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TJ Birkel

TJ Birkel

Joined: Aug 16, 2024

T.J. Birkel is the creator and co-host of the Common Fan Podcast, a Nebraska football podcast focused entirely on Husker football, all the time. We aim to create meaningful episodes and written commentary that fans like us will enjoy, infused with heavy doses of fun and frivolity. We work hard to cover the latest Husker news of the day; to provide insightful commentary and analysis on all things Husker football; and to bring unique stories and perspectives that may not be covered by the media but that Common Fans will enjoy. GBR for LIFE!

Nov 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; UCF Knights head coach Scott Frost smiles on the sidelines during the second half against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field.
Football

NEW EPISODE: Frost to UCF, Pinstripe Bowl, Some Good Portal News, CFP & More!

The Common Fans discuss all the latest with Husker football plus some national college football news.

TJ Birkel
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Isaiah Neyor (middle) celebrates in the endzone after scoring Nebraska's first touchdown of the game.
Football

Three Takes on Nebraska’s Pinstripe Bowl Berth

Assessing Nebraska's bowl game location and opponent.

TJ Birkel
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Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule walks to the stadium before the Huskers' home game against Wisconsin on Nov 23, 2024.
Football

Trying to Make Sense of a Wild Week for Nebraska Football

Assessing all that happened during an unprecedented week for the Huskers.

TJ Birkel
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Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen on the sideline during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Dana Holgorsen is ‘N,’ DC Candidates, Bowl Destination Wish List, Portal Drama & More!

Assessing the wild start of the week for Nebraska football.

TJ Birkel
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Nov 29, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) hands the ball off to running back Emmett Johnson (21) against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium.
Football

Nebraska's Disappointing Finish Raises the Stakes for Bowl Game and 2025 Season

The Common Fans discuss the loss to Iowa, the handshake drama, and the implications of Nebraska's 1-5 finish for Matt Rhule's tenure at Nebraska.

TJ Birkel
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Iowa tight end Luke Lachey is tackled by Nebraska linebacker Javin Wright short of the goal line.
Football

Iowa Loss Shows the Huskers Still Haven't Overcome the Biggest Hurdle

Getting over the hurdle of winning close games may well define Matt Rhule's tenure with the Huskers.

TJ Birkel
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Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers assistant coach Dana Holgorsen during warmups before a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Keys to Victory: Nebraska at Iowa

Huskers looking to keep the momentum going against the Hawkeyes after decisive win over Wisconsin.

TJ Birkel
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Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and athletic director Troy Dannen walk off the field after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Huskers Up Three Spots in College Huddle's Latest Big Ten Football Rankings

The Nebraska football team is currently ranked #11 in the latest Big Ten football rankings put out by The College Huddle. That’s up three spots since last week,

TJ Birkel
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Nov 24, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz watches his team play the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Nebraska-Iowa Preview with Joel Kraushaar, Host of the 12 Saturdays (Iowa) Podcast

After finally getting the bowl monkey off their back, Nebraska will look to make it two in a row as they take on Iowa in the Thanksgiving weekend rivalry game.

TJ Birkel
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Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Lil’ Red and Herbie Husker pose during the third quarter between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Keeping Dana Holgorsen and Beating Iowa: A Common Fan Thanksgiving

The Common Fans talk the latest in Husker football and look ahead to the Iowa game.

TJ Birkel
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Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks hauls in a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dylan Raiola during the second quarter against Wisconsin.
Football

Nebraska Football: Let's Go Bowling, Baby!

The Common Fans celebrate Nebraska's dominant win over Wisconsin and first bowl game in nearly a decade.

TJ Birkel
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Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Brice Turner (40) celebrates after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Nebraska Football Exorcises a Decade's Worth of Demons in Win Over Wisconsin

The Nebraska football team got its sixth win Saturday, clinching bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The Huskers did so by beating Wisconsin for the first time since 2012. The jubilation, relief and joy could be felt far and wide across the wi

TJ Birkel
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