebuild Finally, the conversation turns to a topic on the minds of many HUsker fans: Nebraska's upcoming Memorial Stadium reseating process. As part of the Big Red Rebuild, every season ticket holder will eventually be required to select new seats. That sparked a passionate conversation about tradition, community, rising ticket costs, and whether college football is slowly losing some of what has made Saturdays in Lincoln so special. For longtime season ticket holders, the issue goes far beyond simply changing seats. It's about preserving decades of memories, relationships, and traditions that have become part of the Nebraska football experience. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Matt Rhule Knows This Season Has to Be Different for Nebraska Football

  7. Jul 27

    The Four Greatest Walk-Ons in Nebraska Football History

    Nebraska football has always done things its own way. The sellout streak. The triple option. The Blackshirts.  But perhaps nothing captures the heart of the program quite like the walk-on tradition. In the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast, we tackle one of the toughest Mount Rushmore categories yet: who are the four greatest walk-ons in Nebraska football history? With decades of incredible stories to choose from, narrowing the list to just four proved far more difficult than we expected. The Stories Behind the Legends Many walk-ons have incredible stories of persistence that culminate in getting on the field for a few plays by the time they’re seniors. But some become All-Americans or NFL standouts. And a few have helped define entire eras of Nebraska football. We revisit the remarkable careers of Isiah "I.M." Hipp, Jared Tomich, Langston Coleman, Joel Makovicka, Spencer Long, Adam Treu, Alex Henery, Sam Koch, and many more. Along the way, longtime Nebraska sportswriter Mike Babcock shares incredible historical context—including the unforgettable story of Langston Coleman, whose journey from Washington, D.C., to Lincoln helped launch one of the most iconic traditions in college football. If you love Husker history, this conversation is packed with stories you may have never heard before. One of the Closest Mount Rushmore Votes Yet Unlike several of our previous Rushmore episodes, there wasn't a clear consensus after the first few names. Jared Tomich and I.M. Hipp quickly emerged as unanimous selections, but the final two spots sparked one of the most spirited debates of the entire series. The panel needed a true down-to-the-wire vote to settle the mountain. It was a good reminder of the unique nature of the walk-on tradition. So many have made an impact for the Nebraska football team over the years, embodying what’s best about the state: hard work, humility, and persistence.  Our Final Mount Rushmore After plenty of debate, storytelling, and a little good-natured disagreement, the Common Fan panel landed on this Mount Rushmore of Nebraska football walk-ons: Jared Tomich, I.M. Hipp, Langston Coleman, and Joel Makovicka.  Agree? Disagree? Think someone else deserved a spot on the mountain? We'd love to hear your picks. A huge thank you to longtime Nebraska sportswriter Mike Babcock for joining us for this episode, and to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read newsletter for once again helping us work through another enthusiastic Nebraska football debate. Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    The Four Greatest Walk-Ons in Nebraska Football History

  8. Jul 20

    Gary Sharp Debates Nebraska Football's Greatest Offensive Players

    The Common Fan Podcast continues with its summer Mount Rushmore series, and this time the boys take on what may be the toughest challenge yet: Nebraska football's greatest offensive players...not including quarterbacks. When you consider the Huskers' incredible history at running back and offensive line, along with the outstanding tight ends, wide receivers, and even fullbacks they’ve had over the years, narrowing the list to just four feels almost impossible. Joining the conversation is Gary Sharp of the Omaha World-Herald, along with series regular Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read newsletter, as they help debate one of the deepest collections of offensive talent in college football history. The discussion quickly turns into one of the liveliest debates of the entire Rushmore series, including whether off-the-field issues should influence a player's place on the mountain. The Great Running Back Debate Things heat up quickly as the conversation turns to Lawrence Phillips almost immediately. There is little debate that he was the most naturally gifted running back Nebraska has ever seen. And, he played a critical role on the dominant, championship winning teams of the ‘90s. But how much should the off-the-field issues factor in?  Mike Rozier, Ahman Green, Roger Craig, Calvin Jones, Roy Helu, Rex Burkhead, Ameer Abdullah, and several other Husker legends all receive serious consideration, leading to some spirited disagreement around the table. Do Offensive Linemen Get Enough Love? Gary Sharp makes a passionate case that Nebraska's offensive line legacy deserves more recognition than it often receives. Dave Rimington, Dean Steinkuhler, Aaron Taylor, Bob Brown, Will Shields, Zach Wiegert, Aaron Graham, and others enter the conversation as the group wrestles with just how many linemen deserve a spot on the mountain. You could even make the case that there were enough offensive linemen on the 1990s national championship teams to fill this mount rushmore. Nebraska’s long and storied history of having great play in the trenches was a key to its success over many decades, and there are many deserving candidates.  Can You Tell Nebraska Football's Story Without This Player? One question keeps resurfacing throughout the episode: can you tell the story of Nebraska football without this player? That simple test becomes the lens through which the group evaluates stars from every era, from Johnny Rodgers and Ed Weir to more recent greats like Ahman Green and Ameer Abdullah. The Final Mountain After plenty of debate—and a few last-minute changes—the Common Fans land on their final Mount Rushmore of Nebraska offensive players (excluding quarterbacks): Mike Rozier, Dave Rimington, Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, and Ahman Green. Rodgers emerges as the only player to have made it on two different Mount Rushmores this summer, having also been on the special teams list.  Agree? Disagree? Think Lawrence Phillips, Bob Brown, Dean Steinkuhler, Roger Craig, or someone else deserved a spot? We'd love to hear what your Mount Rushmore looks like. Comment on YouTube, or send us an email at commonfangbr@gmail.com.  Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts. As always, GBR for LIFE! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    Gary Sharp Debates Nebraska Football's Greatest Offensive Players
See All (190)

4.8
out of 5
64 Ratings

About

A Nebraska football podcast by the Common Fan, for the Common Fan.

Information

You Might Also Like