Blog Article
Nebraska Football 2025: The Season That Could Change Everything
Nebraska football is back.
After ending its seven-year bowl drought and claiming its first bowl victory since 2015, the Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the 2025 season with sky-high expectations. Matt Rhule’s program made legitimate progress in year two, finishing 7-6 with a 20-15 triumph over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. Armed with a transformed roster and revamped coaching staff, the Huskers look ready to shatter expectations in the Big Ten.
The Mastermind Has Arrived (And He’s Staying)
Dana Holgorsen might be the most important addition to Nebraska football in a decade.
The offensive guru officially signed a two-year contract to remain Nebraska’s offensive coordinator after his late-season audition produced immediate results. Joining the staff initially as a consultant in 2024 before taking over play-calling duties for the final four games, Holgorsen transformed a stagnant offense almost overnight.
“Dana is one of the elite offensive minds in football, and the progress we made in our final three games provides a glimpse of the potential of our offense under his direction,” head coach Matt Rhule explained when announcing Holgorsen’s retention.
His resume tells the story of offensive brilliance:
- Six seasons as an FBS coordinator with average national finishes of 2nd in passing offense, 3rd in total offense, and 6th in scoring
- Experience developing more than 20 All-Americans and 50 NFL draft picks
- History of coaching quarterbacks to fifteen 3,000-yard passing seasons
- Track record of six 4,000-yard passing seasons and two 5,000-yard passing seasons under his guidance
Defensively, John Butler brings a fresh approach as coordinator with extensive experience from both the college and NFL ranks. Terry Bradden, who joins from the Kansas City Chiefs, coaches the defensive line, adding professional championship pedigree to the staff.
The combination of offensive continuity and strategic defensive additions positions Nebraska for a potential breakout in 2025.
Dylan Raiola 2.0: Leaner, Meaner, and Ready to Explode
Dylan Raiola is transforming himself into a championship quarterback.
No single player impacts Nebraska’s 2025 ceiling more than their sophomore signal-caller. The former five-star recruit showcased immense potential as a true freshman starter, completing 67.1% of his passes for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns. These weren’t just good numbers for a freshman but program-record-setting performances.
This offseason has been about physical transformation and leadership development. Matt Rhule didn’t mince words about Raiola’s need to reshape his body, stating bluntly: “He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 pounds.”
The message landed. Raiola attacked his conditioning with:
- Pre-dawn 6 a.m. boxing sessions to improve his cardio and quick-twitch athleticism
- Comprehensive nutrition and weight management program
- Extended sauna sessions during breaks to improve conditioning
By spring practice, Raiola reported feeling “in the best shape” of his career, having dropped approximately 10 pounds while significantly improving his mobility.
“I’m super excited about my future with Nebraska,” Raiola told reporters in March 2025. “Coach Holgorsen’s offense really suits my style and gives me freedom to make plays. I’m focused on mastering the system and being a better leader for my teammates.”
Beyond physical improvements, Raiola has embraced becoming the team’s unquestioned leader, even coaching younger quarterbacks during practices. Rhule has noticed the difference, noting Raiola is “10 steps ahead of where he was” as a freshman, showcasing improved pocket movement, quicker decision-making, and advanced understanding of defensive coverages.
The Transfer Portal Revolution
Nebraska just assembled one of the nation’s elite transfer classes.
The Huskers aggressively leveraged the transfer portal to address their 2024 weaknesses, landing eleven high-impact transfers who will immediately elevate the program’s talent level in critical areas.
Dane Key from Kentucky stands as the crown jewel of the class. The 6-foot-3 receiver arrives with eye-popping SEC credentials:
- 126 catches for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons
- Career-high 715 receiving yards in 2024 despite inconsistent quarterback play
- Extensive experience against NFL-caliber defensive backs
Key immediately projects as Raiola’s primary target, bringing precise route-running, reliable hands, and high-level experience against elite competition.
“Dylan was one of the first people that texted me when I came on my visit,” Key revealed during spring practice. “Dylan was with me on every second of my visit.”
The connection between quarterback and new receiver is already blooming, with Key specifically mentioning that Raiola’s talent was “one of the main reasons why I chose to come here.”
Defensively, former Oklahoma linebacker Dasan McCullough brings versatility and playmaking ability. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound former Freshman All-American at Indiana gives Nebraska’s defense an actual chess piece capable of playing multiple positions.
Nebraska also secured cornerback Andrew Marshall from Idaho, among the top FCS defensive backs in 2024 with first-team All-Big Sky honors. Marshall provides coverage skills and elite return ability, addressing a critical special-teams weakness from last season.
Other crucial additions include Notre Dame offensive lineman Rocco Spindler (projected as one of the Big Ten’s top interior linemen) and former Missouri defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri (a disruptive force who should help offset losses along the defensive front).
A Schedule Made for Success
Nebraska couldn’t have asked for a more favorable Big Ten schedule.
The 2025 slate sets up perfectly for the Huskers to make serious noise. They open against Cincinnati in a neutral-site game (likely at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City) before hosting Akron and Houston Christian to complete non-conference play.
In conference action, Nebraska benefits from several fortunate breaks:
- Avoiding both Ohio State and Oregon completely
- Hosting Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, USC, and rival Iowa at Memorial Stadium
- Building momentum with four consecutive home games early in the season
- Playing their toughest road games (Penn State, UCLA) after establishing identity
This structure allows Nebraska to build confidence and momentum early with four straight home games (including two Big Ten contests) following the opener against Cincinnati.
