Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast

T.J. Birkel, Matt Owens, Geoff Langenberg
  • 4.8 (63)
  • FOOTBALL
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A Nebraska football podcast by the Common Fan, for the Common Fan.

  1. Matt Rhule Needs More Money & Scott Frost Doesn’t Want to Talk About Nebraska

    1D AGO

    Matt Rhule Needs More Money & Scott Frost Doesn’t Want to Talk About Nebraska

    Welcome back to the Common Fan Podcast, where the guys take a look at Nebraska’s NFL draft results (or lack thereof), Matt Rhule’s recent comments about NIL, and Scott Frost once again being in Nebraska football-related news.  Nebraska’s Dwindling Draft Performance Over the Past Several Years The conversation starts with the NFL Draft—and what it says about Nebraska football. The numbers are pretty sobering. We dig into the data showing Nebraska’s declining NFL draft production over the past two decades, including a staggering stat: Nebraska is one of only a few Power Four programs without a top-50 pick since 2012. That’s not just a recruiting issue. That’s development. That’s evaluation. That’s everything. And until Nebraska starts consistently producing NFL-level talent again–whether through talent acquisition, development, or both–there will be a ceiling. Can a “Developmental Program” Still Work in 2026? Can “developmental programs” still succeed at the highest levels in today’s game?  With the transfer portal, NIL, and instant roster turnover, the idea of waiting three to four years for players to develop feels…outdated. The guys debate whether Nebraska can still win that way—or if the sport has moved on. Because right now, it feels like the Huskers are stuck in the middle: not elite in recruiting or development.  The Money Conversation Revenue sharing. NIL deals. $40 million rosters. Matt Rhule spending half his offseason fundraising like a politician. Raising money has become a central necessity for coaches and athletic departments alike.  The boys unpack what this means for Nebraska, and more importantly, where the Big Red actually stands. Because while it’s easy to say “we’re getting outspent,” the reality is more complicated. And Then There’s Scott Frost Of course, it wouldn’t be a Common Fan episode without a little chaos. The guys react to Scott Frost’s recent comments about Nebraska—specifically, his reluctance to talk about his time in Lincoln and his take on the “pressure” of coaching at his alma mater. That leads to a bigger question: is Nebraska really that different from every other major program…or was Frost just not built for it? The takes are…not subtle. At the end of the day, this episode keeps circling back to the same truth: Talent matters. Development matters. Money matters. But eventually, it all has to show up on Saturdays. 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

    52 min
  2. Should Nebraska Football Prioritize Players Over Stadium Upgrades?

    APR 20

    Should Nebraska Football Prioritize Players Over Stadium Upgrades?

    The Common Fans discuss the big news of the week in Husker Nation: Nebraska’s $600 million plan to renovate Memorial Stadium. Fans are naturally curious: curious about how the renovations will be paid for, about why that money isn’t going to the roster, and about why stadium upgrades now cost more than some small towns. The boys dive headfirst into the Big Red Rebuild—what fans are saying, and what it means for Nebraska football moving forward. Is a $600 Million Stadium Renovation the Right Investment in the Right Place at the Right Time? Nebraska hasn’t consistently won in a long time. How will fans respond to a massive stadium renovation? We break down the reality behind the numbers—what’s actually being funded (deferred maintenance plus fan experience), where the money is coming from (donors plus bonds), and why this probably isn’t as simple as “just spend it on players.” Still…it’s fair for fellow common fans to ask the question. When you see programs like Texas Tech suddenly spending like drunken sailors to load up on talent (and making the playoff because of it), fans may wonder: could some of those dollars be used differently? Is Stadium vs. Roster the Wrong Question? Is this really an either/or decision? Or is it about growing the pie? The guys talk through the difference between one-time donor gifts (that often come with naming rights and legacy appeal) versus the ongoing, annual grind of funding a roster in the NIL era. It’s not apples to apples. But it won’t stop fans from wondering, and this will likely be a discussion topic in Husker Nation for years to come.  What Happens If the Team Doesn’t Win? A renovated stadium is great. Premium seating, 360-degree concourse, bigger video boards—even for old souls who just want to cheer on the Big Red, it sounds pretty cool (not to mention seatbacks for everyone!). But none of it matters if the product on the field doesn’t improve. Because the reality is this:  Ticket prices are going to go up.Required donations are going to go up. And that means expectations are going way up. And if Nebraska is still sitting at six or seven wins in 2028 with a shiny new stadium, that will be a problem. An Investment in the Fans The crew cites Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald, who makes one of the more compelling arguments in favor of the project: this is an investment in Nebraska fans. The idea is simple: reward the people who keep showing up. The same fans who have kept the sellout streak alive through two decades of frustration. Make Memorial Stadium not just historic, but modern. A place people want to spend an entire Saturday. A place where people want to attend concerts, big events…and even get married.  If done right, it could make one of the best environments in college football even better. You Can’t Replace Memorial Stadium…Right? One detail that caught everyone’s attention: Nebraska at least explored the idea of building a brand new stadium. That…does not go over well with the boys from Lincoln. It’s All About the Ws At the end of the day, this conversation keeps coming back to the same place: everything comes back to winning. You can upgrade the stadium. You can enhance the experience. You can modernize everything. But eventually, the product put on the field by Nebraska football has to match it. 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

