In the realm of college football, where every season brings new hope and anticipation, the 2026 season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers is set to be a pivotal one. With a roster filled with experienced players, the focus is on three individuals who, in my opinion, will be the catalysts for the team's success. These players, Cam Lenhardt, Jamir Conn, and Anthony Colandrea, are poised to make significant strides and, in doing so, redefine the team's trajectory. Let's delve into why each of them is set to have a breakout year and what this could mean for the Huskers' overall performance.
Cam Lenhardt: The Edge Rusher
Cam Lenhardt, a towering 6-foot-3, 265-pound senior edge rusher, has been a stalwart on the Nebraska defense for the past four years. His journey has been one of steady growth, but it's time for him to take the next step. In his freshman year, Lenhardt burst onto the scene, earning Freshman All-American Honorable Mention recognition with 16 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. Since then, he's been a consistent presence, recording 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks over the next three seasons. However, what many people don't realize is that Lenhardt's impact hasn't quite lived up to the initial hype. His most disruptive season came in 2023, but I believe that changes in 2026.
Nebraska's move to a four-down defensive front is a strategic shift that will benefit Lenhardt immensely. By returning to the position that made him a high school All-American at IMG Academy in Florida, he'll get more opportunities to play and make an impact. With an increased snap count, I predict his production will skyrocket. Lenhardt's size, strength, and agility make him a formidable force on the edge, and with the right coaching and motivation, he could become one of the most dominant edge rushers in the Big Ten.
Jamir Conn: The Defensive Back
Jamir Conn, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back, has been a stalwart on special teams for the Huskers, but it's time for him to take on a more prominent role. As a junior in 2025, Conn saw action in all 13 games, but his impact was largely limited to special teams. However, with several members of the Huskers' secondary having moved on to the NFL, Conn will now have the opportunity to shine on the defensive side of the ball. He's one of the most veteran players in his position room, having played in 36 games, including 11 starts.
Conn has repeatedly been spoken highly of throughout the offseason, and all signs point to him being a key player in 2026. His experience and talent make him a valuable asset, and with the right coaching, he could become a cornerstone of the Nebraska defense. If he can prove his worth in pass coverage, as his teammates and coaches believe, Conn will be a player Nebraska fans get to know well over the season ahead. His ability to read plays and make timely tackles could be the difference between a good defense and a great one.
Anthony Colandrea: The Quarterback
Anthony Colandrea, the 6-foot, 200-pound quarterback, has already made a significant impact in 2025, but it's time for him to take the next step. After being named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, Colandrea is making the move up to the Big Ten, where he'll face a new level of competition. In 13 games as a junior, he totaled 4,108 all-purpose yards and scored 33 total touchdowns. However, what makes Colandrea truly fascinating is his experience and productivity.
With nearly 8,700 career all-purpose yards before he even takes a snap for the Big Red, Colandrea is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the sport. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has been a hallmark of his career. However, what many people don't realize is that Colandrea has faced challenges in transitioning to a new conference. The pressure is on him to prove that he can lead the Huskers to success in the Big Ten. Between him, a revamped offensive line, and the players NU was able to retain at wide receiver from 2025, this offense has the capability of becoming significantly more explosive.
The Broader Implications
The breakout years of Lenhardt, Conn, and Colandrea will have a profound impact on the Nebraska Cornhuskers' 2026 season. Their success will not only boost the team's morale but also set a new standard for future players. Lenhardt's dominance on the edge will inspire a new generation of defensive players, while Conn's versatility and leadership will be a model for younger defensive backs. Colandrea's ability to lead the offense will be a beacon of hope for the team, showing that with the right coaching and motivation, anything is possible.
In conclusion, the 2026 season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers is set to be a pivotal one, and the breakout years of Cam Lenhardt, Jamir Conn, and Anthony Colandrea will be a key part of that success. Their individual journeys will not only impact the team's performance but also inspire a new generation of players. As a fan, I can't wait to see what these three players achieve and how they help redefine the Nebraska football program.
