The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis

The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis

A can't-miss conversation between World-Herald staff writers covering the week's top Nebraska football topics.

rss_feed RSS Feed

Most Recent Episode

The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
From wins to struggles, we're predicting Nebraska football's 2025 season

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland give their predictions for Nebraska football's 2025 season.

Time stamps

0:00 Sam and Evan give a brief review of Nebraska's new concession menu this year.

8:00 The duo discusses what they think Nebraska will find success in this season ... and what the Huskers will struggle with.

19:50 Sam and Evan break down their predictions by the numbers for Nebraska's season.

00:46:18
Aug 22, 2025 9:8 AM
Clean

More Episodes

The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Breaking down Nebraska's schedule from easiest to hardest

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland break down the easiest and hardest games on Nebraska's schedule, plus what hype should be met with skepticism. 

Time stamps

0:00 Sam and Evan discuss takeaways from the press conferences so far this week, including Mike Ekeler and Archie Wilson.

5:15 The duo talk what parts of the Nebraska coaches' hype they are skeptical of and needs to be proven.

15:27 Sam and Evan rank the hardest games on Nebraska football's 2025 schedule.

31:36 The duo discuss which Husker coordinator is most likely to win or be a finalist for the Broyles Award, an honor given to the best assistant in college football.

37:53 Sam and Evan decide what they believe was the last great Nebraska football win.

00:51:53
Aug 13, 2025 8:25 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Is Nebraska football a Top 25 team this season?

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss whether or not Nebraska football is a Top 25 team?

00:38:55
Aug 7, 2025 9:56 AM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Punting, running backs and more things to watch during Nebraska's training camp

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Wilson Moore talk Nebraska football's open practice, what to watch for during training camp and what is happening with Husker basketball this offseason.

0:00 From Archie Wilson's punting to the defensive line, Sam, Evan and Wilson discuss their initial takeaways from Nebraska's first open practice of training camp.

8:52 Running backs, linebackers and more, the three talk what to watch for during Nebraska's training camp.

21:20 Matt Rhule and the Nebraska players focused on being a player-led team this season. The crew talks about what that means, if it matters and break down more preseason talk by the Huskers.

28:04 Sam, Evan and Wilson discuss what they are looking forward to during the Huskers' open practice during Nebraska Football Fan Day.

36:00 Wilson gives an update on Nebraska basketball in the offseason.

00:50:12
Jul 30, 2025 10:53 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
The storylines and question marks ahead of Nebraska's training camp

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk Nebraska at Big Ten media days and the storylines — and question marks — for the Huskers training camp.

Time stamps

0:00 Evan Bland breaks down the setup and vibe of the first Big Ten media days in Las Vegas.

7:24 Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss Matt Rhule's comments at Big Ten media days, including his vision for Nebraska football, Scott Frost's comments and more. 

18:25 Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk the storylines of Nebraska football's preseason training camp.

44:00 From the special teams unit to individual players, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss the parts of Nebraska football that they are questioning heading into training camp and the season. 

00:56:01
Jul 25, 2025 3:53 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
What to expect from Nebraska — and Dylan Raiola — at Big Ten media days

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk the biggest stories ahead of Big Ten media days and what they expect from Nebraska — and Dylan Raiola — at the event.

Before talking their expectations for Big Ten media days, Sam and Evan talk media days move to Las Vegas and address questions such as which conference coach would be the best at blackjack.

The duo preview Big Ten media days and what they expect from Nebraska at the event, particularly with Dylan Raiola as a player representative.

Sam and Evan discuss what will be said about revenue sharing at Big Ten media days, if anything new about it will come out and what they expect to be said about the topic.

The duo discuss how big of a draw Nebraska will be at Big Ten media days and how the Huskers and their coach will set the tone for the season at the event.

With the MLB draft over, Sam and Evan close out the podcast with a discussion on how the Huskers drafted changed Nebraska baseball's roster — and possibly its plan — for next season.

 

00:41:33
Jul 15, 2025 4:31 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
How well did Nebraska recruit in June? Plus favorite movies of the past 25 years

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk how well the Huskers recruited in June, how Nebraska and other Big Ten schools will handle the revenue-sharing era and more!

Timestamps

0:00 Sam and Evan deviate from the norm to talk their favorite movies of the past 25 years.

10:25 The duo discuss how well Nebraska football and Matt Rhule recruited during June, typically a big recruiting month. They also break down the commits the Huskers have landed so far.