    50 min
  3. Are Nebraska Football Fans Part of the Problem?

    APR 14

    Are Nebraska Football Fans Part of the Problem?

    We’ve hinted at it. It’s come up before. But we have never devoted an entire episode to the discussion. Until now. This week, the Common Fans take on a slightly uncomfortable question about Nebraska football: are we part of the problem? Not the administration. Not the coaches. Not the players. The fans. It’s a conversation that came directly from the Common Fan community, and it turns into an honest, passionate, wide-ranging discussion about the role of the fans, and whether or not our passion has inadvertently made it harder for the football team to get back to its winning ways.  Does an Empty Seat Speak Louder Than a Filled One? Nebraska’s sellout streak is one of the most iconic things in college football. It’s a badge of honor for the fan base. It’s a recruiting tool for the team and the coaching staff. It’s a point of pride from Omaha to Scottsbluff.  But…what if it’s also part of the issue? We dig into whether constant support from the fans, no matter the results, has removed any real pressure on the people running the program. Would fewer fans in the stands send a stronger message? Or would it just create more instability in a program that’s already had plenty of it? Are Husker Fans Too Loyal…or Too Intense? On one hand, Nebraska fans show up. To borrow a phrase from Tom Shatel that the boys reference regularly, Nebraska football fans are undefeated against apathy. That’s one of the things that makes Husker football special.  On the other hand, that same passion creates a “fishbowl” dynamic: a level of scrutiny and expectation that’s hard to fully understand unless you’ve lived it. From message boards to social media to talk radio to podcasts and beyond, there are more outlets than ever for frustration, criticism, and, let’s be honest, occasional insanity (the fellas point out they are proud to be part of the insane in this case). So the question becomes: does that environment help drive success…or quietly work against it? Great Expectations At some point, this conversation always comes back to expectations. Are we projecting 1990s-era expectations of dominance onto today’s players and coaches? And if we are…is that unfair? Or is that exactly what makes Nebraska Nebraska? Because the reality is, for a lot of us, this isn’t just a team. It’s part of our identity. It’s basement walls covered in memorabilia. It’s part of our family tradition. It’s Saturdays in the fall. It’s something that’s been woven into the fabric of who we are for decades. And if we let go of those expectations, we risk ceasing being what has always made us great.  So…Who Actually Deserves the Blame? If it’s not the fans, then who? When you step back and look at the last 20+ years, one thing stands out: Nebraska hasn’t acted like a blue blood when it comes to hiring coaches. Fired NFL coaches. First-time head coaches. “Value brand” hires. These were huge misses that feel obvious in hindsight and, when taken together, combined to set the program back to a level we could never have imagined 20 years ago. The Program’s Greatest Asset At the end of the day, this fan base is still here. Still showing up. Still caring. Still investing time, money, and emotion into something that hasn’t given enough back in a long time. And the boys decide that’s not the problem. Maybe that’s the one thing that still gives Nebraska a chance to get this right.  At the end of the day, this is the life we’ve chosen, and there is only one guarantee: Husker Nation doesn’t need to apologize for anything.  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

    50 min
  4. Are Nebraska Football Fans Turning on Matt Rhule?

