Tom Osborne biographer Henry Cordes of the Omaha World Herald and Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read Newsletter join the Common Fans for the final episode of the Tom Osborne series. Simply put, TO is the best coach in Nebraska football history, and one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Beloved by his players to this day. Deep and lasting connection to his players, built on a concern for them first as people and second as football players. The Lawrence Phillips question. What i...
Jul 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min
College Football Hall of Famer Grant Wistrom and Omaha World Herald legend Tom Shatel join the Common Fans for the fifth episode of the Tom Osborne series. This episode focuses on the 1995-1997 seasons. The dominance of the 1995 team. Averaged over 53 points per game; gave up just 14 and a half. They averaged more than 556 rushing yards per game. No team came within 14 points of them on the final scoreboard. Of the three Top 10 teams they played during the regular season, they won 49-25, 44-21, ...
Jul 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min
For Episode 4 of the Tom Osborne series, the Common Fans are joined by All Big 8 wingback Abdul Muhammad and longtime Nebraska sports writer Mitch Sherman. This episode focuses on the period from 1990-1994. Toward the end of the 1990 season, the Huskers were #2 in the country. Then they blew a 12-0 lead against Colorado, and suffered back-to-back blowouts against Oklahoma and vs. Georgia Tech in the bowl game. They would finish the season ranked 24th, the team’s lowest final ranking since 1968. ...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 15 min
The Common Fans interrupt their summer series on Tom Osborne to discuss the latest comments from Scott Frost. In case you hadn’t noticed, Scott Frost is in the news again. When asked what he learned from his time at Nebraska, Frost said, “Don't take the wrong job.” He went on to say, “I got tugged in a direction to try to help my alma mater and didn't really want to do it. It wasn't a good move. I'm lucky to get back to a place where I was a lot happier.” The reaction on social media has been fi...
Jul 09, 2025•42 min
In the third episode of their deep dive into Tom Osborne’s career, the Common Fans talk to Husker legend Steve Taylor and former Lincoln Journal Star sportswriter Ken Hambleton about TO’s teams of the 1980s. TO takes things to another level. With five conference titles from 1980 to 1989, Nebraska had more wins than any other college football team in the decade. Huskers come agonizingly close to two national championships. Starting to beat Oklahoma. The crew discusses the famous 1984 Orange Bowl ...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 17 min
In the second episode of the Common Fans’ deep dive into Tom Osborne’s career, the boys look at TO’s early days as Nebraska’s head coach in the 1970s. Husker legend Tom Ruud discusses his days playing for both Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne. Long time sportswriters Mike Babcock and Brandon Vogel also join the conversation. Changing of the guard from Devaney to Osborne. Early struggles to beat Oklahoma. Storyline that TO “can’t win the big one” begins to emerge. After the pressure cooker of his firs...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
The Common Fans launch their new summer series focused on Tom Osborne’s coaching career with a look at his time as an assistant to Bob Devaney. If you wanted to make the case that God’s a Cornhusker, there might not be a better place to start than here: Tom Osborne arrived on Nebraska’s campus as a young graduate student in pursuit of a PhD within a month of Bob Devaney taking over as the Huskers’ head football coach. Osborne would spend several years straddling the fence between doctoral studie...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 6 min
The Common Fans announce “TO,” a new series of episodes focused on Tom Osborne’s career at Nebraska. Similar to last year’s series, “The Reckoning,” the Common Fans once again bring you a summer series to look back at certain aspects of Nebraska football history to help you survive until football season. As the offensive coordinator of the Huskers’ first two national championship teams, and the head coach for the other three, TO is arguably THE central figure in Nebraska football history. The se...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min
The Common Fans discuss the most essential players for the Nebraska football team in the coming season. Optimism abounds at numerous positions of need. While expectations are high for Matt Rhule in year 3, the Huskers will need numerous players who have been in the program for several years to take the next step. They also need multiple transfers to have an immediate impact. Dylan = obvious #1. Who comes after Emmett Johnson in the RB room? WR Dane Key highlights a talented transfer class. Riley...
Jun 09, 2025•53 min
The Common Fans share some of their (and their listeners') most extreme reactions–both meltdowns and celebrations–to Nebraska football games over the years. One of the guiding principles of the Common Fan Podcast is: We Don’t Judge. Whatever Nebraska football has made you do over the years, this is a safe place to share your experiences. Whether it was punching the couch, putting a hole in the ceiling, or ending up in jail, the Common Fans share some of their (and their listeners’) most extreme ...
