All Huskers
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 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Heinrich Haarberg runs out of bounds against UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Keys to Victory: Nebraska at USC

The Huskers are looking to get back in the win column after three straight losses.

TJ Birkel
|
Oct 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; A general overall view of United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Southern California Trojans.
Football

Nebraska-USC Preview with Brandon Jones, Host of the Light the Torch (USC) Podcast

An insider's look at the Trojans ahead of Saturday's matchup in Los Angeles.

TJ Birkel
|
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium.
Football

In Hiring Dana Holgorsen, Nebraska's Matt Rhule Shows He's Not Messing Around

The Huskers' head football coach is displaying the kind of urgency Husker fans can appreciate with his latest move.

TJ Birkel
|
Nov 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen walks the sideline during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Football

How Much of a Difference Can Dana Holgorsen Make?

It’s another View from the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald’s Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk about the big Dana Holgorsen news and look ahead to USC.

TJ Birkel
|
2012, Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes band waves an American flag in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium.
Football

A Common Fan Tribute to Veterans (+ Comparing Rhule and Frost in Year 2)

Honoring America's veterans and assessing the state of the Husker football program.

TJ Birkel
|
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Isaiah Neyor runs after a catch against UCLA Bruins defensive back Bryan Addison during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Huskers Fall to Lowest Spot Yet in College Huddle Rankings

Huskers down four spots after disappointing loss to UCLA.

TJ Birkel
|
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers fan sits in the stands after a Cornhuskers loss to the UCLA Bruins at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Apathy on the Horizon in Husker Nation?

Assessing the state of Husker fans after three consecutive losses.

TJ Birkel
|
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; UCLA Bruins running back T.J. Harden (25) runs the ball against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive lineman Jimari Butler (10) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Nebraska Feels Further Away Than Ever After Loss to UCLA

Huskers left seeking answers after confounding loss to the Bruins.

TJ Birkel
|
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official against the UCLA Bruins during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Nebraska Football: Trust No One

Huskers' performance against UCLA an organization-wide failure.

TJ Birkel
|
Oct 12, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Rose Bowl.
Football

Nebraska-UCLA Preview with Zaid Qureshi, Host of the Bruin Source Podcast

An insider's look at the Bruins ahead of their game in Lincoln against Nebraska.

TJ Birkel
|
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a short pass against Ohio State Buckeyes during the third quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on Oct 26, 2024, in Columbus.
Football

Keys to Victory: Nebraska vs. UCLA

Huskers look to bounce back after back-to-back losses.

TJ Birkel
|
No Excuses: Nebraska Needs to Beat UCLA
Icon / VideoCreated with Sketch.
Football

No Excuses: Nebraska Needs to Beat UCLA

With bowl eligibility on the line, the Huskers have a huge opportunity Saturday in Lincoln.

TJ Birkel
|