Big Ten · Lincoln, Nebraska

Nebraska Football History

Championships, records and rivalries

2026 record5-0

Program history

NEB history

One of the sport's genuine blue bloods, with a dominant era that still shapes what supporters expect.

Sepia-toned portrait of an early Nebraska football squad in heavy knit sweaters bearing the letter N — An early Nebraska squad, from the era in which the program's traditions were formed

Black and white photograph of early Nebraska football game action, with spectators standing along the sideline and watching from trees behind the goalposts — Game action from the program's early decades, spectators lining the field

Black and white team photograph of an early Nebraska football team seated together with a football — A team portrait from the program's founding era

Modern Nebraska football team photograph, the full squad arranged on stadium bleachers in red and white — The modern squad, photographed at Memorial Stadium

NEB history

The Memorial Stadium era

Nebraska has played at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln since 1923, and on a home Saturday the stadium becomes one of the state's largest population centers. The sellout streak that runs through it is among the longest in American sport, and it has held through winning eras and lean ones alike.

That endurance is the most telling thing about the program. Support here has never tracked results closely, in a state with no major professional franchise and one Division I team to follow.

NEB history

From dominance to rebuilding

Nebraska's peak came through a stretch of the 1970s, 80s and 90s built on a punishing option running game and an offensive line culture that produced walk-ons who became All-Americans. It is the standard every subsequent staff has been measured against.

The modern era has been harder. The move to the Big Ten, several coaching changes, and a long gap between bowl appearances reset expectations. Matt Rhule's teams have returned to the postseason, and the 2026 season is about turning that into something more.

FAQ

NEB history questions

When did Nebraska start playing football?

The program dates to the 1890s, and has played at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln since 1923.

What is Nebraska's sellout streak?

Memorial Stadium has sold out consecutive home games for decades, one of the longest such runs in American sport, sustained through both strong and difficult seasons.

What was Nebraska's greatest era?

The stretch running through the 1970s, 80s and 90s, built on an option running game and a walk-on culture that turned in-state players into All-Americans.

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