Jun 02, 2025•51 min
The Common Fans go through the 2025 schedule and pick wins and losses for every game. The ax forgets, but the tree remembers. It’s time for Nebraska football to be the ax again. Early part of the schedule lines up well for the Huskers. Under the lights at Arrowhead. First conference game vs. Michigan a major opportunity. Husker fans sweating the trip to Minneapolis? No one knows that to make of Northwestern. Ending with a grind vs. USC, UCLA, Penn State and Iowa. Year 3 for Matt Rhule – it’s tim...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 29 min
The Common Fans discuss all the latest Husker news of the last week, including comments from Scott Frost and a new development with the Michigan game in September. Frost’s inability to say the word “Nebraska.” Many Husker fans want to see the former player and coach succeed again at UCF, but it would help if he could acknowledge his time in Lincoln. The absurdity of Michigan trying to slap its own wrist as a penalty for the cheating scandal. Why would the Wolverines propose Nebraska as the only ...
May 12, 2025•45 min
What are the most pivotal games for Nebraska in 2025? What games will come to define the season for the Big Red? The Common Fans dive in for a discussion about the most important games on the schedule as the Huskers look to build on their bowl season in 2024. Does anyone like PJ Fleck? The hate for Iowa burns strong. First conference game at home vs. Michigan is massive. USC is a mystery. Surprisingly, Penn State doesn’t come up until late in the episode. What about Game 1? Yet another unorthodo...
May 05, 2025•44 min
The Common Fans talk some big picture takeaways as spring ball wraps up and we look ahead to the 2025 season. 1) Questions Questions Everywhere While optimism around the program is high, there are a number of questions that won’t be answered until the season starts in the fall. What will special teams look like under new coordinator Mike Ekeler? Can the defense continue its stellar play that has come to define the Rhule era? How much can the offense improve under Dana Holgorsen? 2) Dylan Raiola ...
Apr 28, 2025•36 min
The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman joins the Common Fans to talk Dana Holgorsen’s offense, what to expect from the Blackshirts, whether Special Teams can finally figure it out, and much more. What will Nebraska’s offense look like under Dana Holgorsen? RB depth behind Emmett Johnson. Do they look to the portal? Outlook for the WR corps, with true freshmen Cortez Mills and Isaiah Mozee showing promise. Dylan Raiola’s leadership. Contrasts between Dylan and Nico Iamaleava. What’s the latest with the 105...
Apr 21, 2025•52 min•Ep. 109
The Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joins the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska’s spring football practice and look ahead to the coming season. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s recent comments about how the offense is progressing. Running back depth behind Emmett Johnson an open question. Dylan Raiola fully invested: Assuming major leadership role going into year 2 at the helm of Nebraska’s offense. Playing a leading role in recruiting talent to Lincoln. Being a visible face...
Apr 14, 2025•57 min•Ep. 108
Josh Peterson joins the Common Fans to discuss a wide range of Husker football-related matters, including the topic that took over Husker Twitter early last week: whether or not there’s too much Nebraska football coverage, and whether anything can be learned from spring ball. The Common Fans are shocked to learn there are people out there who don’t want to talk about the third team linebacker in March. In all seriousness, the crew has a respectful discussion about the back-and-forth that took pl...
Apr 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 107
The Common Fans take a deep dive into Nebraska’s wide receiver room, arguably the most exciting position group on the team and, hopefully, the Huskers’ best bunch of receivers in many years. It starts at the top: new(ish) OC Dana Holgorsen is known as one of the best offensive minds in college football. New position coach Daikel Shorts is Holgorsen’s one hand-picked assistant, and is a talented up-and-comer in the business. The returners: Jacory Barney and Janiran Bonner both made an impact in 2...
Mar 31, 2025•44 min•Ep. 106
As the Nebraska football team begins spring practice, the Common Fans look at five players (plus a few honorable mentions) who are poised for breakout seasons in 2025. Emmett Johnson – finished 2024 on a major high note and set to be THE GUY at running back in 2025. Cortez Mills – the true freshman wide receiver most likely to make an immediate impact. Keona Davis/Riley Van Poppel – two young D linemen who will need to take the next step if the Nebraska defense is to avoid a dropoff. Vincent Sha...
Mar 24, 2025•50 min•Ep. 105
The Common Fans each pick three intriguing storylines to follow as the Nebraska football team prepares to begin spring practice. Can the offensive line go from good to dominant? Year 2 for Dylan. Completely overhauled D line. Phil Snow effect. New look WR room. Can the defense avoid a steep falloff? Who will emerge alongside Emmett Johnson at RB? Mike Ekeler impact. What record constitutes success in 2025? What will fans be happy with? This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fa...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 104
Nebraska baseball legend Joba Chamberlain joins the Common Fans for a wide ranging conversation about his journey from Lincoln Northeast to the MLB. The crew also talks Husker football fandom and gets Joba’s take on Matt Rhule. Growing up around the baseball scene in Lincoln. Journey from Lincoln Northeast to UNK to UNL to the New York Yankees. Only Husker pitcher in history to notch a W in the CWS. The unique and unbelievable feeling of getting drafted. Winning with the Yankees. The midge game....
