Live Updates: Nebraska Routs Akron, 68-0

LINCOLN—College football is back at Memorial Stadium.

After a season-opening win over Cincinnati in Kansas City more than a week ago, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are back in Lincoln for the home opener. NU takes on the Akron Zips out of the MAC.

Follow along below for updates during the game.

Most recent updates at the top.

FINAL: Nebraska 68, Akron 0

Nebraska Athletics Postgame Notes

Nebraska’s victory improved the Huskers to 2-0 all-time against Akron and 9-1 all-time against current members of the Mid-American Conference.
The victory marked Nebraska’s eight straight win against a non-conference opponent. The eight straight wins over non-league foes are the longest for Nebraska since winning 12 straight against non-conference opponents from 1999 to 2001.
Nebraska has held each of those eight non-conference opponents to fewer than 20 points during the streak.
Nebraska scored 68 points in tonight’s game, its most since scoring 73 points against Idaho State in 2012.
Nebraska amassed 728 yards of total offense, the eighth-highest total in school history. The 728 yards marked Nebraska’s highest total offense output since gaining 784 vs. FAU in 2014.
Nebraska had 494 yards passing, the second-highest total in school history, trailing the 519 yards against Kansas State on Nov. 10, 2007. It was the 10th 400-yard passing game in program history and the first since 2018 against Wisconsin.
Nebraska’s shutout was its first since a 33-0 victory over Arizona in the 2009 Holiday Bowl.
Nebraska held Akron scoreless in the first half. Nebraska has not allowed a first-half touchdown and has allowed just five combined points in the first half of its past four games (2 vs. Boston College, 2024; 3 vs. Cincinnati).
Nebraska did not allow a rushing touchdown at home last season, and after tonight, the Huskers have not allowed a rushing touchdown in eight straight home games.
The Huskers held Akron to 62 passing yards after limiting Cincinnati to 69 passing yards last week. It marks the first time Nebraska has held back-to-back opponents to fewer than 100 passing yards since the final two games of the 2019 season (Maryland, 57 yards; Iowa, 99 yards).
Quarterback Dylan Raiola completed his first nine passes in the game after completing his final 11 passes against Cincinnati. The 20 consecutive completions are a Nebraska school record, bettering Dave Humm’s 15 straight completions at Kansas on Oct. 19, 1974.
Raiola completed 24-of-31 passes for a career-high 364 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Raiola’s 364 yards bettered his previous high of 297 yards against Illinois last season and were the most passing yards by a Husker since Adrian Martinez threw for 384 yards at Wisconsin in 2018.
Raiola’s four passing touchdowns mark the first time a Husker has thrown for four touchdowns since Ryker Fyfe threw for four touchdowns at Purdue in 2015.
With his 364 passing yards, Raiola increased his career passing total to 3,426 yards, moving him into 10th place on the Nebraska career passing list.
Running back Emmett Johnson opened the scoring with a 47-yard touchdown run, marking the longest run of his Nebraska career. Johnson’s previous long was 42 yards against UTEP last season.
Johnson finished with 14 carries for a career-high 140 yards and two touchdowns, including 134 yards before halftime. Johnson’s previous career best was 113 yards vs. Wisconsin last season. It marked Johnson’s second consecutive 100-yard rushing game and the third of his career.
Johnson added a four-yard TD reception for his third career receiving score. His three total touchdowns were a career high, including a career-high two rushing touchdowns.
Sophomore receiver Jacory Barney Jr. had four punt returns for 876 yards, including a 23-yard return in the first quarter and a 39-yard return in the third quarter. The 39-yard return was Nebraska’s longest since JD Spielman had a 76-yard punt return vs. South Alabama in 2019. Barney’s total punt return yards were the most by a Husker since De’Mornay Pierson-El had three returns for 134 yards at Iowa in 2014.
Barney also had seven receptions for a career-high 132 yards, giving him 219 all-purpose yards. His 132 receiving yards are the most by a Husker since Trey Palmer had nine catches for 165 yards at Iowa in 2022.
Nebraska had a 300-yard passer (Raiola), a 100-yard rusher (Johnson), and a 100-yard receiver (Barney) in the win.
Nebraska’s 92 punt return yards in tonight’s game bettered its season team punt return total in each of the past four seasons.
Junior tight end Luke Lindenmeyer caught three passes for 44 yards, including a 10-yard TD in the second quarter, marking his first career touchdown reception.
Redshirt freshman receiver Quinn Clark had a 37-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, marking his first career touchdown.
True freshmen defensive lineman Kade Pietrzak had a tackle for loss for a safety in the first quarter to give Nebraska a 9-0 lead. It was Pietrzak’s first career tackle and was Nebraska’s first safety since last year’s opener against UTEP (Ty Robinson).
Senior linebacker Javin Wright had two tackles to increase his career total to 101 tackles.
In total, 40 Huskers recorded a tackle in the win.