20:40 The House Settlement has ushered in the revenue-sharing era, and Sam and Evan discuss how Nebraska and other Big Ten schools will navigate the changes and handle the money.

34:00 The duo close out the podcast with a discussion on the 2025 Big Ten Beach Read series and what topics will be covered in it.

00:47:12
Jul 1, 2025 11:6 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
The right Nebraska football fit for a recruiting and transfer portal calendar

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk all things Nebraska football recruiting.

00:34:02
Jun 23, 2025 2:8 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
A big recruiting month is ahead for Nebraska football

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk Nebraska football's big recruiting month and what happened to Husker baseball once it reached the regionals.

Sam and Evan break down what you need to know about Nebraska football's big recruiting month — June.

The duo discuss where the Huskers fell flat at the NCAA regional in Oklahoma.

00:42:59
Jun 5, 2025 9:4 AM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Oklahoma's controversial pitching decision against Nebraska in NCAA tournament

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss Nebraska baseball's run through the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA regionals.

Sam and Evan discuss how Nebraska baseball powered through the end of the season and then won the Big Ten tournament.

The duo preview Nebraska baseball in the NCAA tournament and the controversial decision by Oklahoma to not use its ace against the Huskers.

Sam and Evan talk Nebraska volleyball's schedule and the upcoming season.

They discuss the best scenarios for Nebraska football in terms of the kickoff times that will be revealed soon. 

00:38:48
May 28, 2025 6:24 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Should Nebraska fans stop dwelling on past and focus on present success?

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss the latest in Nebraska athletics, including Husker baseball's push for the conference tournament, what the guys learned from Tom Shatel's conversation with AD Troy Dannen and how realistic is a Big Ten-SEC football scheduling alliance.

The guys open by selecting which 3 SEC teams they'd like to see Nebraska play in a home-and-home series before diving into Troy Dannen's comments about many fans focusing on the bad past instead of celebrating the moments and sports the Huskers are achieving in. 

Next, the two talk about how, in the current landscape with NIL and revenue-sharing on the way, Nebraska football should be in position to acquire the right talent and have a season similar to Indiana's in 2024.

Sam and Evan then break down NU's chances at making the Big Ten baseball tournament with just a couple weeks left in the season, and the rest of the slate on the road. The episode wraps with a conversation about the Big Ten's new pool-play setup.

00:52:28
May 13, 2025 3:40 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Was Nebraska's inaugural Husker Games 'a bit too much?'

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel discuss the highs and lows of Nebraska's inaugural Husker Games.

The crew discuss the highs and lows of the inaugural Husker Games: was "it all a bit too much" and did the media and fans actually learn anything about the 2025 team?

The three talk how much money schools are spending on recruitment in a landscape with no rules. They also discuss if Nebraska needs to be spending as much as schools like Texas.

Evan Bland talks about Trae Taylor, a quarterback Nebraska is recruiting, and a conversation with his parents that revealed the decision will be made without the quarterback knowing the potential NIL deals.

00:45:11
May 1, 2025 11:32 AM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Garage sale at Nebraska's spring game and Dani Busboom Kelly takes center stage

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Tom Shatel talk the inaugural Husker Games, Dani Busboom Kelly taking center stage of Nebraska volleyball and more.

Sam and Tom talk everything about Nebraska's spring game — including best possible buys at the garage sale and the possibility of future scrimmages against teams.

They discuss Nebraska volleyball at the Husker Games and Dani Busboom Kelly's recent press conference.

Sam and Tom discuss Nebraska basketball losing a highly sought after transfer to USC because of NIL money and how NIL is driving the transfer market in the sport.

00:53:46
Apr 24, 2025 9:28 AM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Transfer portal opens as Nebraska tries to reach 105-man roster limit

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk the opening of the transfer portal and Nebraska's recruitment of in-state athletes.

Sam and Evan discuss Nebraska trying to reach the 105-man roster limit as the transfer portal opens.

They break down which Huskers have raised their stock during Nebraska football's spring camp.

Sam and Evan talk recruiting, particularly why in-state recruits are committing to Iowa State over Nebraska football.

00:50:48
Apr 16, 2025 2:54 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Nebraska spring football takeaways, basketball's transfer portal adds and more

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland break down their takeaways from Nebraska's spring camp and talk basketball's transfer portal updates.

