The “What if Osborne had gone to Nebraska instead?” question becomes one of the greatest sports debates of all time.

Osborne is remembered as the man who put UNO football on the map.

Omaha becomes known as a “football city” alongside Lincoln.

By the mid-90s, boosters push for UNO to jump to Division I-A ( — and Osborne retires before the leap.

30+ All-Americans across 25 years.

Several drafted into the NFL despite UNO’s small-school status.

Academic record mirrors real Nebraska: UNO consistently leads the FCS in Academic All-Americans.

18× Conference Champion

6× National Champion
1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1995

20× Playoff Appearances

Coach of the Year: 7× (multiple national awards)

Hall of Fame Inductee (2000s) – remembered as the greatest small-college coach ever

Osborne adjusts to modernizing offenses; still dominates.

UNO wins two more national titles (1993, 1995).

1993 Mavericks: Go undefeated (14–0), widely considered one of the greatest teams ever. (Avg victory 55-4.5)

Final 5 years: 60–3, retires in 1997 after another undefeated season (13–0).

Osborne’s system (option offense, crushing defense, disciplined training) peaks.

1983–1987: UNO wins four national titles in five years.

Signature Season (1985): 12–0 record, national champs, outscoring opponents by an average of 32 points.

Playoff record this decade: 28–4.

Early Era (1973–1979)

Records around 9–2, 10–1.

Establishes UNO as the dominant program in NCC.

By 1976, Mavericks win their first conference title.

First playoff run in 1977, reaching the semifinals.

Osborne makes UNO a “must-watch” small-college powerhouse. Heated rivals w/North Dakota State

Years: 1973–1997 (25 seasons)

Overall Record: 256-27 (.937 win %)

Conference Titles: 18

Playoff Appearances: 20

National Championships: 6

Longest Winning Streak: 29 games (1984–1986)

Academic All-Americans: Consistently top 5 nationally

Double the goals deserves double the Don

Get that man a Double Don!