Unranked Sleeper Football Team Proposed by Industry Expert for Nebraska
Nebraska Football Poised for Improvement in 2025
Matt Rhule, the head coach of Nebraska football, is leading the Cornhuskers into the 2025 season with cautious optimism. Experts predict Nebraska to achieve around 7 to 8 wins, a significant step forward for the program [1].
Rhule's third season with Nebraska could mirror his past successes at Temple and Baylor, where his teams showed notable progress in their third years, culminating in double-digit victories and conference title game appearances [2]. This trend has raised expectations for a breakout year in 2025.
One key factor underpinning this outlook is the continuity at quarterback. Dylan Raiola, who entered his freshman year throwing for 2,819 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, is now entering his second season with the program [3]. This consistency at the helm is expected to boost offensive consistency and team momentum.
The schedule also presents an opportunity for success. Nebraska faces a manageable Big Ten slate, avoiding elite powerhouses like Ohio State and Oregon. However, success hinges on winning close games against mid-tier teams such as Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and UCLA—all seen as beatable but challenging opponents [1].
Historically, Nebraska has struggled in close games. During Rhule's tenure and prior eras, the team has posted a 3-10 record in one-possession games, which remains an area of concern [1]. Overcoming these woes will be critical to achieving the predicted success.
With the program snapping a seven-year bowl drought last season, there is building confidence that Nebraska can attain bowl eligibility again [1]. Transfer additions and a more disciplined culture under Rhule are bolstering this confidence.
Nebraska will open their 2025 season against Cincinnati on August 28 [4]. The team finished the 2024 season with a 7-6 record, winning their Pinstripe Bowl game against Boston College, posting a seventh win for the season [5].
While opinions vary on the specifics of the win-loss outlook, the consensus is that Nebraska is poised to improve meaningfully. Some experts even suggest that the team could compete for a conference title or even a playoff spot in the near future, depending on development and execution [2][4].
Whether Rhule can achieve double-digit victories in his third season with Nebraska, similar to his tenures at Temple and Baylor, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Cornhuskers are an unranked sleeper team for the 2025 season, according to The Athletic [6].
References:
[1] The Athletic. (2025). Nebraska Football 2025 Season Predictions. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2727360/2025/01/01/nebraska-football-2025-season-predictions/
[2] ESPN. (2025). Nebraska Football 2025 Season Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34122352/nebraska-football-2025-season-outlook
[3] Nebraska Athletics. (2024). Dylan Raiola Stats. Retrieved from https://www.huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=11568
[4] Omaha World-Herald. (2025). Nebraska Football Schedules 2025 Home Games. Retrieved from https://www.omaha.com/sports/nebraska/football/nebraska-football-schedules-2025-home-games/article_7a376b02-2c0d-5b6c-b649-0e9b66553467.html
[5] HuskerOnline. (2024). Nebraska Football Wins Pinstripe Bowl. Retrieved from https://www.huskeronline.com/2024/12/29/nebraska-football-wins-pinstripe-bowl/
[6] The Athletic. (2025). Nebraska Football: Unranked Sleeper Team for 2025. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2727363/2025/01/01/nebraska-football-unranked-sleeper-team-for-2025/
College football and sports enthusiasts will be keeping a close eye on Nebraska as they embark on the 2025 season, with American football experts predicting the Cornhuskers to achieve around 7 to 8 wins. With the continuity at quarterback, promising schedule, and the drive under head coach Matt Rhule, this could be a breakout year for Nebraska NCAA football, potentially competing for a conference title or even a playoff spot.
