Nebraska is 4-0 for first time in a decade. Matt Rhule's Huskers have a new identity, too

Nebraska opened its 2026 season with its first 4-0 start in a decade, beating Michigan State 31-13 on Saturday in East Lansing. The Huskers remain unranked and College Football Playoff contention is still “out of view,” but the road win highlighted what coach Matt Rhule described as a new identity—built around opportunistic defense and a more confident offense led by a quarterback operating with swagger. Rhule said the result means little beyond execution, pointing back to the 2023 team for laying “seeds.” He also noted the staff won’t focus on next week’s matchup, saying he’s “on to Maryland.”