Sam and Evan talk the differences in Marcus Satterfield's offense and Dana Holgorsen's and other takeaways from Nebraska football's spring camp.

The duo talk the transfer portal movement for Nebraska men's basketball after the Huskers won the inaugural College Basketball Crown.

Sam and Evan discuss the state of Nebraska baseball and where the Huskers stand in regards to making the NCAA tournament.

00:46:38
Apr 9, 2025 12:30 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Blackshirts' expectations, how House vs. NCAA will impact Nebraska

The guys open with a conversation about what intrigues them most about the Husker defense, and what could look different scheme-wise with Butler at the reins and new assistants on staff. 

Sam and Evan talk about what the Blackshirts were best at last season, where they need to improve, and debate whether Matt Rhule should change his strategy for defensive recruiting.

The guys dive into some questions sent in by fans, including whether Nebraska will throw the ball more in 2025 behind an improved receiver core. The two also look at the position groups who are most mysterious and how they predict the depth charts will play out come fall. 

The last fan question the guys answer is about how the House vs. NCAA settlement, and how, if approved, will affect football schools like Nebraska vs. basketball schools like Creighton. Will NU be able to spend as much on basketball transfers as CU if they also have to use part of the revenue-sharing pie on popular sports like volleyball?

00:47:47
Apr 2, 2025 3:22 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Matt Rhule's tension to start Nebraska spring camp; Year 3 expectations

The guys start by studying Rhule's quotes, including a clarification on Dylan Raiola's body weight after last week's reaction. The two talk about the vibes around the program at the moment with several new staff members settling in and plenty of big roster decisions looming.

Next, Sam and Evan discuss where NU has fallen short in Rhule's first two years, and some of the randomness that has partaken because of a missed kick, bad snap, or other specialist issues. The guys question whether all of the mistakes can be cleaned up by new coaches. The two look at where Nebraska will change its strategy, particularly in building around the quarterback and finding ways for Raiola to be more aggressive and hit big plays.

The two end the episode with a look at Nebraska baseball's road trip that has plummeted the Huskers in the Big Ten standings and how the team can recover after another road loss Tuesday night.

00:46:26
Mar 26, 2025 12:1 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Breaking down Matt Rhule's comments on Dylan Raiola and more on spring football

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland break down Matt Rhule's comments on Dylan Raiola and why or why not Nebraska should being focusing on its young, healthy offensive linemen.


Sam and Evan discuss Matt Rhule's comments on the roster and is it as good as the coach says it is, or is he speaking it into existence?


The duo breaks down Matt Rhule's comment on Dylan Raiola's body composition and what the point of it was.


Sam and Evan discuss whether Nebraska should stick with its hurt but veteran offensive linemen or if Matt Rhule and Co. should move onto the young and healthy linemen.


Fred Hoiberg isn’t going anywhere, but is the die already cast for Nebraska men's basketball?

00:53:53
Mar 12, 2025 3:30 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Nebraska's revamped football staff and potential impact of transfers

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk Nebraska's revamped football staff and the potential impact of transfers. 

Sam and Evan each talk their key takeaway from each of the new Nebraska football staff members.


The duo break down the potential impact of each of Nebraska football's new transfers.

Sam and Evan discuss Nebraska's double-overtime loss to Ohio State, what happened and what it means for the rest of the season.

The duo discuss how Nebraska baseball is still figuring itself out this season.

00:48:32
Mar 5, 2025 2:7 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Remembering Greg Sharpe and would Nebraska thrive in a football super conference

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk the state of football and their preseason expectations for Nebraska baseball.

They start off the podcast by remembering the life and legacy of Greg Sharpe, the voice of Nebraska football and baseball.

Sam and Evan discuss whether or not Nebraska would thrive in a football super league and how that would work, particularly in regards to other sports.

With a standout year still ongoing, the duo break down where Brice Williams ranks among other Nebraska men's basketball players.

They talk the legacy Alexis Markowski will leave on Nebraska women's basketball and where she stacks up against other Husker greats.

They close out with a breakdown of Nebraska baseball's and softball's strong starts and their expectations for both teams this season.

00:44:53
Feb 19, 2025 3:4 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Pick Six Podcast: Preseason expectations for Nebraska baseball

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland talk the state of football and their preseason expectations for Nebraska baseball.

The two open with a brief discussion of the Super Bowl and move onto the state of football from the top level to high school.

Sam and Evan talk their preseason expectations for Nebraska baseball. Will the Huskers or Oregon win the Big Ten?

