Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast

Inside Nebraska Publisher Zack Carpenter joins the Common Fans to discuss the Huskers' 2024 recruiting class: Nebraska's class is ranked 16th in the country and is one of the best in the Big 10. Zack sees something different about this class, and believes it could represent a turning point for the Big Red.  The combination of talent, culture, and belief Coach Matt Rhule is assembling forms...

The Common Fans dig into the recent dust-up about Kirk Herbstreit talking to Dylan Raiola's father Dominic, prior to the QB's commitment to Nebraska. The boys also analyze Coach Rhule's recent comment about designer cars - was that a shot at Coach Prime? The fellas also discuss the Huskers' recruiting class, the signing day press conference, Chip Kelly's intentional self-demoti...

Chuck Hagel joins the Common Fans to discuss growing up across several small Nebraska towns; playing high school football at Columbus St. Bonaventure (now Columbus Scotus); his love for the Huskers and Memorial Stadium; his favorite Husker memories, and least favorite Husker opponent (spoiler: it's Colorado).  We also discuss the lessons he carried with him from small town Nebraska all the way...

John Canzano, long time columnist at  The Oregonian , sports talk radio host, and veteran reporter covering all things PAC 12, joins the Common Fans for a wide ranging conversation about the four new teams joining the Big 10 (Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA); college conference realignment; and the future of college football, including some ideas for how to make sure it doesn't turn into NFL...

The Common Fans take a deep dive into the new 12 team College Football Playoff format that will be starting in 2024. This is of course relevant to all Common Fans, as the Huskers will be in the CFP sooner rather than later.  The crew also discusses the recent performance by multiple Husker commits in high school all star games; the hiring of Glenn Thomas as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback...

Legendary Husker Strength and Conditioning Coach Boyd Epley joins the Common Fans to discuss how he went from a student athlete who was lifting weights to rehab an injury to becoming a nationally known pioneer in the strength and conditioning field. Enjoy Boyd's stories about being hired by Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne; Devaney telling him "if anyone gets slower, you're fired;" Osbo...

Charlie Colon joins the Common Fans to help break down the 2024 schedule and discuss other predictions for the upcoming season. The Big Red Kool Aid is flowing, as all the Common Fans predict a big jump for the Huskers in the year to come.  And yes, you better believe the Common Fans are already making travel plans for a bowl game.  Enjoy this rollicking good time of an episode and GBR FOR LIFE. ...

Arbitrary Analytics founder and creator Eric Hess joins the Common Fans to talk about his recent article focusing on the success rate of five star quarterbacks going back to 2011. As Husker fans embrace the Dylan Raiola era in Lincoln, there are some encouraging signs about how other highly touted quarterbacks have panned out in recent years.  The crew also takes a deeper look at Dana Holgorsen&#3...

The Huskers added multiple transfer commitments at positions of need over the weekend. Are more soon to follow? Plus: Dana Holgorsen, former Houston and West Virginia Head Coach + Air Raid offense disciple, is reportedly in discussions about joining Nebraska's staff.  If your spouse made a bingo card with all of your nervous habits while watching a Husker game, what would be on it? Over / unde...

Friends, fellow common fans, Husker Nation: it’s time to believe in Nebraska football again. We’re closing the book on the last seven seasons of losing, heartbreak, and gut punch losses. We’re closing the book on this period of ineptitude. It’s time to be done with it. We’re going to speak it into existence if we have to, Common Fans. Starting now. It’s time to hope again. It’s time to believe aga...

Merry Christmas from the Common Fans! The boys take a minor detour from the regularly scheduled programming to focus on the important Christmas questions of the day: best Christmas movies; best Christmas songs; favorite Christmas cookies, side dishes, main courses, and drinks; opening presents Christmas morning vs. Christmas Eve; favorite Husker football memories over Christmas break. Thanks so mu...

Zack Carpenter, publisher of Inside Nebraska, joins the Common Fans to discuss the monumental news of quarterback Dylan Raiola's commitment to Nebraska.  Dylan Raiola, son of a Husker legend, nephew of Nebraska's current offensive line coach, and the top QB recruit in the country, has officially committed to Nebraska.  Zack sees no limit to Raiola's potential, saying the Heisman trophy...