Nebraska 68, Akron 0

4Q 7:31 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

After big gains by Keelan Smith and Isaiah Mozee, TJ Lateef ran in the touchdown from eight yards out.

4Q 9:30 TURNOVER

The snap goes by the Akron quarterback and is recovered by Maverick Noon. Nebraska has the ball at the 43 of the Zips.

Nebraska 61, Akron 0

4Q 13:23 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

After Isaiah Mozee took a short pass from TJ Lateef 41 yards and Lateef ran to the 1, Mehki Nelson punched in the touchdown.

4Q 14:56 TURNOVER ON DOWNS

The fourth down play is unsuccessful, giving Nebraska the ball at its own 49.

End 3Q Akron has a 4th and 2 at the 50 coming up.

Nebraska 54, Akron 0

3Q 2:37 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

With TJ Lateef in at quarterback, Nebraska moves down the field quickly. Kwinten Ives caps it off with a 28-yard touchdown run.

3Q 4:58 Akron goes three-and-out for the fifth time on the night. The punt is downed at the Nebraska 32.

NEBRASKA 47, AKRON 0

3Q 5:58 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

Dylan Raiola fires a 12-yard touchdown pass to Dane Key.

Dylan Raiola's up to 4️⃣ TDs passes tonight 💥

He is the first @HuskerFootball QB to throw four in a game since Ryker Fife in 2015.

📺: BTN pic.twitter.com/rPcT2TWjcw
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 7, 2025

3Q 6:52 Officials Timeout for an Injured Akron Player

Nebraska has a 1st and 10 from the Akron 21 coming up.

3Q 7:28 FIELD GOAL BLOCKED

Akron moves quickly down the field, taking advantage of a 16-yard pass and a 25-yard run. The Zips stall in the red zone before Riley Van Poppel blocks the 33-yard field goal attempt.

Nebraska 40, Akron 0

3Q 10:49 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

A 38-yard pass from Dylan Raiola Jacory Barney Jr. set up a six-yard touchdown run by Emmett Johnson.

3Q 12:14 The Zips are stuffed before midfield. Jacory Barney Jr. returns the punt back 39 yards to the Nebraska 48.

3Q 14:55 Akron starts with the ball at its own 25

HALFTIME: Nebraska 33, Akron 0

Nebraska Athletics Halftime Notes

Nebraska held Akron scoreless in the first half. The Huskers have allowed no touchdowns and a total of five combined first-half points in their last four games dating back to last season (2 vs. Boston College, 2024; 3 vs. Cincinnati).
Quarterback Dylan Raiola completed his first nine passes in the game after completing his final 11 passes against Cincinnati. The 20 consecutive completions are a Nebraska school record, bettering Dave Humm’s 15 straight completions at Kansas on Oct. 19, 1974.
Raiola threw for three touchdowns in the first half, tying his career high (also 3 vs. Illinois last season).
Running back Emmett Johnson opened the scoring with a 47-yard touchdown run, marking the longest run of his Nebraska career. Johnson’s previous long was 42 yards against UTEP last season.
Johnson had 13 carries for 134 yards in the first half, setting a new career rushing high. Johnson’s previous career best was 113 yards vs. Wisconsin last season. It marked Johnson’s second consecutive 100-yard rushing game and the third of his career.
With back-to-back 100-yard rushing games to start the season, Johnson is the first Husker with consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Anthony Grant had three straight to open the 2022 season.
Johnson added a four-yard TD reception for his third career receiving score.
True freshmen defensive lineman Kade Pietrzak had a tackle for loss for a safety in the first quarter to give Nebraska a 9-0 lead. It was Pietrzak’s first career tackle and was Nebraska’s first safety since last year’s opener against UTEP (Ty Robinson).
Sophomore receiver Jacory Barney Jr. had three punt returns for 48 yards in the first half, including a 23-yard return in the first quarter. The 23-yard return was Nebraska’s longest since Cam Taylor-Britt had a 27-yard punt return at Purdue in 2020. Barney also caught five passes for 55 yards in the first half.
Redshirt freshman receiver Quinn Clark had a 37-yard TD reception in the second quarter for his first career touchdown.
Junior tight end Luke Lindenmeyer caught a 10-yard TD pass from Raiola in the second quarter, marking his first career touchdown.
Senior linebacker Javin Wright had two tackles in the first half to increase his career total to 101 tackles.

End 3Q Nebraska kneeled out the quarter.

2Q 0:03 FIELD GOAL MISSED

On the back of a 16-yard run, a pass interference, and a facemask, Akron was able to move inside the Nebraska 30. Unfortunately for the Zips, the attempt strikes the left upright.

2Q 0:07 TIMEOUT NEBRASKA

Akron i set to attempt a 46-yard field goal.

Nebraska 33, Akron 0

2Q 0:46 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

Nebraska takes advantage of the short field. Dyla Raiola rolls left to escape pressure and finds a wide open Luke Lindenmeyer for the score.

