As Matt Rhule embarks on his third season at the helm of Nebraska football, the Cornhuskers are poised for a pivotal campaign aimed at reestablishing their national prominence. Following a 7–6 record in 2024, which included the program’s first bowl victory since 2015, expectations are elevated in Lincoln.
Rhule’s tenure has been marked by steady progress. After a 5-win debut season in 2023, the team improved to 7 wins in 2024, highlighted by a victory over Wisconsin that secured their first bowl eligibility since 2016. The defense, under coordinator Tony White, ranked among the nation’s top 20 in rushing, scoring, and total defense.
The 2025 season presents a favorable schedule, with no games against Ohio State or Oregon and a home matchup against Michigan early in the year. Analyst Josh Pate notes that this setup could facilitate Nebraska’s best season in over a decade, suggesting that an 8-win season is a fair expectation.
Offensively, the Cornhuskers are led by sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, a former top recruit who flipped his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska. The addition of former Alabama offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett bolsters the offensive line, aiming to provide Raiola with the protection needed to thrive.
Defensively, the team welcomes five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri, a transfer from Missouri, expected to make an immediate impact. However, the departure of standout linebacker Princewill Umanmielen to Ole Miss presents a challenge that the defense will need to address.
As Nebraska enters the 2025 season, the combination of a favorable schedule, key player additions, and the continued development under Rhule’s leadership positions the Cornhuskers to make a significant stride toward reclaiming their status as a national powerhouse.