2025 Nebraska Preview and Predictions
Here’s a preview of the 2025 Nebraska Cornhuskers football season, including a look at the roster, key matchups, and my season predictions:
📰 Season Overview
Year three of head coach Matt Rhule’s tenure presents a vital test for the program. After finishing 7–6 overall with a 3–6 Big Ten record and a Pinstripe Bowl victory, expectations are building for a tangible step forward in 2025 .
🔧 Offense: Building Momentum
OC Dana Holgorsen now has a full offseason to implement his system, and the Huskers expect improved efficiency—especially in the run game .
QB Dylan Raiola, entering his second year as starter, showed flashes as a true sophomore but struggled on late downs. Much hinges on his development .
Nebraska adds promising transfers like WR Dane Key (Kentucky) to stabilize the passing game, plus Elijah Pritchett, a former five-star OT from Alabama, bolstering the offensive line .
🛡 Defense: New Faces, Familiar Scheme
Despite the departure of DC Tony White, the 3‑3‑5 base will persist under coordinator John Butler, supported by DL coach Terry Bradden from the Chiefs .
Losses up front are mitigated slightly by additions like Williams Nwaneri and Dasan McCullough via the transfer portal .
The secondary remains a strength, with returners and FCS transfers helping sustain pass coverage effectiveness, although linebacker depth will be tested .
📅 Strength of Schedule & Key Games
ESPN FPI ranks Nebraska’s 2025 schedule as the 37th toughest nationally, which is 16th in the Big Ten—among the easier slates in the conference .
Expect wins in the opening trio: Cincinnati, Akron, and Houston Christian, a 3‑0 start is within reach .
Key conference games include Michigan early on (Sept 20) and season finales against powerhouses USC, Penn State, UCLA, and Iowa—strong tests that could define their season .
🏆 Expert Projections & Bold Takes
CBS Sports projects an 8-win season, with potential for 9 wins if the bowl game is won .
Other outlets suggest Nebraska could surprise if Raiola finds rhythm and Holgorsen’s scheme clicks, placing the Huskers as a sleeper team in the Big Ten .
📊 My Predictions & Outlook
Category Projection
Regular Season 8–4 (improvement in conference play)
Bowl Game Win → 9–4 final record
Offensive Output Stronger rush game, modest QB improvement
Defensive Trend Slight dip in pass rush; stable secondary
Best-case: If Key, Pritchett, and transfers integrate quickly, offense becomes dynamic and Nebraska secures 9+ wins.
Upside risk: If injuries strike or the QB struggles again under pressure, falling back to 6–6 is possible.
Realistic outlook: Steady improvement to 8–4 in the regular season, capped by a bowl win for a 9–4 year, signaling real progress in the Rhule era.
✅ What to Watch
Development of Raiola and his rapport with Key in clutch situations.
How well the new OL—anchored by Pritchett—protects and creates lanes.
Defensive readiness without key pass‑rush contributors: can new additions step up?
Nebraska has a schedule that leans favorable, a maturing offense under Holgorsen, and defensive continuity despite coaching turnover. If growth occurs at QB and the line stabilizes, this could be a breakthrough season for the Cornhuskers.