Nebraska football starts spring practice two weeks, nearly a month earlier than what we’ve seen in other years under coach Matt Rhule. It’s likely going to be cold on those February mornings. The Huskers will be less than 60 days removed from their bowl loss in Las Vegas. Why the early start? Connor and Mitch explore the possibilities and offer a theory that the Huskers feel some urgency to get moving on their 2026 team – and to move on from 2025.

EJ Barthel, the Huskers’ running backs coach, offered praise for freshman Jamal Rule. A Nebraska staffer got hacked. Nebrasketball slipped four spots to No. 9 in the AP poll. The Huskers are losing another special teams assistant coach – this time to a high school program in Texas. And Troy Dannen is planning to give more rev share money to men’s basketball after this season. Great. But at the expense of whom?

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It’s February. And we’re back for the start of another week, talking about back-to-back losses for the Nebraska basketball team. The Huskers fell at home, 78-69, Sunday against an Illinois squad that looks like a national championship contender. Nebraska, now 20-2, must now work to steer itself back on track. The Huskers again had the services on Sunday of Braden Frager and Rienk Mast. What’s next for this squad?

We’ve got the Super Bowl on our mind. Connor is cooking something up at home. And the Nebraska football team will be busy in this month ahead, starting Wednesday with the open of the late signing period. Spring football practice is right around the corner. What are the Huskers’ February priorities? Join us on this Monday.

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Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
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Turbo Tax
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The Friday mailbag is open. We’re fielding questions off the top today about Trae Taylor, the incoming Millard South and Nebraska-committed quarterback. Will we ever know how much NIL money has been devoted to steer his career toward the state of Nebraska? Probably not. And here’s why the details don’t actually matter.

Is Nebraska set to face embarrassment on the recruiting trail as the late signing period ends? Are there any players remaining in the transfer portal who could land with the Huskers before the 2026 season? We hear from a member of our audience who can explain Nebraska’s failure to break out as a success story in three years under Matt Rhule. And in the world of basketball, what’s next for Nebraska as it barrels toward a big meeting against Illinois on Sunday?

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Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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FanDuel
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Ohio State faces a brutal Big Ten gauntlet—at Texas, USC, Oregon, and Michigan. Is Ryan Day's squad ready for the most challenging schedule in college football? Spencer McLaughlin, Jay Stevens, and guests dissect the Buckeyes’ road to contention, questioning if a 10-2 finish is the best a championship-caliber team can manage. The discussion spotlights Arthur Smith’s OC hire, Indiana’s rising threat, and how top programs are tested in make-or-break matchups. Oregon and Washington’s transition into Big Ten play sparks debate about conference scheduling and its impact on playoff hopes. Why did Oregon get hit so hard with consecutive games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Washington? The Squad critiques non-conference scheduling, highlights the implications for team visibility, and jokes about Citadel’s mascot in a lighter moment. Big Ten fans get sharp analysis on November’s playoff-shaping clashes and the strategic future of powerhouse programs.

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In today’s world of college sports, it is easier than ever to throw money at a college football program or a college basketball program. What about both? That’s tricky, especially if you’re at a place like Nebraska (and most schools) with a finite amount of resources to fund rosters. Connor and Mitch are here to look at the challenges that Nebraska faces – in both sports – after this breakout season on the basketball court.

We’re also looking back at Tuesday night in Ann Arbor at the enduring takeaways from the Huskers’ first loss of this season. There’s now external pressure on Nebraska to avoid a losing streak as No. 9 Illinois visits Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday. And we assess the ranking of all 81 Big Ten regular-season football games put forth by Scott Dochterman of The Athletic. Where did the Nebraska games land?

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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FanDuel
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Nebraska basketball nearly did it on Tuesday night. The Huskers led throughout at No. 3 Michigan but fell late, 75-72. Fifth-ranked Nebraska, in losing its first basketball game of the season, failed to hit shots late. Its lack of depth, without Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, took a toll. But Fred Hoiberg’s team made a statement that it belongs among the elite teams nationally. Nebraska will be stronger because of that performance in Ann Arbor.

Also, the Big Ten finally released its schedule for conference football games in 2026. Nebraska faces a gauntlet, with three College Football Playoff teams from 2025. We already knew that, but now we know the order of games. It includes Indiana and Oregon on back-to-back weeks in October and Ohio State in Lincoln right before a short Thanksgiving week. Connor and Mitch break it all down. Join us.

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
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FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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It’s Nebraska basketball game day, and we’re going all in on Husker hoops talk ahead of a top-five matchup in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fifth-ranked Nebraska visits No. 3 Michigan with Big Ten title implications and talk of a No. 1 seed in the air. What’s the update on Nebraska freshman Braden Frager? Does this week rank as the biggest ever for Nebraska basketball? What must the Huskers get from Rienk Mast to stay competitive against the Wolverines?

In the football world, there’s a big recruiting weekend ahead for Matt Rhule’s program. Nebraska is chasing a five-star tight end from Louisiana – and bringing its chief recruiter from the 2027 class into Lincoln and Omaha this weekend to see future teammates.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money
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FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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We’re back on this basketball Monday. Nebraska is expected to move into the top five of the Associated Press poll and play a top-five matchup on Tuesday at Michigan. The Huskers are 20-0 after winning at Minnesota. We’re going to spend time on Nebraska hoops.

First, though, an interesting story unfolded late last week in college football that involved tampering, Clemson, Ole Miss and the wild world of NIL and the transfer portal. Yes, it impacts Nebraska indirectly. But how? We discuss. Also, Matt Rhule offered a scholarship to a quarterback in the 2027 class. And it was historic. Why? Join us.

Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda
Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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