With analysts already projecting Nebraska to win 8-9 games in 2025, this favorable schedule could be the catalyst needed to exceed expectations if Raiola and the offensive additions click under Holgorsen’s guidance.
Holgorsen’s Offensive Revolution
Dana Holgorsen spent a month redesigning Nebraska’s offense from the ground up.
After his brief but impactful late-season audition as play-caller, Holgorsen dedicated his entire offseason to reshaping Nebraska’s offensive identity. He’s maintained schematic continuity from 2024 but is streamlining the system to maximize Raiola’s strengths and enhance the team’s explosiveness.
“I sat here for a month, watched every cut-up, and figured out stuff I wanted to do and didn’t want to do,” Holgorsen explained of his methodical approach. “If there are subtle changes in terminology, sets or plays, a majority of it’s going to stay the same.”
The receiving corps has undergone complete transformation. Dane Key and Cal transfer Nyziah Hunter join returners Jacory Barney Jr. and Jaylen Lloyd to form what could be Nebraska’s most dynamic playmaker group in years.
During spring workouts, Barney particularly caught Key’s attention: “The way that guy moves is very special. I haven’t seen too many guys move and shift the way that he can.”
Emmett Johnson steps into the featured role in the backfield after averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry last season. Johnson’s explosiveness fits perfectly in Holgorsen’s historically balanced offensive system.
The offensive line, a priority for both Rhule and Holgorsen, should take a significant step forward with Spindler’s addition and returning experience. Improved protection for Raiola and a consistent ground game will be essential for unlocking the full potential of Holgorsen’s offensive vision.
A New Defensive Identity
John Butler brings fresh defensive ideas while honoring what already worked.
With Tony White departing to Florida State, new defensive coordinator Butler introduces his approach while maintaining elements of the successful 3-3-5 structure that served Nebraska well in 2024. Look for more multiple fronts and aggressive pressure packages designed to generate turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses.
McCullough’s arrival gives Nebraska a versatile weapon that can line up almost anywhere, including the hybrid “Jack” role, which combines linebacker and edge-rusher responsibilities. Nebraska’s secondary, which performed admirably in 2024 by holding opponents to a 63.9% completion rate, adds Marshall to an already talented group featuring Ceyair Wright, Malcolm Hartzog Jr., and Marques Buford Jr.
The defensive front will showcase several new faces following key departures, but Nwaneri’s addition provides immediate impact potential. Nebraska’s defensive success in 2025 largely depends on how quickly these new pieces mesh and whether Butler can maintain the improvement shown under White’s leadership.
Fixing the Kicking Game
Special teams improvement could be worth an extra win or two in 2025.
This phase remains a critical focus heading into 2025 after inconsistent performance plagued the Huskers last season. Nebraska’s field goal percentage (68.4%) fell below the national average, and the return game generated almost no explosive plays.
Matt Rhule diagnosed the issue directly during spring practice: “I think a lot of our problems stemmed at the snapper position.”
To address these weaknesses, Nebraska made targeted additions:
- Andrew Marshall brings elite return skills from his time at Idaho
- Long snapper Kevin Gallic transfers in from New Hampshire
- Punter Jack McCallister arrives from Washington to boost field position
These specialized additions demonstrate Nebraska’s commitment to improving every aspect of its program, not just the headline-grabbing offensive and defensive positions.
Five Keys to a Breakthrough Season
Nebraska’s path to exceeding expectations depends on five critical factors.
For the Huskers to surpass the 8-9 win projection that analysts have set, they must address these specific areas:
- Red Zone Efficiency: Converting drives into touchdowns was Nebraska’s Achilles’ heel in 2024. Holgorsen’s offensive system should produce immediate improvement, paired with Key’s addition and Raiola’s development.
- Breaking Through Against Ranked Teams: Nebraska competed with but ultimately fell short against ranked opponents in 2024. Securing signature wins against quality competition represents the next crucial step in the program’s evolution.
- Special Teams Impact: Field position battles and scoring opportunities via the kicking game often decide close conference contests. Nebraska’s focused portal additions in this area should pay immediate dividends.
- Quarterback Evolution: Raiola’s progression from promising freshman to established Big Ten quarterback will determine Nebraska’s ultimate ceiling. His physical transformation and comfort in Holgorsen’s system suggest he’s ready for the leap.
- Defensive Cohesion: Despite a coordinator change, maintaining defensive effectiveness while integrating new starters represents a critical challenge. Butler’s NFL experience and the influx of talented transfers offer reason for optimism.
The Return of Big Red
Nebraska football is finally back where it belongs.
Seven years removed from their last bowl appearance before 2024, the Cornhuskers finally appear to be on solid footing under Matt Rhule’s leadership. The combination of Raiola’s development, Holgorsen’s offensive genius, strategic transfer additions, and a manageable schedule creates legitimate excitement heading into 2025.
“This is about building a sustainable program,” Rhule has consistently emphasized. With tangible progress already evident and significant investments in coaching and talent acquisition, the 2025 season represents a potential turning point in Nebraska’s return to national relevance.
While challenges remain, particularly integrating numerous new faces and establishing consistency against top competition, the foundation is firmly in place for Nebraska to surpass last season’s seven-win mark and potentially challenge for a top-half finish in the expanded Big Ten.
The 2025 season may not yet represent a return to championship contention for a program with Nebraska’s storied tradition. Still, it signals that the Cornhuskers are officially returning to prominence after nearly a decade in the wilderness.
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