Nebraska Football Prepares for Pivotal Year 3 Under Matt Rhule Amid Big Ten Challenges

Entering his third year as head coach, Matt Rhule is optimistic about the Nebraska Cornhuskers' potential to become Big Ten contenders in the 2025 college football season. After ending a seven-year bowl drought in 2024, Rhule emphasizes a player-led approach to push the program forward, with quarterback Dylan Raiola and returning players like Henry Lutovsky taking prominent roles. Rhule holds high expectations for the defensive line despite losing key talent such as Ty Robinson, expressing confidence in the depth and competitiveness of the unit. Expert analysis highlights Nebraska's ongoing struggles in close games as a critical hurdle to overcome for a breakthrough season, while the Huskers have added transfers like receiver Dane Key to bolster their offense. Other Big Ten coaches, including Minnesota's P.J. Fleck, recognize Nebraska as a rising threat under Rhule, who has a history of significant improvements by his third year at previous programs. With a relatively healthy offensive line, new coordinators familiar with the roster, and a growing winning culture, Rhule and his staff aim to leverage their strengths and depth to compete at a higher level in 2025.