Nebraska Football 2025-2026

[Greg S]

Again, how is the word Unity, controversial or bad? I just don't get how that word could be an issue.

My bad, I thought you were done trying to understand my angle. This is a duplicate response to a quote you already replied to. But, since you asked again, I will try my best to articulate.

Putting the word Unity on your back is much akin to the participation trophy. You know, every kid loses, but giving them a trophy anyway makes them feel like they've accomplished something. You know that degrades character development, right?

In the case of slapping Unity on your back... I'm pretty sure every football team is united (generally. There are a few rotten eggs), however, Oklahoma makes a statement saying they're united, so they put themselves on a moral high ground. "So you in the stands and you at home, be like us and unite. You haven't been doing a very good job of uniting" hence, why I said feeding us our peas.

So here I am looking at the dude on my left, and the dude to my right. Im pretty sure we're united. "So are you accusing us of not being united?" Therefore its a more broad statement that trickles into every day life. I treat people who I dont even know and may never see again with the dignity and respect they deserve based on the merits of their character and behavior. Thats pretty universal isn't it?

So by them putting Unity on every player's back is a statement that says "You there, unite, no matter what the other person does. Unite, or else. Here, have some peas, it'll be alright." And here I am the kid "well sir, I thought we were playing nice". "Don't talk back to me young man. You're grounded!"

If you ever watch South park, its Butters in a nutshell. Poor kid is always in trouble even though he never did anything wrong, he gets fed up and it turns him into a bad kid.



I don't take it real seriously, I'm not mad about it. I just want to watch the game of football, not a platform.

Participation Trophy. That's one myth I can dispel. So much hand wringing on the everyone gets a trophy (participation trophy as you said) kids. I've been coaching for over 2 decades, the last 10 at the high school trophy. These are athletes that were in the group. I can assure you they are every bit if not more competitive as they age as my group was in the 70's and 80's when I was playing competitive sports.

Interesting take but in no way the way I see it. Wow. Moving on...

[nebport5]

https://bigjeffsfootball.com/big-ten-fo ... -rankings/

Per that article:

• "USC is the first school in the Underperformer category, since they have a 5-year Big Ten average recruiting rank… good for 5th overall in the Big Ten"
• "Nebraska is our second recruiting Underperformer, ranking 6th best in Big Ten recruiting and with a 5-year Big Ten recruiting average"

Using the same 5-year period, I notice the following:

• USC has sent 22 players to the NFL
• Iowa has sent 19 players to the NFL
• Nebraska has sent 9 players to the NFL

My conclusions:

• Even though USC under-performs on the field, the NFL clearly thinks they have a lot of talent.
• Even though Iowa lacks highly regarded high school recruiting, the NFL clearly thinks they have a lot of talent.
• Even though Nebraska has highly regarded high school recruiting, the NFL clearly thinks they lack talent.

Or did they just do less with the talent they had?

"This makes Nebraska easily the biggest under-performer relative to their recruiting in the Big Ten.”

Getting to the NFL isn’t a guarantee you came from a talented team. And talent alone is not enough to get to the NFL. Something like less than 1% of college players will make that transition. Iowa has no doubt been the more successful program the last ten years(The Frost/early Rhule era)and has obviously sent more players to the NFL. However, getting more players drafted does not necessarily equate to having the more talented college team overall head to head each year. That’s a big leap to make that assumption.

You can certainly argue Iowa has outperformed Nebraska in developing players in this era. I agree with your earlier assessment that it’s difficult to gauge because there are so many factors why Nebraska has lagged behind. Some that stick out to me include; low wins totals(boneheaded coaching has lost many close games), coach instability, attrition from a high number of injuries as well as the portal. That above article does not conclude Nebraska has lacked the talent to win more games. Rather, he concludes based upon recruiting Nebraska has underperformed on the field and Iowa has over-performed.

[Busguy2010]

Talk about a boneheaded turnover. Here, just let me not catch the kickoff lol. I.O.W.A.

[Busguy2010]

DUDE. Messed up.

[skinzfan23]

Wow, how many gifts are the refs gonna give Iowa this game? There should’ve been pass interference on a Nebraska throw into the end zone earlier and now that play 100% was targeting the player should have been ejected in Nebraska. Given the ball yet they call neither.

