Nebraska Football: Adaptability and Versatility Are Key Traits of New GM Pat Stewart
Nebraska football is entering a new era under the guidance of Pat Stewart, its freshly appointed general manager. The Cornhuskers, once a juggernaut in the college football world, have fallen from their once-glorious heights. For years, the program has struggled with inconsistency, lacking the dominant presence it once had in the Big 12 and, later, the Big Ten. Stewart’s appointment represents a bold and controversial shift toward a more dynamic, adaptable, and forward-thinking approach. If Nebraska football is to return to its former glory, Stewart must combine versatility and adaptability to navigate the evolving landscape of college football.
Stewart’s résumé isn’t packed with the flashy headlines of coaching superstars or former players turned executives. However, his career has been one rooted in strategy, analytics, and understanding the pulse of the ever-changing college football environment. His most significant challenge is to instill a sense of identity in a program that has struggled to define itself in the post-Tom Osborne era. This will require more than just a flashy hire or an immediate splash in recruiting. It will require a methodical and adaptable approach, one that evolves with the times while respecting the traditions of the program.
Adaptability is perhaps the most crucial trait Stewart will need. College football is no longer about simply fielding a physical team and hoping to outmuscle opponents. The game has evolved into a fast-paced, high-scoring sport where spread offenses, mobile quarterbacks, and dynamic playmakers are key to success. The days of a traditional “blackshirt” defense being the backbone of the team are fading. Stewart must be ready to embrace this changing dynamic while also understanding that Nebraska’s fans hold their team to a high standard.
Under his leadership, Nebraska will need to recruit with a sharp eye for talent, not only in the traditional areas like offensive and defensive lines but also in the skilled positions—quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback. Nebraska football needs to adapt to the growing trend of utilizing the transfer portal and NIL deals, not as a crutch, but as a strategic advantage. The landscape of college athletics has changed, and any general manager worth their salt must embrace the evolving reality of a hyper-competitive market.
Moreover, Stewart will need to be versatile in his approach to coaching. A one-size-fits-all method may have worked in the past, but today’s football players are as diverse as the playbooks they execute. Stewart must recognize that, in a sport where recruits come from various backgrounds with different expectations, a more fluid, adaptable coaching strategy is necessary. Whether hiring a new head coach or establishing a support system for current staff, Stewart’s decisions will need to align with a long-term vision while ensuring the program remains competitive in the short term.
Stewart’s ability to handle Nebraska’s passionate fanbase will also be tested. The Cornhuskers’ supporters are among the most loyal and dedicated in the country, but they have become increasingly frustrated with the program’s decline. A new direction under Stewart is expected, but how quickly it can be executed will determine the fate of his tenure. Will Nebraska stay true to its roots while simultaneously innovating, or will the pressure to deliver immediate results cause a clash of old and new?
The controversial aspect of Stewart’s role as general manager lies in the balancing act he must perform. The Nebraska football program is steeped in tradition, and any move away from that history could be met with resistance. Yet, the old ways have not worked for over two decades. To bring Nebraska back to prominence, Stewart must dare to take calculated risks, embrace change, and perhaps even go against the grain of what some expect from a program so deeply entrenched in its legacy. His adaptability and versatility will determine if he can lead Nebraska into a new age of football or if he will become another footnote in the program’s storied history.
Ultimately, the future of Nebraska football hinges on Pat Stewart’s ability to transform the program into a more adaptable and versatile entity—one capable of competing in the modern college football landscape while honoring its storied past. If he can strike that balance, the Cornhuskers may very well be on their way back to relevance. If not, Stewart could quickly find himself on the wrong side of history.