The Common Fans tackle the 2023 season and address the good, the bad, and the ridiculous. Most hated opposing team or coach in 2023? What got better in 2023? Top 3 players in 2023? What needs to improve by the time 2024 rolls around? Reasons for optimism going into 2024? Who should take over the Amigos combo meal? What other players would you like to see matched up with local businesses or organiz...

Gary Sharp from 1620 The Zone joins the Common Fans to break down the latest with the Nebraska quarterback situation: Things are looking VERY good for the Huskers to land Dylan Raiola, the #1 high school QB recruit in the country, AND Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord.  McCord would be the likely starter in 2024, giving Raiola a year to learn the ropes and then take over in 2025.  Raiola is rumored...

The Common Fan Board of Directors has granted a special waiver for a non-football related episode (although, true to form, the Common Fans still get into some Husker football conversation).  Husker basketball legend and current Nebrasketball radio analyst Jake Muhleisen joins the Common Fans to talk about the current Nebraska basketball team, what it's like to call games with Kent Pavelka, his...

Legendary Omaha World Herald columnist Tom Shatel joins the Common Fans for a wide ranging conversation about the current Husker football team, as well as a trip down memory lane to some of the coaches and teams of the past.  Tom sees progress from the 2023 Huskers, but says we won't be able to judge whether this season was a success until we see next year's results.  The Huskers need more...

The Huskers lose in heartbreaking fashion once again to end the year 5-7 and miss a bowl game for the 7th consecutive season. The Common Fan crew sees better days ahead for Matt Rhule's program, but there's no way around it - this one hurts.  In better news, the boys recap their culinary choices, likes, and dislikes from Thanksgiving weekend, and share their stories from being in the house...

Happy Thanksgiving from the Common Fans! In a raucous and occasionally hilarious episode, the boys debate their favorite (and least favorite) Thanksgiving foods, Thanksgiving movies, and when it's appropriate to begin decorating for Christmas.  The crew also discusses the upcoming game against Iowa, and whether or not the Hawkeyes should hold the status of rival for the Huskers.  It'll be...

The Common Fans break down Nebraska's heartbreaking overtime loss in Madison.  MattyO and his two boys were in the house to rep the N (and the Common Fan Podcast).  Being a Husker fan is like dealing with Lucy holding the football.  Hats off to Common Fans for their undying loyalty - even amidst repeated gut punches.  The Huskers got off to a blazing start but coulnd't close the deal.  Chu...

Legendary Husker Wide Receiver Jordan Westerkamp joins the Common Fans for a thorougly enjoyable interview covering a wide range of topics:  The recruiting process that brought him to Nebraska, including the Huskers fending off a late push from Notre Dame. (You don't want to miss how Coach Pelini reacted when he found out about Jordan's official visit to South Bend).  Reflections on the 10...

The Common Fans are in a salty mood as they discuss the Huskers' turnover-filled 13-10 loss to Maryland. The Blackshirts answer the bell once again, holding Maryland to its lowest scoring total of the season, only to be completely let down by the underperforming offense.  The boys don't hold back on their criticisms of the $1.4-million-dollar-man, Nebraska Offensive Coordinator Marcus Satt...

Bobby Mersed, Husker superfan and first ever person to hold a sign in the background at College Gameday, joins the Common Fans to tell his story. The fellas spend some time exploring this question: is Nebraska more likely to be kicking themselves for losing to Minnesota & Colorado, or, should the Huskers be counting their lucky stars they won mistake-prone games versus Illinois, NW & Purdu...

National Championship winning former Husker offensive lineman Matt Vrzal joins the Common Fans to help break down the Michigan State game. Of note: The Huskers have made improvements when it comes to culture, perserverence, and fight. But they're not a finished product yet.  Offensive Coordinator Marcus Satterfield needs to stick with the run game when it's working.  Vrzal helps the Common...

Taylor McGregor, national college football, XFL, and Chicago Cubs reporter, joins the Common Fans. The crew and Taylor discuss a wide range of issues, including:  Taylor gives the Common Fans an inside look at everything that goes into preparing for a college football broadcast.  She talks about her affection for Lincoln and her experience covering a game there.  The group discusses some current e...

Fellow Common Fan Charlie Colon joins the crew to break down the Huskers beat-down of Purdue. The Huskers play what is almost certainly their most complete game of the season.  The game started with a hat throw moment but the Blackshirts responded.  This defense is so fun to watch and might take us all the way to the Big 10 championship game.  The Belly G Option Pass strikes again! The guys go in-...