[CBJason]

Oh stop being homers, even the broadcasters agree

[Busguy2010]

Man, I called it before it happened. Iowa punts, Nebraska fumbles, flag. Nebraska elects to have them re-punt, Nebraska fumbles again, returner gets murdered, not called, Iowa gets a safety. Nebraska stops Iowa on the next possession and gets a fairly decent return and it gets called back. Mother Fr. You can't draw up a more ironically bad series of events.

[Cermak]

The only good thing about this season has been the incredible play of running back Emmet Johnson. Otherwise a very blah year.

[Busguy2010]

Nebraska stinks so bad I smell em from here

How do you fumble a punt, tell them "there old chap, I'd like another go of it" and then fumble it again, except this time into the end zone for a safety?" You Wana know, the Huskers will teach ya.

That should have been targeting though. Skers got hosed on that one.

[Busguy2010]

I'm done. I'm cooked more than Mom's turkey. I'm leaving now to beat the snow. I feel bad for all the people at the game. Its about an hour walk back home and I have no more words. "Hopefully" by the time I get back, something good will happen, but I'm not holding my breath.

[djc311]

This game has been awful and it’s only getting worse. At this time we are down by 17 and just punted again.

I was born and raised a Husker fan but I’m losing interest. We can’t win big games nor good games - Iowa isn’t even ranked, but it would be nice to be able to beat a border state rival occasionally (and I don’t mean once every decade).

I understand Raiola is hurt - but we should be able to recruit and have second string players that can beat 7-4 teams. If Raiola leaves for the portal, it will only get worse IMO.

Sucks to see them play so poorly. Think I might just switch to watching volleyball. LOL

[Cermak]

This game is pathetic, difficult to watch. All we have left to look forward to is which low level bowl game we will play in, no thanks.

[mrsticka]

Game's over. Nebraska lost 40-16. Stagburn it!

[djc311]

Game's over. Nebraska lost 40-16. Stagburn it!

That’s it? Only 3 TDs with 2-point conversions on all of them then they could have tied it up!

[mrsticka]

I thought it would be closer than that. When Nebraska scored that touchdown early in the game and lead 7-0, I actually thought they would win it.

[Busguy2010]

I thought it would be closer than that. When Nebraska scored that touchdown early in the game and lead 7-0, I actually thought they would win it.

This is how they did me. I actually wasn't too enthusiastic to start, But I thought I'd give em a shot, and said "aw heck, they might actually.............." They got my hopes up at first, and my, what a dumpster fire it turned into.

I decided I'd rather walk for an hour in 15 degree wind chill than finish watching the game. There were plenty of reminders along the way. What an ugly way to end the season.

[Cermak]

The Huskers lost 4 of their last 6 games. The season started to go downhill after the Minnesota blow out. This season was really no better than last year. But then the head coach gets a contract extension. I think we are supposed to be happy with 7 wins now.

[mrsticka]

7 wins is better than 5 and no bowl game.

[Busguy2010]

Dude. Come on. A Michigan player just head butted an official and my immediate reaction was "that's ejection and suspension the rest of the year" all they gave him was 15 yards and a warning. Thats some unacceptable behavior in football and life in general. I would have threw his arse out immediately. Announcers were also surprised that's all he got.

[mrsticka]

I just watched the video clip and I agree. He should've been ejected from the game. Headbutting the officials is a big no-no.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The Huskers lost 4 of their last 6 games. The season started to go downhill after the Minnesota blow out. This season was really no better than last year. But then the head coach gets a contract extension. I think we are supposed to be happy with 7 wins now.

I agree with what you’re saying here. Rhule really needs to consider moving on from his Defensive coordinator. I think he should be fired. Give the Offensive coordinator one more season. The performance yesterday against Iowa was pathetic and inexcusable.. But mostly, an embarrassment..

Time for a second trip to the frozen tundra bowl…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

I just watched the video clip and I agree. He should've been ejected from the game. Headbutting the officials is a big no-no.

That NIL money must have gotten to his head.

He took a blow to his NFL future, if there's one. I hate to see it be an example for kids at any level. Head-butt an official, unsportsmanlike conduct, half the distance to the goal.

Pretty sure if I went outside and head-butted anybody thats assault. They got their just deserts in the end, but man that's a bad standard to set.

[mrsticka]

If they weren’t so close to the goal, it would have been a 15-yard penalty.

[Brad]

Nebraska parts ways with defensive coordinator John Butler

https://www.ketv.com/article/report-neb ... d/69595263

"I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately. We thank John for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and wish him the best moving forward in his coaching career," Rhule said.

