Michigan is set to open up Big Ten play on the road against an ascendant Nebraska team. Here’s a look at what the Cornhuskers have been up to this offseason and their outlook for 2025:
Once a proud national power, the Nebraska Cornhuskers haven’t really established themselves as a big threat in the Big Ten during their 13 seasons in the conference. Now, with a bit of momentum on their side, they’ll look to play spoiler for Michigan early in the season when the Wolverines travel to Lincoln in Week 5.
Here’s a brief look at where things stand with Nebraska and what Michigan fans might be able to expect in this game.
The Basics
Game info: Saturday, Sept. 20, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
2024 record: 7-6
2025 projected wins: 7.5 (per FanDuel )
Last matchup: 2023: Michigan won, 45-7
Roster Moves
Notable draft losses: WR Isaiah Neyor, WR Jahmal Banks, TE Thomas Fidone, DT Ty Robinson, DT Nash Hutmacher, LB John Bullock
Notable portal losses: RB Dante Dowdell, TE Ian Flynt, TE Arik Gilbert, OT Jacob Hood, DE Princewill Umanmielen, CB Jacob Barnes
Notable portal additions: WR Dane Key, WR Nyziah Hunter, OT Elijah Pritchett, OG Rocco Spindler, DE Williams Nwaneri, LB Dassan McCullough, LB Marques Watson-Trent, CB Andrew Marshall
State of the Program
After coming into the conference hot in the 2011 season, Nebraska hasn’t really established itself as a threat to the top teams in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers have cycled through a handful of head coaches, and appear to have some momentum with Matt Rhule heading into the fall.
Rhule has developed a reputation for being able to turn programs around. He got his start at Temple, taking the Owls from 2-10 to 10-3 in four seasons. He then took Baylor from 1-11 to 11-3 in three seasons. Now at Nebraska, he is hoping to take the team to another level in his third season after going 7-5 in 2024.
The Huskers have the talent, particularly on offense, to take a step forward this year. The centerpiece of the offense is sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola, who started as a true freshman last year with some mixed results. It wouldn’t surprise to see him take off in 2025 thanks to the pass-catching talent now at his disposal, with the best among them being Kentucky transfer Dane Key. Additionally, the offensive line is veteran-laden, with two incoming transfers (Rocco Spindler, Elijah Pritchett) further solidifying the group.
Defensively, Nebraska was solid in 2024 by allowing just 19.5 points per game, but it did lose a few players — particularly defensive linemen Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher — this offseason that were a big part of the success. Fortunately, the Huskers do bring back some experienced options across the defense, ensuring the cupboard isn’t totally bare.
Heading into the season, it’d be a stretch to say it’s a make-or-break season for Rhule, but it does feel like his program is at a bit of a tipping point. If Nebraska is truly going to take the next step towards being one of the better — or at least more respectable — opponents in the conference, it’ll need to improve in the win column this season.
Fortunately for Rhule, his program will have a chance at a big win early in the season when it hosts Michigan in late September. We should know a lot about where the Cornhuskers are at following this game.