Nebraska Must Add Power Four Foe

Nebraska must replace one of its three remaining non-conference games for the 2026 season to comply with a new scheduling mandate. The College Football Playoff expansion to 24 teams, effective in 2027, requires Power Four conferences and Notre Dame to play 10 opponents from that group annually. Nebraska’s current 2027 slate features Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, and Northern Iowa, none of which satisfy the new requirement. One of these three games must be dropped to accommodate a matchup against a Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, or SEC team, or Notre Dame.

The Cornhuskers have secured future opponents through 2035, with the exception of 2027. Arizona and Oklahoma are already contracted for 2028 and 2029, while Notre Dame and Cincinnati appear on the 2032 and 2033 schedules. Oklahoma State will play in 2034 and 2035. The 2027 gap is the only year in the nine-year window where Nebraska lacks a guaranteed Power Four non-conference fixture.

The pool of available opponents for a one-year fill-in is limited. Most programs schedule multiple years in advance, leaving few teams with open slots on less than a year’s notice. Kansas and Ole Miss are the only potential opponents with games scheduled for Week 1, the same week Nebraska plans to host its new opponent at Arrowhead Stadium. Both teams would need to cancel existing matchups against Louisiana Tech or Eastern Illinois to make the date work.

Kansas is considered a strong candidate for the slot. A one-off game between the former Big 12 rivals in Kansas City aligns with both programs' interests. Missouri is another logical choice. The Tigers do not have a game scheduled for that week but have a contract to play at San Diego State. Buying out that game to host Nebraska in their own conference would be a strategic move for the Tigers. Texas Tech is also a possibility, though they may prefer a home game in Lubbock rather than a neutral site.

The decision hinges on which team is willing to disrupt an existing commitment. Kansas and Missouri are viewed as the most sensible options, particularly if the game replaces the Miami (OH) matchup at Arrowhead. The selection will finalize Nebraska’s 2027 schedule and set the tone for the opening weekend of the season.

The new 24-team playoff format takes effect in 2027. Conference champions from the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC will automatically qualify, along with the highest-ranked Group of Six champion. The remaining 19 spots will be filled by the highest-ranked teams. This structural change drives the immediate scheduling adjustments for Nebraska and other Power Four programs.