Nebraska Football 2025-2026

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 1:13 am

Now that James Franklin has been fired at Penn State, the big time coaching carousel has started already. I noticed all major publications early coaching candidates lists have Matt Rhule as one of the top options. Something to keep an eye on going forward….

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:08 am

I wouldn't be worried about it. He hasn't proven A LOT yet, so whether he were to stay or go, we're still a middling team. So I wouldnt think he's a super hot candidate. His job isnt done here.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 6:08 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:08 am I wouldn't be worried about it. He hasn't proven A LOT yet, so whether he were to stay or go, we're still a middling team. So I wouldnt think he's a super hot candidate. His job isnt done here.

National media tends to disagree. ESPN listed his name first under their top 5 candidates. I am seeing his name and Signetti listed most often.

Greg

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 12:31 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:08 am I wouldn't be worried about it. He hasn't proven A LOT yet, so whether he were to stay or go, we're still a middling team. So I wouldnt think he's a super hot candidate. His job isnt done here.

I thought that at first also, but sometimes AD’s think that a guy can have even greater success in a different situation or environment than they currently have had. Recruiting to Nebraska is definitely tougher than to Penn St. Also, he spent his teen years in Happy Valley and played for Penn St.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:43 pm

I'm not refuting that he's a candidate. Just saying for our purposes, he's not TO. He's taken a horrendous team and made it better, so far. There a lot of unfinished business here before I'd say nobody else could do it. So if he wants to go, he can go.

I like what he's got going here, but its not a finished painting. So I'd be a little disappointed if he were not to see it through, but that's not to say there isn’t somebody else out there.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:50 pm

With NIL and TV money, coaching and poaching a coach aren't what they used to be. IMO, this isn't the time for Ruhle to be moving—he should wait until he wins a New Year's Day bowl game to regain the cachet he'd need to be a target.

But if he moves, Nebraska will be in a worse place than they were when Frost got dumped. It's in both NU's and Ruhle's best interests to stay where they are.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:56 pm

damonhynes wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:50 pm With NIL and TV money, coaching and poaching a coach aren't what they used to be. IMO, this isn't the time for Ruhle to be moving—he should wait until he wins a New Year's Day bowl game to regain the cachet he'd need to be a target.

But if he moves, Nebraska will be in a worse place than they were when Frost got dumped. It's in both NU's and Ruhle's best interests to stay where they are.

Rhule will make a decision based on what he determines is best for him. That may be to stay at Nebraska

If he does leave, we are miles ahead of where the program was when Frost exited.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:02 pm

nebugeater wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:56 pm
damonhynes wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 3:50 pm
If he does leave, we are miles ahead of where the program was when Frost exited.

If this were 10 years ago, I'd believe you. But with the NIL, I think a program is more tied to a successful coach than ever before. We would be back to square 1 in my mind.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:31 pm

Here’s an article mostly about why Rhule wouldn’t leave.

5 Reasons Matt Rhule Won't Leave for Penn State; Why Nebraska Will Be OK If He Does

I can’t imagine Rhule being comfortable with jumping ship mid-season. If he were to seriously consider the job there would have to be an interim coach for the rest of the season. I ask you if Rhule didn’t play at Penn St. would he be a candidate? I think Rhule has a lot left to prove doing what he did before now in a major program. The rest of Nebraska’s season has too many games left to be considered that year three jump. That may taking winning out or only losing one more game and a maybe a possible playoff berth. If Nebraska finishes 10-2 would that equate to the Nebraska is back evaluation?

If Penn St doesn’t go after Cignetti, it will still be his last year at Indiana. If Penn St hypothetically poaches Rhule, Dannen’s first call should be to Cignetti.

Meanwhile, since Franklin’s firing, Nebraska has made an offer to now de-committed Penn St. 5 star running back.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:56 pm

nebport5 wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:31 pm If Nebraska finishes 10-2 would that equate to the Nebraska is back evaluation?

I don't think so. The schedule is too easy. If they had pulled out a win against Michigan, or if they can beat USC and Penn State, and Iowa, frankly, and finish 11-1, then I'll be impressed and they'll have exceeded my expectations. Still 6 games left, a lot up in the air.

9-3 or 10-2 with this schedule are really just baseline expectations. Beating every team they should. They got a good hand this season, where at least 9 games are "should win".

