The 2026 Nebraska Cornhuskers football season is set to be a pivotal one, with three fourth-year players poised to make significant impacts. These players, Cam Lenhardt, Jamir Conn, and Anthony Colandrea, are ready to break out and define the team's success.
Cam Lenhardt, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge defender, is expected to shine in a role that suits his skills. After a promising freshman year, Lenhardt's production has been steady but not exceptional. However, with Nebraska's shift to a four-down defensive front, he's likely to see more playing time and snap count, leading to increased production. This change in strategy could be the catalyst for Lenhardt to become a disruptive force on the field.
Jamir Conn, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound defensive back, has the potential to have a career-best season in 2026. With the departure of some key players from the secondary, Conn will have the opportunity to showcase his talent in pass coverage. His experience and positive feedback from teammates and coaches make him a player to watch this fall. Conn's role on special teams and his improved defensive performance could make him a cornerstone of the Nebraska defense.
Anthony Colandrea, the 6-foot, 200-pound quarterback, has already made strides in 2025. However, the move to the Big Ten presents a new challenge. Colandrea's productivity and experience make him one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the sport. With a revamped offensive line and retained wide receivers, the offense has the potential to become more explosive. Colandrea's leadership and performance will be crucial to the team's success, and he is expected to perform within the top third of his position group in the Big Ten.
These three players, Lenhardt, Conn, and Colandrea, are set to have breakout seasons in 2026. Their individual talents and the team's strategic changes create a promising outlook for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. As the season unfolds, fans can expect to see these players make significant contributions, shaping the team's performance and potentially defining the season's outcome.
