The Nebraska Cornhuskers will kick off their 2025 college football season in a high-profile matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats on August 28. The game is set to take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, marking a rare neutral-site opener for both programs.
This early-season clash promises to be a major draw, as Arrowhead Stadium—home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs—sits just a few hours from Lincoln, offering easy access for Husker fans eager to make the trip. It also offers a significant platform for Nebraska to showcase its program in a nationally televised matchup.
The meeting between Nebraska and Cincinnati will be the first in over a century—their last and only meeting took place in 1906. Since then, both programs have evolved significantly, with Nebraska boasting a rich football history and Cincinnati establishing itself as a formidable competitor in recent years, particularly after a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021.
For Nebraska, the 2025 season opener is expected to feature former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who will likely have a full season of experience under his belt. Head coach Matt Rhule, now entering his third year at the helm, sees this game as an opportunity to make an early statement in what could be a pivotal season for the program.
“This is more than just a game—it’s a spotlight moment to show where we’re headed as a team,” Rhule said in a press release.
Cincinnati, now part of the Big 12, will also be looking to use this matchup to measure itself against a Big Ten opponent, making this a compelling early-season battle between two resurgent programs with high aspirations.