    APR 6

    Are Nebraska Football Fans Turning on Matt Rhule?

    There is definitely some uncertainty among the passengers on the HMS Rhule at this point in the coach’s tenure in Lincoln. But how many have actually jumped ship?  The boys dive into this question and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Everything But Football School? The crew kicks things off by celebrating Fred Hoiberg being named National Coach of the Year—and what that means for the future of Nebraska basketball. The investment is going up, the fan base is all-in, and for the first time in maybe forever, it feels sustainable. Beyond hoops, the baseball and softball teams are rolling (and ranked!), volleyball is a national powerhouse, and wrestling, track, bowling…you name it, the Cornhusker athletic teams are firing on all cylinders. There’s significant momentum across Troy Dannen’s department, and Nebraska is relevant again in a lot of places. Nothing Can Replace Football Even with the success of all the other sports, when Husker football isn’t competitive, something’s missing and everyone can feel it. Nebrasketball’s run and having the other sports show up certainly help things, and they make the long football offseason go by quicker. But this school and this fan base need Nebraska football to get back to being nationally competitive.  What is the View of Rhule Among the Fan Base?  How bad is it out there? How much of the fan base is truly out on Rhule? It’s clear people are frustrated, but what’s not clear is what percentage of the fan base actually wants him gone, versus how many people are simply getting nervous, and hoping he can figure it out.    And the boys ask – is all this hand wringing and gnashing of teeth fair? Is it impatience? Residual frustration from the last 20 years? Or is it the combination of talking a big game without enough results to back it up? The guys debate whether Husker fans need to relax—or if the skepticism is justified. What Do the Numbers Say About 2026? The early SP+ rankings are out, and they provide a sobering reminder. While not everyone buys into the SP+ rankings, they are at least a data point, and they illustrate the challenge for this coming season. Nebraska sits at #37, but will face three top-5 teams, and three others currently ranked ahead of them.  Are We Closer Than It Feels…or Further Away Than Ever? The most maddening part is that Nebraska hasn’t been getting blown out. They’ve been close. That’s been a painful reality for more than a decade. But the Big Red have been on the losing end of way too many of those contests, and that’s what’s driving fans crazy. There’s a lot to like right now in Lincoln. But until football matches the rest, something’s always going to feel incomplete. 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

    54 min
  5. What the Nebrasketball Run Means for Husker Football

    MAR 30

    What the Nebrasketball Run Means for Husker Football

    This week, the Common Fans are joined by Brandon Vogel to process Nebrasketball’s program-changing season—and to ask what it might mean for the athletic department and the future of Husker football. Nebrasketball Resets the Standard From the first NCAA Tournament win in program history to a Sweet 16 run that had the entire fan base locked in, this wasn’t just a “nice season.” It felt bigger than that. We talk about what this run meant—not just in the moment, but long-term. The way it pulled in casual fans. The way it created core memories for kids. The way it turned Nebraska basketball into our team for a few weeks in March. Is this the new baseline? Or was this lightning in a bottle? Why Did It Have to Be Iowa? Let’s just get it out. If Nebraska loses to a one-seed, we all tip our cap and move on. But losing to Iowa—after leading for most of the game—adds an entirely different layer. We unpack why that matchup felt different, why the loss hit harder, and how it somehow managed to be the most Nebraska ending imaginable. From missed shots late…to that moment with four players on the floor…it all felt painfully familiar. And a lot of that goes back to football.  And then we collectively agree: we’re done talking about Iowa (for now). Where Was Nebraska Football This Spring? In one of the strangest developments of the offseason, football just…took a back seat. With basketball dominating the conversation, and disappointment from the 2025 season still lingering, spring ball came and went with far less hype than we’re used to. The boys discuss why that might actually be a good thing—and whether “flying under the radar” is exactly where this program needs to be right now. What’s the Football Version of This Basketball Run? If what we just experienced with basketball felt like a breakthrough…what’s the equivalent for football? Is it making the playoff? Winning 9–10 games? Just being in the conversation again? And maybe the bigger question: would one season be enough to reset the narrative—or does this fan base need to see it for a sustained period of time? Spring Ball Takeaways Brandon gives his main takeaways from the Spring Game and spring ball in general. We dive into: Why the defense is the biggest swing factorWhat Tony C brings to the offense (and the risk that comes with it)Whether this team can finally generate something unexpectedAnd why “prove it mode” is still the only mindset that matters 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

    58 min
  6. Can Matt Rhule Produce a Fred Hoiberg Season for Nebraska Football in 2026?