2Q 1:41 Akron goes three-and-out for the third time this half and then false starts to move the ball back even more. The punt is shanked, going only 12 yards, to give Nebraska the ball at the Akron 31.

TWO MINUTE TIMEOUT

2Q 1:58 Akron has the ball, 3rd and 10 on its own 25.

Nebraska 26, Akron 0

2Q 2:08 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

Dylan Raiola fires a pass over the middle to Quinn Clark, which the redshirt freshman takes the final 20 yards to the end zone.

🚨FIRST CAREER TD 🚨

Quinn Clark reels in the Dylan Raiola pass for his first @HuskerFootball score.

📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/Sgkz3mdUVC
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 7, 2025

2Q 5:56 After another incomplete pass, the Zips punt the ball to the Nebraska 11.

2Q 6:02 TIMEOUT NEBRASKA

Nebraska turns up the pressure to force a throw away. Akron has a 3rd and 13 from their own 47 coming up.

2Q 6:06 TIMEOUT AKRON

A holding penalty on Ceyair Wright helped extend the drive, Akron has a negative play and then needs to burn a timeout to avoid the delay of game penalty. Zips have a 2nd and 13 from their own 47 coming up.

Nebraska 19, Akron 0

2Q 8:17 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

After a 36-yard run by Emmett Johnson, Dylan Raiola hits Johnson for the four-yard TD pitch and catch that finds the end zone.

21 out here vibin'

📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/Uy7Qs6PcHP
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 7, 2025

2Q 12:06 Akron picked up nine on 1st down but followed that up with back-to-back negative plays. Jacory Barney Jr. returns the punt to the Nebraska 41.

Nebraska 12, Akron 0

2Q 13:56 FIELD GOAL NEBRASKA

Nebraska goes three-and-out but stayed in field goal range. Kyle Cunanan adds a 35-yarder for the Huskers.

2Q 14:55 The pass was dropped, forcing an Akron punt. Jacory Barney Jr. returns the punt to the 21 of the Zips.

End 1Q Akron has the ball 3rd and 8 from its own 3.

1Q 0:49 TURNOVER ON DOWNS

After failing to punch it in on 2nd and 3rd downs, the 4th down attempt was also stuffed. Akron has the ball at the 1.

1Q 1:47 TIMEOUT AKRON

Nebraska has moved quickly down the field and has a 2nd and goal from the Akron 3 coming up.

Nebraska 9, Akron 0

1Q 4:44 SAFETY

Kade Pietrzak blows up the play in the backfield to give Nebraska two points and the ball.

The spot is upheld and Nebraska loses its challenge for the remainder of the game.

1Q 5:28 TIMEOUT NEBRASKA (Challenging the spot on the play)

Akron has a 2nd and 11 from the 1 coming up.

1Q 6:09 TURNOVER

After quickly moving down the field, Emmett Johnson fumbles near the goal line. Akron recovers the ball at the 2.

1Q 8:46 After picking up one first down, Akron is stopped at midfield. Jacory Barney Jr. returned the punt to the NU33.

1Q 9:37 TIMEOUT AKRON

The Zips have a 3rd and 4 coming up from their own 49.

Nebraska 7, Akron 0

1Q 12:17 TOUCHDOWN NEBRASKA

After overcoming a holding penalty on Henry Lutovsky early in the drive, Emmett Johnson took a 3rd and 2 run up the middle and bounced it to the left for a 47-yard score.

EJ takes it all the way 💨

📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/lJA52dSQW2
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) September 6, 2025

1Q 12:39 Officials Timeout for an Injured Akron Player

Nebraska has a 3rd and 2 from the Akron 47 coming up.

1Q 14:56 Nebraska takes over on its own 23.

Akron calls tails and wins the toss. The Zips defer. Nebraska will receive.

Nebraska Availability Report

Out

Janiran Bonner
Demitrius Bell
Blye Hill
Jamarion Parker
Gage Stenger
Malcolm Simpson
Julian Marks
Nolan Fennessy
Tyson Terry
Gibson Pyle
Mac Markway
Conor Connealy

Questionable

Bode Soukup
Amare Sanders
Roman Mangini
Pierce Mooberry
Jackson Carpenter
Gabe Moore

Nebraska Football 2025 Schedule

Aug. 28 Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
Sep. 6 Nebraska 68, Akron 0
Sep. 13 vs. Houston Christian 11 a.m. FS1
Sep. 20 vs. Michigan 2:30 p.m. CBS
Oct. 4 vs. Michigan State 11/2:30/3
Oct. 11 at Maryland TBA
Oct. 17 (Friday) at Minnesota 7 p.m. FOX
Oct. 25 vs. Northwestern TBA
Nov. 1 vs. USC TBA
Nov. 8 at UCLA TBA
Nov. 22 at Penn State TBA
Nov. 28 (Black Friday) vs. Iowa 11 a.m. CBS

Home games are bolded. All times central.

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