Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Nebraska fans and fans across the country.
No one needed to drop $50 to that odd lady on the corner with a PSYCHIC READINGS BY CRYSTAL! neon sign in the window of that creepy house on the corner to know that heads were gonna roll on the Huskers staff following the 2025 regular season.
But roll they did, and then fresh and new heads were hired to fix what those before them could
not. On the defensive side, Rob Aurich, Corey Crown and Roy Manning were brought in to improve run defense and quarterback pressure while maintaining elite pass defense. Offensively, Geep Wade was acquired to assist OC Dana Holgorsen following his first full season on staff. The offensive line needed to bolster the running game nd improve pass protection.
So my question for you this week?
Tell us – given Holgorsen, Aurich and Wade – which of these three is the most crucial member of the staff in 2026, given their position and the importance of the group they control:
Dana Holgorsen – Does he have the quarterback he needs, the WR’s and RB’s to make plays and can he coach Colandrea to extend them, use his arms & legs for big plays of his own and put up big numbers as in Dana’s OC stints at Texas Tech, Houston & Oklahoma State? And can they limit giveaways?
Rob Aurich – Can’t state it any simpler than above. Run defense and pressure must improve. Greatly. Players think him a genius and he has succeeded at every stop – but can his success translate to the Big 10?
Geep Wade – The only position coach in the survey has the largest room of any assistant, and one of the most important. They not only need to keep Colandrea clean, they need to be quick on their feet to operate Holgo’s run game. Asked if they will, Holgorsen said’ “They have to.” Can Wade make that happen as well as restore some of the nastiness of Husker lines past?
Here’s your survey – make your picks!:
