Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka welcome back one of the most iconic names in Nebraska football history—Dave Rimington—for his first appearance on the show since 2018. And it doesn’t take long to remember why a conversation with Rimington always turns into a mix of laughs, perspective, and some real talk about the state of college athletics.

The guys kick things off on a bitter-cold January night—while the national championship game is literally starting in the background—then go straight into the origin story of Husker Doc Talk and Rimington’s role in helping get the podcast off the ground in the first place. From there, it’s classic Rimington: quick wit, candid honesty, and a few “only Dave” stories (including a deep dive into AI prompts, Facebook ads, and whether that Tai Chi chair guy is even real).

But the heart of the episode is a thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion on what college football has become in the NIL + transfer portal era. Rimington and Zatechka unpack what “commitment” even means anymore—for players and coaches—why the portal timing feels broken, and how the sport is drifting toward a professional model without the guardrails the NFL actually has. The conversation also hits on local recruiting, development vs. “buying” older talent, and why the current system feels unsustainable for programs trying to build the old-fashioned way.

There’s also plenty of Nebraska and Omaha pride: Rimington is back in town for the Rimington Trophy Presentation at the Rococo Theatre, honoring this year’s winner, Logan Jones (Iowa), and the episode highlights how the event has grown into a first-class weekend while raising millions for cystic fibrosis research over the years. Rimington shares what it’s like to still have his name attached to a major national award—and why maintaining the quality of the event still matters to him.

Add in some NFL war stories, a little Memorial Stadium beer talk, a wrestling sidebar (because of course), and a heartfelt remembrance of Jim Hartung, and you’ve got an episode that feels like catching up with an old friend—who just happens to be a legend.

Watch on YouTube, subscribe, and drop your comments—because this one will definitely get people talking.

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Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

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Welcome to Husker Doc Talk Podcast — 2026, Episode 1, and the first show of the new year kicks off the only way this crew knows how: a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and a deep dive into Husker football—plus some side quests that only happen when you put Travis Justice, Dr. Rob Zatechka, and a former Blackshirt in the same room.

This episode is “about 20 years in the making,” as Travis and Rob finally welcome former Nebraska standout Zach Potter to the show.

Potter’s visit turns into a fascinating walk through his career arc—from highly recruited Creighton Prep athlete, to Nebraska defender, to a four-year NFL run with the Jacksonville Jaguars after a whirlwind, last-second position switch that had him signing a contract, hopping a flight, and suddenly playing tight end in the Florida humidity. Zach shares what it’s really like living practice-squad life, grinding all day at the facility, trying to survive roster math, and navigating the less-glamorous realities fans rarely hear about—like taxes in multiple states, paying for your own tickets, and living out of an extended-stay hotel because you’re not sure if you’ll even be employed next week.

Of course, the show also revisits one of the all-time debates: should Zach have played offensive line? Rob breaks down why he saw “natural tackle” traits in Potter years ago, while Zach explains why he chose the Blackshirt path—and why he has zero regrets. The conversation also gets real about the Callahan-to-Pelini transition, what it feels like when staffs change, why “losing a locker room” often comes down to one guy freelancing, and how quickly you have to re-prove yourself when a new coach walks in.

And because it’s Husker Doc Talk, the episode doesn’t stop there: NIL and the transfer portal, the value vs.-money debate, Nebraska’s portal approach, and even a quick tour through the “upside down world” where Nebraska is rolling in basketball while Indiana is suddenly a football power.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more at www.orrlawgrp.com.

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at www.huskerhounds.com.

Utah 44 Nebraska 22, the final from the Las Vegas Bowl. In the final episode for 2025, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka give their immediate postgame thoughts from the Las Vegas Bowl. To sum it up, a bad end to a bad season.

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Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at www.huskerhounds.com.