00:53:47
Feb 13, 2025 3:30 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Is Matt Rhule paranoid or is there tampering after Nebraska's spring game?

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Tom Shatel and Evan Bland break down Nebraska not holding a traditional spring game and if Matt Rhule paranoid or justified in saying tampering was a reason behind the change.

The crew opens with Nebraska's announcement that the Huskers won't have a traditional spring game and Matt Rhule's comments that part of the decision came from the tampering that happens in college football.

They talk whether there is tampering and the loss of the Nebraska tradition.

The trio moves onto Nebraska hiring Mike Ekeler special teams coordinator and the shuffling of Matt Rhule's staff this offseason.

Is this a Matt Rhule 2.0 staff? Does this free Rhule to take on more of a CEO, while coordinators become mini head coaches of their units.  

Matt Rhule said he aims to blend talent (big NIL players) with culture (walk-on sort of players) on Nebraska's 105-man roster.

Is this feasible, and is it worth it? How do you do it during the revenue sharing era?

John Cook has stepped down as Nebraska volleyball coach and his successor has been named former Husker and Louisville coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Was it a seamless transition?

Is there a better fit — or more qualified — to take over the Husker program?

The crew also talks the parallels to Tom Osborne and Frank Solich and Scott Frost, and why this was the perfect time for Cook to retire.

Nebraska men's basketball was on a big losing streaking. Now the Huskers have beaten two straight ranked teams (Illinois and Oregon) and are back on the NCAA tournament bubble.

They talk how Fred Hoiberg's Hail Mary (calling the Illinois game the Huskers' Super Bowl) changed Nebraska's course and how Brice Williams and Juwan Gary have had huge impacts on the team. 

What does Nebraska need to do to get off the bubble and into the NCAA tournament?

The crew gives their Super Bowl predictions — will the Kansas City Chiefs three-peat? — and what it will take for each team to win.

00:57:43
Feb 4, 2025 4:18 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Nebraska basketball's tailspin and standout Husker football players

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland break down what is going on with Nebraska basketball's six-game losing streak and the standout Husker football players.

The crew opens with Nebraska men's basketball being on a six-game losing streak.

What is going on with the team — why aren't the Huskers knocking opponents out early at Pinnacle Bank Arena? Is it surprising and how has the story changed for Nebraska since the streak began?
The duo breaks down how each Big Ten school is spending its money on coaches and where Nebraska stacks up against each university.

Are coaching salaries going down as college athletics enters into revenue sharing with athletes?

They give their standout three high school, transfer and returning players for Nebraska.

01:01:37
Jan 29, 2025 3:11 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Nebraska using the transfer portal as a weapon; who will coach special teams

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel break down Nebraska football's aggressive approach to the transfer portal and who may coach the Huskers' special teams in 2025.

The crew opens with a discussion on Nebraska's aggressive approach to the transfer portal this offseason and who the Huskers have added and lost.

They also talk the standouts from the portal throughout the years.

They talk Nebraska's offseason overhaul of special teams and who may coach the Huskers' third unit.

Will a name be coming soon?

The crew talks how Nebraska can reach the goal that Ohio State and Notre Dame achieved this year: Playing for a national title.

After a narrow loss to Iowa and a blowout one to Purdue, the crew discusses why this doesn't spell doom for the Nebraska men's basketball team's season.

They also discuss the upsides to this year's Huskers and Fred Hoiberg's passion for the job.

The close out with what Allison Weidner's third season-ending injury means for Nebraska women's basketball this season.

00:54:52
Jan 15, 2025 1:15 PM
Clean
The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis
Nebraska wins the Pinstripe Bowl and is making moves in the transfer portal

In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska winning the Pinstripe Bowl, the transfer portal and Husker basketball.

The crew opens with Nebraska Athletics' top stories of 2024, including Trev Alberts leaving for Texas A&M and the hiring of Troy Dannen.

They talk the changing landscape of college football and the impact of Nebraska winning the Pinstripe Bowl.

The three break down Nebraska's moves in the transfer portal and the Huskers that have entered, including Omaha Westside graduate Jaylen Lloyd and Bellevue West grad Daniel Kaelin.

The crew talk where Nebraska men's basketball is at after finishing its nonconference schedule 10-1 and heading into Big Ten play.

They close out with their picks for the remaining bowl games.

00:50:14
Dec 31, 2024 2:54 PM
Clean