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 4:59 pm

OR if they somehow get a token slot in a playoff game, and either hang tough or win, then I'll say they're back, because that would be the equivalent of finishing the season ranked in the mid teens probably, and thats something that hasnt been done in over 20 years

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Mon Oct 13, 2025 10:55 pm

Matt Rhule's not going anywhere. He likes it at Nebraska.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 12:32 am

I will say listening to ESPN talk radio this afternoon, that Rhule’s name was mentioned often as a top of the list choice. He and Penn State’s AD have a long and close personal relationship. We can hope he doesn’t leave but he also has a coaching history of moving on to ‘the next big thing’ after 3 yrs.

The other thing is if he leaves what players would follow him in this NIL environment

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 1:24 am

Precisely

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 1:25 am

mrsticka wrote: Mon Oct 13, 2025 10:55 pm Matt Rhule's not going anywhere. He likes it at Nebraska.

Lol, ok….but does he love it?!

https://www.espn.com/college-football/s ... state-talk

In all seriousness, we’re just getting to the halfway point of the season and a lot can happen from here. I am thinking he probably does stay as well but I think it’s a 39-40% chance he could leave.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 12:57 pm

I'm not saying this is what will happen, but if I'm Rhule and Penn State (or anyone else) is willing to pay me more AND give me a bigger NIL pool to work with, I'm gone without blinking.

This is a different world than even 2-3 years ago, and you'd be genuinely stupid not to take all the guarnateed money and financial support you can get. (Even if the paycheck comes from Pedo State.)

Now, I might change my mind in another 2-3 years when this whole financial house of cards comes tumbling down and there's only 5-10 schools willing to participate in the arms race. But by that time the FBI won't be looking for someone they think is already dead, and I'll be on a beach earning 20%.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Oct 14, 2025 2:50 pm

Big E wrote: Tue Oct 14, 2025 12:57 pm I'm not saying this is what will happen, but if I'm Rhule and Penn State (or anyone else) is willing to pay me more AND give me a bigger NIL pool to work with, I'm gone without blinking.

This is a different world than even 2-3 years ago

Sadly for the Husker football program and Husker Nation, this is likely how its going to play out..Especially if Rhule gets NU to 9 or 10 wins this season…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Thu Oct 16, 2025 7:23 pm

So I guess apparently Matt Rhule isn’t going to jump ship? He was pretty cryptic about it, but he said "I'm sure he's going to find the right guy".

Wanted to get my pick in now, lest I forget that the game is tomorrow night. I'm going with Skers 31-24.

CBJason · Post by **CBJason** » Thu Oct 16, 2025 10:26 pm

Welp, Cignetti is off the board! Extended in Indiana. I actually thought it was going to be him.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri Oct 17, 2025 5:58 am

What Cignetti has done is insanely impressive, but let's look at this for a second:

- Halfway through his second year at the D1 level.
- 16-2 overall at the D1 level. Again, crazy impressive.
- 64 years old.
- The third highest paid person in his entire industry at almost $12M/yr, under contract til he's 72.
- ... at Indiana.

This all imploes financially inside five years.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Oct 17, 2025 4:18 pm

Impressed with what Indiana and Cignetti are doing. Would be interesting in what there revenues were in the years leading up to Cignetti and where they are in the last two years. Colorado has been flooded with cash since Deion was hired.

Cignetti has attracted new donors to IU. A big one that is now donating larges sums in Mark Cuban.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:42 am

My eyes aren't deceiving me are they? The normal red accents on the helmets are pink tonight, right?

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:53 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:42 am My eyes aren't deceiving me are they? The normal red accents on the helmets are pink tonight, right?

Yes. If we lose this game Raiola should have to forfeit some NIL money. I’m all for breast cancer support but…with the all white these are probably the most effeminate uniforms I’ve ever seen.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:01 am

nebport5 wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:53 am
Busguy2010 wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:42 am My eyes aren't deceiving me are they? The normal red accents on the helmets are pink tonight, right?
Yes. If we lose this game Raiola should have to forfeit some NIL money. I’m all for breast cancer support but…with the all white these are probably the most effeminate uniforms I’ve ever seen.

