Preseason Magazines: Sure Sign College Football’s Near

Athlon Sports is the first on the scene, but that comes with drawbacks

I always know spring has officially arrived when the first dandelion in my yard pokes up its ugly little head.

And when the first preseason magazines appear on the bookshelves, college football is not far away. (The Husker opener is in less than 100 days.)   Appearing first is Athlon's version.  If awards were given for the earliest publication, Athlon would win every year.

But being the first college football publication in the age of the transfer portal comes with some risk.  While Athlon's edition was being printed, parts of their publication were already outdated.

For instance, Athlon has Jeff Sims battling Casey Thompson for the starting quarterback job at Nebraska this fall. That's not going to happen. Casey has transferred to Florida Atlantic. Stephon Wynn is listed as the starting defensive end, but he has transferred to Ole Miss.

Athlon has the Huskers making it to a bowl game at 6-6.  Going to a bowl sounds good for a program that hasn't been to one since 2016.  But most Husker fans are hoping for more than a .500 record in '23.

Athlon isn't very kind to the Huskers either when it comes to individual postseason honors. Nebraska is nowhere to be found in the first-team all-conference selections. Not surprising is Ohio State and Michigan dominating that group. The only Husker listed on the second team is linebacker Luke Reimer. Defensive back Quinton Newsome is the only other Husker to be named anywhere else. He's listed on the third team.

Athlon doesn't seem very impressed with Matt Rhule, his staff or the current roster of players. What will the other magazines have to say?

Coming up soon will be Lindy's, Street & Smith's, Sports Illustrated's and USA Today's versions. The real champion of them all in my opinion is Phil Steele's publication.  His is the best, but his magazine usually doesn't come out until late June or early July. Steele's is worth waiting for.

Sometimes being last is best.

How ’Bout Them Huskers

Grandson Will's and my podcast will return next week.