LINCOLN, Neb. — In one month, the scrutiny returns. The season opener for Nebraska football is 31 days away.A wide range of outcomes awaits this team, which features more experience than any other in Lincoln under fourth-year coach Matt Rhule.“Our ceiling is a national championship,” senior defensive back Jamir Conn said. “For every team in the Big Ten, that’s the goal. If that’s not their goal, I don’t know why they’re playing.”For now, the focus remains on preseason camp. It opens Wednesday amid questions about the Huskers’ ability to compete against top Big Ten teams, three of which appear on the Nebraska schedule after a five-game on-ramp to the 2026 season.Ten Nebraska players visited with the media Tuesday. The Huskers said they’re eager to drive in the fast lane this year with revamped parts under the hood on offense and defense.A three-game losing streak to end last season dropped Rhule’s winning percentage through 38 games at Nebraska to .500. He’s qualified for a bowl in each of the past two years, but the coach said last week at Big Ten media days that he and his staff and players “didn’t come to Nebraska to go 7-6.”For Nebraska to experience a jump in performance against a lineup of foes that includes Indiana, Oregon and Ohio State, widespread growth is a must. It starts in August.Can Nebraska compete with the top teams in the country?Mitch ShermanHere’s a look at six players whose contributions could make or break the Huskers in 2026:WR Nyziah HunterOn Tuesday, Hunter listed the names of Nebraska’s pass catchers, the deepest group on the squad. They’re special, he said, because everyone in the top five or six has got a job — something that he can do best.What is that for Hunter?“I have to make the biggest plays possible,” he said.Hunter, at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds as a fourth-year junior, displayed that skill a year ago. His 617 yards (on 43 catches) and five touchdowns led Nebraska in his first year since transferring from Cal, but he’s got more to give this year in an offense that’s designed to showcase his explosive nature.He possesses the running skills of a back and the ability to win balls downfield. Hunter expects perfection, he said.