Rhule said that Phil Snow will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for the Huskers' bowl game.

[djc311]

Nebraska parts ways with defensive coordinator John Butler

https://www.ketv.com/article/report-neb ... d/69595263

"I informed John Butler earlier today that he will not be retained as defensive coordinator effective immediately. We thank John for his contributions to our football program over the past two seasons and wish him the best moving forward in his coaching career," Rhule said.

Rhule said that Phil Snow will serve as the interim defensive coordinator for the Huskers' bowl game.

I imagine this should be a plus... the only game we went to this season was Michigan and I swear every TD they had was a run up the middle for 50+ yards (and I think they had 2 or 3 of them). We should not be consistently letting these runs happen with the budget we have to bring in coaches.

Of course we won't know until next season as this one is toast... I know a lot of Husker fans will state this season has been a success to which I'd respond with if winning more games than losing is a success, then yes it has been. However, when other top programs in the country can consistently do well (ie, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M) then Nebraska should be able to get back up there. Nebraska should be able to be a 9-3 team... perhaps 10-2 on a regular basis. The money is there - time to make it happen.

Maybe if Raiola wasn't injured we could have won another 1-2 games... but he's still inconsistent and can't seem to avoid the sacks, so it's hard to say. He may not stick around for '26 and his brother already bailed on his commitment. It's definitely a different landscape with the $$$ in play!

[Busguy2010]

I know a lot of Husker fans will state this season has been a success to which I'd respond with if winning more games than losing is a success, then yes it has been.

All in all, now that its said and done, I consider this season "meh". It was nice to watch a QB that can throw, and Johnson was the best RB we've had to watch since Ameer and Burky. But it was also full of massive let downs, embarrassments even. I thought we had it out of our system. Let's just say I started the season with enough hope, I had a game calendar that I filled out for the first time in maybe 5 years, and I still balled it up, threw it at the wall, and then used it as fire starter before the Iowa game was even over. I hated watching local news this weekend because they keep reminding us. And now were gonna spend all winter searching for answers. Thats how importantly terrible that Iowa game was.

I highly doubt have won those games, even with Raiola, so that's on Rhule. Johnson proved he was carrying the offense. I'm thinking more and more Rhule's heart was telling him to bounce to Penn State. If we are ever gonna turn a corner, we need to win a game like Michigan and USC, and not get curb stomped by the likes of Minnesota and Iowa.

Its gonna be a long, cold, and quiet off season, as apparently mother nature also has no mercy on Husker fans lol.

In the grand scheme of things, it's our fault because we were so dissatisfied with measly 9 and 10 wins, that we went out and hired MIKE RILEY ? Now it feels like the Husker curse moght be chasing after Rhule, too.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Rhule really needs to consider moving on from his Defensive coordinator. I think he should be fired. Give the Offensive coordinator one more season. The performance yesterday against Iowa was pathetic and inexcusable.. But mostly, an embarrassment..

And boom goes the dynamite!

I hate seeing anyone lose their job, but as I stated over the weekend, Rhule really needed to move on from Butler..

The right decision was made here…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nebugeater]

Rhule really needs to consider moving on from his Defensive coordinator. I think he should be fired. Give the Offensive coordinator one more season. The performance yesterday against Iowa was pathetic and inexcusable.. But mostly, an embarrassment..

And boom goes the dynamite!

I hate seeing anyone lose their job, but as I stated over the weekend, Rhule really needed to move on from Butler..

The right decision was made here…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

He never should have gotten the position. It should have gone to the open market. Tony White left.

I see some argument that this year's D had great pass defense. I will counter that with when the opposing offense is running at will, you don't need a passing offense, so it is much easier to stop!

[remline]

This team isn't very good, so it is reasonable to make changes. However, my initial reaction was—why does the defensive coordinator take the blame?

• Nebraska's offense is #79 in the country (373 yards/game)
• Nebraska's defense is #23 in the country (312 yards/game).

Solution: fire the defensive coordinator?

[almighty_tuna]

This team isn't very good, so it is reasonable to make changes. However, my initial reaction was—why does the defensive coordinator take the blame?

• Nebraska's offense is #79 in the country (373 yards/game)
• Nebraska's defense is #23 in the country (312 yards/game).

Solution: fire the defensive coordinator?

Pass defense was fine, and likely what floated that statistic. However, the run defense was abysmal. You could have handed a toddler the football and he would have taken it to the house.

