Matt Rhule did not produce a bowl game for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in his first season as head coach. In 2023, the Big Red needed only one win in its final four games to reach the College Football Betting postseason. Yet it failed. But Rhule has wasted no time changing the narrative. Nebraska had one of the most productive offseason in college football. The headliner was flipping 5-star QB recruit Dylan Raiola from the Georgia Bulldogs to Nebraska. Georgia is the best program in the sport. Thus, Nebraska earned serious bragging rights.
College Football Futures 2024 Nebraska Cornhuskers
| Nebraska Cornhuskers Odds to Win National Championship | +15000 |
|---|---|
| Cornhuskers Odds to Win Big Ten Championship | +6000 |
| Over/Under Win Total: | 7.5 |
2024 Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule
- Aug. 31 – UTEP
- Sept. 7 – Colorado
- Sept. 14 – Northern Iowa
- Sept. 21 – Illinois
- Sept. 28 – at Purdue
- Oct. 5 – Rutgers
- Oct. 12 – BYE
- Oct. 19 – at Indiana
- Oct. 26 – at Ohio State
- Nov. 2 – UCLA
- Nov. 9 – BYE
- Nov. 16 – at USC
- Nov. 23 – Wisconsin
- Nov. 29 – at Iowa (Friday)
Expectations have increased for Rhule’s program, and there is legitimate reason for optimism in 2024. Indeed, the Big Red is Rising.
2024 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview
Previously, at Temple and Baylor, coach Matt Rhule’s teams went 10-4 and 11-3, respectively, in his third season, after going 2-10 and 1-11 in his first season. However, he is on a faster pace at Nebraska. The schedule seems favorable for momentum and bowl eligibility. Consider that Nebraska’s last sportsbook bowl trip was in 2016, a drought that should end in 2024.
Of course, there was a buffet of the biggest offseason news. Gamblers had plenty to choose from. Starting with the surprise departure of athletic director Trev Alberts for Texas A&M just before spring practice. Subsequently, Troy Dannen replaced Alberts.
And then there was highly ranked quarterback recruit Dylan Raiola’s decision to withdraw his Georgia commitment and sign with Nebraska. Of course, Raiola is the son of former Husker All-America center Dominic Raiola. Also, he is the nephew of Husker offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. Dyland has provided offensive College Football Betting optimism after a disappointing season.
Head coach Matt Rhule brought in Glenn Thomas, with whom he worked at Temple and Baylor, to coach quarterbacks and serve as co-offensive coordinator with Marcus Satterfield.
Jahmal Banks and Malachi Coleman are among receivers who must step up if the passing game is to thrive, with tight ends, including Thomas Fidone II, also in the receiving mix.
Last season, quarterback Heinrich Haarberg was the leading rusher. That will change, with more emphasis on passing and a healthy Gabe Ervin Jr. leading the running backs. The line has experience. Including tackle Bryce Bernhardt, who has a school-record-tying 41 career starts.
Gamblers expect this season’s defense to reflect last season’s after the Huskers ranked 11th nationally and fifth in the Big Ten in total defense. Yet another offseason “win” for Nebraska was the retention of defensive coordinator Tony White. Concurrently, White was reportedly a candidate for UCLA’s head coaching job in February. White’s stated goal is to be the No. 1 defense nationally.
Once upon a time, it seemed as though the Nebraska football program had always been good. And it’s because they had been. They won 10 or more games 26 times, had five unbeaten seasons, and claimed five national championships. Overall, they played in 51 bowl games in those 55 years and were also ranked in the top 25 in every AP poll from 1970 to 2001.