Nebraska football defeated the Ohio Bobcats 49-21 on Saturday. It was a tense few moments for Husker fans, as Nebraska led only 14-13 at halftime.
Nevertheless, Nebraska used a solid fourth quarter to pull away in the end. They scored 21 total points in the fourth quarter alone, giving them their first win of the season.
Freshman running back Jamal Rule made his presence felt in this game, as he had 122 rushing yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. His 100-yard rushing game was the first by a freshman in a season opener since quarterback Adrian Martinez had 117 rushing yards against Colorado in the 2018 opener
Quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 18-of-32 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns in his Nebraska debut. Nebraska also had eight
pass breakups in the game, its most since 2024.
Nebraska’s victory marked the third straight year it has won its season opener and was the 100th victory in a season opener in program history. The Huskers are 100-32-5 all-time in season openers.
Overall, it was not a complete game, but the Huskers managed to put things together in the second half to get the job done. Social media reacted strongly to the victory, as the Huskers look ahead to Bowling Green.
Huskers fans were not too pleased with the defense
A lot better of a score but man this defense HAS to get better
— Carson_Hudkins (@ChiefsSzn_26) September 5, 2026
Fans are excited about the running back room
Rule and Nelson will be a good 1-2 punch. 🥊 🔥 ANT looked good
— HuskerRick123 (@HuskerRick123) September 5, 2026
Colandrea deserved his flowers on the afternoon
It’s amazing how important it can be to have a QB who can actually move & make plays instead of standing there like a statue just hoping something will open up.
— Trevor Blevins (@B13vins) September 5, 2026
Fans were happy with the win regardless
Perfect? Hell no. It's week 1.
— Nick Handley (@NickHandleyOMA) September 5, 2026
Offense got going, solid performances from Rule and Nelson, and you can see what Colandria brings.
Defense stiffened against the run.
Drops and penalties need fixing, but Nebraska handled business
1-0. On with the weekend.
Jamal Rule is getting buzz
Jamal Rule is genuinely so good. True Freshman back might be the best piece on Nebraska’s offense from the jump.
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) September 5, 2026
They gave this guy 3 stars? You can always find a gem
1-0
1-0 ✅ pic.twitter.com/6phfvnFBYs
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 5, 2026
Yes he did
"I thought he did an unbelievable job"
— WOUB Bobcat Showcase (@BobcatShowcase) September 5, 2026
Ohio Head Coach John Hauser on QB Nick Poulous's performance against Nebraska. pic.twitter.com/XCSLqsrJCP
Already setting records
Ruled the day.
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 5, 2026
First freshman RB with a 100-yard debut since 2004.@JamalRule23 🫡 pic.twitter.com/j9lpDQTbLr
Next up... Bowling Green
FINAL: Nebraska 49, Ohio 21
— Kevin Sjuts (@kevinsjuts) September 5, 2026
The #Huskers pull away from the Bobcats for a season-opening win at a blistering Memorial Stadium. Jamal Rule scores 3 touchdowns and has 122 rushing yards.
Night game next week vs. Bowling Green@1011_News coverage: https://t.co/iIOICqHQOF pic.twitter.com/Jgvl9kLkin
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Social media reacts to Nebraska's win over the Ohio Bobcats