    MAR 18

    Can Matt Rhule Produce a Fred Hoiberg Season for Nebraska Football in 2026?

    The guys kick things off by celebrating the Common Fans’ run to the Final Four of Mike’l Severe’s local podcast bracket challenge. Thanks to an incredible push from the Common Fan community, the pod took down some major names–including the Pick Six Podcast and Nick Bahe’s podcast–before finally losing in a razor-close matchup with the Schick and Nick Podcast. It was shameless, deeply competitive, and wildly fun. In other words: it was perfect. What should we make of Nebraska’s 2026 projected win total? The conversation then turns to FanDuel’s early over/under for how many games the Nebraska football team will win in 2026. It opened at 5.5, quickly moved to 6.5, and that number says a lot about where the outside world sees this program right now. The boys dig into what that means, why expectations have dropped so considerably, and whether that might actually be a good thing (at least for now). For once, Nebraska is not winning the offseason. There’s not much hype. There’s not much juice. And maybe, just maybe, that’s better than the annual offseason national championships. Does Matt Rhule need a Fred Hoiberg season? Watching Nebraska basketball explode past expectations this year naturally raises the question: can Matt Rhule do the same with football? Fred Hoiberg’s team wasn’t just “better than expected.” It shattered expectations. It changed the conversation. It reset belief in the entire program for years to come. That’s the kind of season Nebraska football badly needs. Not necessarily a playoff run, but a season that feels undeniably different. A season that makes fans stop bracing for disappointment and start believing the trajectory has finally changed. The fellas wrestle with what that would actually look like. Is 7-5 enough if the team looks better? Is 8-4 the line where people finally exhale? And how much of Nebraska’s long, strange post-Osborne drift is about unrealistic expectations… versus just repeatedly hiring the wrong guys? Can Husker fans still enjoy the ride? The episode closes with some love for Nebraska basketball, some NCAA tournament hype, and a reminder that this has been one of the most enjoyable Husker sports years in a long time. The footballization of fandom has made everybody a little insane, but the guys make the case for stepping back and appreciating what’s happening — even while still demanding more from football. Ending with Gratitude The crew also reflects on just how invested they got in the aforementioned bracket challenge, and how cool it was to see so many Common Fans show up and vote. There’s a lot of gratitude here — and also a lot of laughing at themselves for how emotionally attached they got to a Twitter poll. But bottomline: we’re so grateful to all the Common Fans who have joined us on this ride, and can’t wait for a lot more fun and frivolity to come!  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

    54 min
  7. Clester Johnson Gets Real About Scott Frost, Matt Rhule, and the Future of Nebraska Football

    MAR 9

    Clester Johnson Gets Real About Scott Frost, Matt Rhule, and the Future of Nebraska Football

    Clester Johnson joins the Common Fans for one of the most fun conversations we’ve had in a while: a mix of Husker history, current program talk, and some unfiltered truth about what has gone wrong at Nebraska over the last two decades. Put on some Common Fan socks, kick up your feet, and enjoy this conversation with one of the major contributors on two of Nebraska’s national championship teams.  Bring Back the Wingback Before diving into the current state of Nebraska football, the guys spend time with Clester reflecting on his own story, from growing up in Memphis, to starring at quarterback at Bellevue West, and eventually becoming a Husker. Clester shares how Tom Osborne’s leadership helped turn things around when he hit a crossroads early in Lincoln, and how a mindset shift and a position switch to wingback changed the course of his career. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the mentality of those championship-era teams and the standard that made Nebraska great. Tom Osborne’s Influence Clester’s stories about Osborne alone are worth the listen. He talks about TO’s presence, wisdom, and the way he could challenge players without calling them out by name. One speech in particular stuck with Clester for life — a message about accountability, distractions, and whether players were really doing everything they could to become the best version of themselves. The Frost Era, Loyalty, and Accountability The conversation also takes a more serious turn when the guys ask Clester about a tweet he recently sent regarding Scott Frost, the people around him, and the larger failures that deepened Nebraska’s slide. CJ does not duck the topic.  He explains that he was excited when Frost came back and believed, like many fans did, that Frost was the right choice. But when things began to unravel, he became frustrated with the people inside the program and around the program–especially former players–who protected personalities instead of staying committed to the standard. It is an honest, thoughtful discussion about accountability, loyalty, and why Nebraska’s problems have gone far beyond just one coach. The Future Under Matt Rhule The boys also discuss Matt Rhule and the current state of Nebraska football. Clester gives his candid read on Matt Rhule, and why 2026 feels like a massive year. There’s still hope. There’s still belief that Nebraska can get back. But Clester makes it clear: this season has to look like progress. Real progress. Not spin. Not promises. Not another reset. 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