[Louie]

This team isn't very good, so it is reasonable to make changes. However, my initial reaction was—why does the defensive coordinator take the blame?

• Nebraska's offense is #79 in the country (373 yards/game)
• Nebraska's defense is #23 in the country (312 yards/game).

Solution: fire the defensive coordinator?

Pass defense was fine, and likely what floated that statistic. However, the run defense was abysmal. You could have handed a toddler the football and he would have taken it to the house.

Yeah, they finished 2nd in the nation on pass defense. 95th in rush defense. Part of this is that Nebraska also ranked 3rd in fewest opponent pass play attempts. If you don't have to pass, you don't even need to try.

[nebugeater]

This team isn't very good, so it is reasonable to make changes. However, my initial reaction was—why does the defensive coordinator take the blame?

• Nebraska's offense is #79 in the country (373 yards/game)
• Nebraska's defense is #23 in the country (312 yards/game).

Solution: fire the defensive coordinator?

Pass defense was fine, and likely what floated that statistic. However, the run defense was abysmal. You could have handed a toddler the football and he would have taken it to the house.

Pass defense is fine, but the lack of run defense somewhat masks it. Teams didn't need to rely on the pass since the run was easy to be successful at. Not saying the pass def was not acceptable but it is also some smoke and mirrors to achive what they had

[remline]

Yeah, they finished 2nd in the nation on pass defense. 95th in rush defense. Part of this is that Nebraska also ranked 3rd in fewest opponent pass play attempts. If you don't have to pass, you don't even need to try.

That is an excellent point. Checking this morning, I see that Nebraska is currently #1 in fewest opponent pass attempts (283)!

However, our pass defense didn't merely witness few attempts. They were also relatively efficient at defending those attempts. Opponents averaged 5.98 yards per pass attempt, which makes Nebraska #13 in the country. Not bad.

On the rushing side, opponents averaged 4.80 yards per rush attempt. That is #112 in the country—not good!

At least we aren't Rutgers—6.79 yards per defended rush attempt, worst in the country.

[Greg S]

Penn State search is a mess. Reminds me of Nebraska's under Steve Pedersen:

[Busguy2010]

Yeah, they finished 2nd in the nation on pass defense. 95th in rush defense. Part of this is that Nebraska also ranked 3rd in fewest opponent pass play attempts. If you don't have to pass, you don't even need to try.

That is an excellent point. Checking this morning, I see that Nebraska is currently #1 in fewest opponent pass attempts (283)!

It's probably not coincidental. Opponents' best bet was to run, and unfortunately, the run defense didn’t hold up. Or the pass defense looked good because teams didn't need to throw it. We may not know which. You pass or run enough, even the best players are bound to make a mistake that can break a game open and ruin the plan.

[nebugeater]

Will add this to this thread since those who follow college football probably read this.

Did anyone else see the major trolling that former Penn State coach James Franklin and his people pulled at VT during their recruiting press conference on Wednesday? They had Crumble Cookies as the Official dessert at the press conference. For those not following closely, the CEO of Crumble Cookie is the guy who came up with major $$$ to keep BUY's head coach (Kalani Sitake) at BYU in the 11th hour, and not go to Penn St, when many were reporting it was a done deal.

Got to love this priceless move!

[djc311]

Well, one of the brightest shining lights of the Huskers for this season (and wishfully for '26) just disappeared:

https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-e ... t/69646465

I figured he'd do so. Even with NIL, as basically the top RB in the Big 10, he's probably going to make some bank in the NFL.

[Stan]

Well, one of the brightest shining lights of the Huskers for this season (and wishfully for '26) just disappeared:

https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-e ... t/69646465

I figured he'd do so. Even with NIL, as basically the top RB in the Big 10, he's probably going to make some bank in the NFL.

Gotta make that money before injury strikes.

[almighty_tuna]

before injury strikes.

Absolutely, and even then it's not guaranteed. Just ask Skattebo!

[nebugeater]

Well, one of the brightest shining lights of the Huskers for this season (and wishfully for '26) just disappeared:

https://www.ketv.com/article/nebraska-e ... t/69646465

I figured he'd do so. Even with NIL, as basically the top RB in the Big 10, he's probably going to make some bank in the NFL.

This is the least shocking announcement post-reg season this year.
The only remaining question I have not seen addressed is whether he plays in the bowl game. I guess not