Fans love to argue about which programs are in the elite upper echelon of college football. Whether it’s a storied history or recent success, supporters and pundits alike try to narrow the field.
Michigan and Ohio State are no-brainers, both are Blue Bloods. Penn State would be on most lists. Oregon’s success might be too recent. But what about Nebraska?
College Football Blue Bloods via @Andy_Staples👀
— On3 (@On3sports) July 9, 2024
Do you agree? ⬇️https://t.co/IGLWBlkKdM pic.twitter.com/8C6zXoH89u
The Cornhuskers certainly used to be a Blue Blood, with five national titles and a dominant history in the Big Eight and a dominant power in the ‘80s to early ‘90s. But On3’s Andy Staples doesn’t believe Nebraska belongs anymore.
First, Staples asked Twitter for some help to define what a Blue Blood is. He settled on this criteria, “Three-plus generations of elite history, one of which has to be in the last two generations.” Staples said, “I think that is a very fair definition.” He includes at least one national title is a must.
3+ generations of elite history, one of which has to be in the last two generations.
— Tuska's Burner (@Tuskas_Burner) July 8, 2024
For example, Georgia Tech is no longer a blueblood. Notre Dame is on the cutting block.
The Cornhuskers have a long history of greatness. But things began to change when the Big 12 was formed. Staples said, “Nebraska was certainly a Blue Blood for a long, long time. Are they a Blue Blood now? I’d argue Nebraska hasn’t been nationally relevant for quite some time.”
Big Red had good moments in the Big 12, but it never had a break-through season. “When they faced Texas in the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game, that was a really good defense. It was a pretty non-functional offense,” Staples said. “But that’s the last time we’ve thought of them on that stage at that level. That was 15 years ago.”
The move to the Big Ten hasn’t helped the Huskers … yet. In an accompanying article, Staples does give Huskers fans some hope of getting back into the top tier, “If Matt Rhule (or anyone for that matter) could get Nebraska regularly contending for championships again, the Cornhuskers would spring back on the list.”