    1h 1m
  8. Six Players Who HAVE to Hit for Nebraska Football to Succeed in 2026

    MAR 2

    Six Players Who HAVE to Hit for Nebraska Football to Succeed in 2026

    Spring ball is well underway, Nebraska turns 159 years old, and the Common Fan Podcast is ready to try a little offseason optimism. Plus, the Common Fans are still alive in Mike’l Severe’s bracket competition among local sports podcasts! Look to vote on Tuesday!  If Nebraska is going to take a step forward in 2026, who HAS to hit? After the way last season ended–and with Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, and Iowa waiting on this year’s schedule–this fan base is firmly in prove-it mode. If the Huskers are to actually prove it in 2026, which guys absolutely have to hit–or perhaps even exceed–their potential this season?  Tony C: It’s probably the most obvious of the bunch. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and Anthony Colandrea is expected to be the guy in 2026. The career stats are strong (7,500+ passing yards, 1,100+ rushing yards, improved TD/INT ratio in 2025), but the Big Ten jump is still the unknown. Elijah Pritchett: Can the offensive line actually be a strength? That’s where a lot of Nebraska’s investment went in the offseason, but the Common Fans agree the most important piece is a guy who has already been on the roster for a year. The Alabama transfer looked shaky early in 2025, but eventually started to look like Nebraska’s best lineman. The season might hinge on whether or not Pritchett becomes the anchor of Nebraska’s O line.Mekhi Nelson: We haven’t seen a lot of Nelson in two seasons as a Husker, but part of that is because he was behind the great Emmett Johnson. He looked solid in the bowl game, and when you add in a mobile QB, new transfer offensive linemen, and two new O-line coaches, the run game should be as well positioned as it has been in years. Somebody has to step into the Emmett-sized void. In order for the Huskers to surprise some people in 2026, it needs to be Nelson. Riley Van Poppel: Husker fans have been waiting for RVP to dominate. Perhaps scheme/fit was part of the problem last year; he’ll get a fresh start with a new position coach, new defensive coordinator, and new scheme. Hopefully it plays to Van Poppel’s strengths; Nebraska sure needs it to. Owen Chambliss: The San Diego State transfer already knows the system and shows real instincts. The Big Red felt short-handed at linebacker at times last season (even with Vincent Shavers being a beast). Nebraska needs an “eraser;” a guy who turns what should’ve been seven yards into two. If Chambliss hits, the whole defense gets better.Cam Lenhardt: It’s been way too long since Nebraska consistently made quarterbacks uncomfortable. The tools are there. Now it’s time for the breakout season: tackles for loss, sacks, havoc, and the kind of blindside strip-sack that makes you yell so loud your neighbors consider calling somebody. Honorable mentions and the real point Yes, the receivers matter; Jacory Barney, Nyziah Hunter, and Kwazi Gilmer have to make plays (and maybe stay upright), and the room has depth and upside. The boys also discuss Carter Nelson, Cortez Mills, and some other talented youngsters who might take a step forward. And on defense, the DBs have been solid… but the takeaway numbers have to rise. Because most fans won’t see 6–6 as progress, no matter how challenging the schedule–especially not with every other Husker sport winning games and raising expectations. Nebraska needs impact players to actually hit. Keep it simple, Common Fans: enjoy spring ball… and vote for the Common Fans on Tuesday! 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

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

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