Yeah, same. I'm all for it too, but if, god forbid, they lose, these uniforms will go down in history. Two sins... All white, and a bunch of pink. They can wear all the pink in the world, but by golly, they better play good doing it lol. If the uniform superstition holds any truth, they couldn't have shot themselves more in the foot on that front.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:21 am

I almost wanna say if they were trying to lose anyway (say it ain't so) and go to that trouble to have special helmets, they'd have manned up and made all the red on the whole uniform pink. From an aesthetic standpoint, that would look better. God I hope they can pull it together

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:28 am

Makes me think of the "Sarcastaball" episode of South park. For the sake of safety, the town trades helmets for tin foil hats, pads for bras, footballs for balloons, and compliments for tackles.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:31 am

I have no idea if this is still common practice, but I’m reminded of how teams in the old days would paint the visitor locker room pink.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 2:22 am

heck, Minnesota should have went for two, the way things are going, a 9 point lead would ice the game.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 2:28 am

Man, we are getting PWNED.

Uberly, "bigly" if you will lol

What a |expletive| show [laugh crying]

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 3:20 am

Game's over. Nebraska lost 24-6. Stagburn it!

Nebraska had no business losing this game.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 3:45 am

mrsticka wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 3:20 am Stagburn it!

AMEN. What an embarrassment. And to think I actually had faith in them for the first time in almost a decade.

I looked up at the clock while Minnesota was driving to make it 21-6, I said well I see the writing on the wall, better get my butt to the liquor store before they close. I gave up on the game. It was nothing to see. I feel genuine remorse for the people who actually went to Minneapolis for the game cause that was an abomination. And thats putting it lightly. Nebraska is FAR from back. I now have doubts they'll even win another game.

I haven't even looked at the final score.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 7:06 am

What an ugly loss. I honestly think they will win just 1 or 2 more games. I don’t see them beating USC or UCLA .

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 10:14 am

Cermak wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 7:06 am What an ugly loss. I honestly think they will win just 1 or 2 more games. I don’t see them beating USC or UCLA .

They should beat Northwestern(should), but they way they continue to lose the line of scrimmage battle and give up sacks they shouldn’t be favored for any other remaining games. Raiola is partly to blame for the sacks but this O-line is easily the biggest disappointment of the season.

Meanwhile, the Rhule to Penn St. chatter should be gone by that game.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:51 pm

If you think the uniform selection had/has anything to do with the loss, you are delusional

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:04 pm

Well I think that game will take Rhule out of the penn state conversation.
Also I feel Donovan Raiola needs to be let go as O line coach. His coaching is gonna get his nephew hurt.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 3:50 pm

nebugeater wrote: Sat Oct 18, 2025 12:51 pm If you think the uniform selection had/has anything to do with the loss, you are delusional

I don't truly believe it, but the superstition out there is real. Just like jynxes and karma aren't real, but everybody seems to believe in them. After that horrendous performance, that uniform will probably be a "never again". All they had to do was show up and play and it would have been a good combo lol

I'm with everybody else, with that performance, Rhule ain't going anywhere. I wasn't so sure he's the bees knees before last night, and like I said earlier in the week, I wasn't so sure it'd make a difference whether he stay or go. Last night gave me flashbacks. I'd have had somebody pinch me in hopes that it was just a silly nightmare lol. Jesus, what a pitiful performance.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 7:22 pm

Meanwhile, LSU is doing there version of surrender whites and is about to lose to Vanderbilt…

which of course means their on field performance has nothing to do with this upset.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Sat Oct 18, 2025 10:50 pm

And Ohio State shut out Wisconsin 34-0. If that doesn’t make you feel better about Nebraska’s loss last night, I don’t know what will. Yes, they lost, but at least they didn’t get shut out.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sun Oct 19, 2025 4:01 am

I'm convinced the good guys aren't winning another game lol.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but Iowa beat Penn State, and Northwestern shut out Purdue, who hung tight with Minnesota last week.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Oct 19, 2025 10:37 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Oct 19, 2025 4:01 am I'm convinced the good guys aren't winning another game lol.

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but Iowa beat Penn State, and Northwestern shut out Purdue, who hung tight with Minnesota last week.

I agree they very likely could end up 5-7. The remaining schedule is probably the toughest part of their season. The home game this weekend against Northwestern might be the most Winnable of them all.