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 103
There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Nebraska football, and Brian Christopherson from Husker 247 joins the Common Fans to discuss all the recent happenings for the Big Red. BC’s take on new Associate Head Coach Phil Snow (spoiler: he’s impressed). Pondering an interesting question: what’s more likely – problems with the new staff gelling in time for the season, or the new staff makes an immediate impact and helps Nebraska turn a corner in 2025? 2025 recruiting class: immediate impact guy...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 102
The Common Fans look at Matt Rhule’s history of taking a big leap in his third year at a program, and provide their reasons for why it will happen at Nebraska in 2025. Everyone agrees – special teams must be better (and with Mike Ekeler on board, it will!). Lots of belief in what Dana Holgorsen can do for the offense. The moves Rhule has made (roster and coaching staff) + his experience = team-wide belief. Can the Blackshirts continue to thrive under new coordinator John Butler? On the lookout f...
Feb 24, 2025•50 min•Ep. 101
The Common Fans celebrate their 100th episode (!!!) by going through every position group on the roster and breaking down where the Huskers have had the biggest gains - and losses - heading into the 2025 season. Major losses on the defensive side of the ball, both through graduation and transfers leaving. Can they replace Ty Robinson and the Polar Bear on the D line? Linebackers have an exciting mix of returning talent, transfer portal additions, and new recruits from the high school ranks. O li...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 100
Even in the offseason, it’s been a busy stretch for Nebraska football and the Common Fans cover it all! David City, Nebraska native Mike Ekeler is announced as Nebraska’s new special teams coordinator. Ekeler is an elite special teams coach, and may well end up being the most important addition of the offseason. The Common Fans also discuss Matt Rhule’s comment that there will likely not be a spring game in 2025. Whether you love the spring game or it doesn’t move the needle for you, this is one...
Feb 10, 2025•47 min•Ep. 99
Brandon Vogel from counterread.com joins the Common Fans to discuss Nebraska’s most likely path to the CFP, Year 2 for Dylan Raiola, Year 3 for Matt Rhule, and much more! The Huskers’ best – and perhaps quickest – path to the playoff. Can Dylan Raiola take the kind of leap necessary in Year 2 to carry the Huskers to the next level? What Dana Holgorsen brings. What the hiring of Holgorsen tells us about Rhule. New coordinator, new players at every level: assessing the 2025 Blackshirts. Rhule’s li...
Feb 03, 2025•52 min•Ep. 98
Two legendary Nebraska sportscasters – Gary Sharp and Mike’l Severe – join the Common Fans for a wide ranging discussion on the state of the Nebraska football program. The crew dissects the 2024 season, looks ahead to 2025, and much more! Evaluating the 2024 season: was it a success? Biggest surprise from the season that was. Looking at the areas where Matt Rhule has exceeded expectations through two seasons, and where things haven’t been as good as expected. Did Dylan Raiola do enough in his tr...
Jan 27, 2025•54 min•Ep. 97
ESPN’s Taylor McGregor joins the Common Fans to talk all the latest with the College Football Playoff, give her take on the sniping between the Big Ten and SEC, and offer some thoughts on Nebraska football heading into Year 3 under Matt Rhule. Year 1 of the expanded CFP: more football is better than less football! This year proved the expanded playoff makes the regular season more relevant, not less. T Mac shares her perspective from being in the house for many of the biggest bowl and CFP games....
Jan 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 96
The Common Fans go through Nebraska’s 2025 schedule and offer their early predictions for how the Huskers will fare in the coming season: Manageable non-conference slate, highlighted by the opener vs. Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium. Similar to 2024, the back half of the schedule presents the biggest challenges. Of the four Big Ten teams to make the playoff this season, Nebraska only faces one of them in 2025. There are no easy games anymore, but on paper this looks like a schedule that could le...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 95
The Common Fans examine some of the biggest questions facing Nebraska football as the Huskers look to take a big leap in Year 3 of the Matt Rhule era: What will it take to make special teams special again? Can we really expect the defense not to regress? Are the Huskers doing enough in the transfer portal? Offensive line: buying or selling? What can be done to improve game management in 2025? The boys have a detailed and wide ranging discussion about where things stand and what needs to get bett...
Jan 06, 2025•53 min•Ep. 94
