​USA TODAY Sports released its ranking of Big Ten football head coaches on Monday, and there were a few notable shake-ups compared to last year’s list. Last season’s results and the arrival of new coaches shuffled the rankings, lifting some programs while leaving others in place or dropping them. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, however, did not benefit from the changes, landing at No. 9 after finishing the previous season at No. 5.
Heading into the 2025 season, expectations were high for Rhule and the Cornhuskers as he entered his third year. His track record with Temple and Baylor suggested a significant leap in year three was possible, and early momentum looked promising as Nebraska began 6-2 and earned a second consecutive bowl bid—the first time that had happened in a decade. Yet the late-season fade left the overall impression of the year with a sour aftertaste, tempering early optimism.
Rhule’s contract extension ahead of year four added to the tension surrounding the program. With a number of roster and staff changes already in place, the next season loomed as a critical test. Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports noted that the key to Rhule’s continued progress would come down to the trenches: whether the Cornhuskers could translate a solid foundation into bigger accomplishments.
“The third-year bump didn’t quite arrive in 2025, though Rhule did guide Nebraska back to the postseason for the second year in a row. After the impressive rebuilds at Temple and Baylor, the true test is whether the program can convert a sturdy base into meaningful success,” Myerberg wrote, underscoring the importance of line play on both sides of the ball.
Nebraska’s struggles in the second half of the season were heavily influenced by issues along the lines. The offensive line had trouble protecting the quarterback, ranking 112th nationally in sacks allowed per game (2.54) and 98th in team sacks (1.69 per game). Defensively, the Huskers allowed 175.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 98th nationally in rushing defense. Offensively, Emmett Johnson’s 1,451 rushing yards ranked fourth in the nation, but the team still finished 80th in rushing offense, averaging 145.9 yards per game.
Looking ahead, Nebraska opens the 2026 season on September 5 at Memorial Stadium, hosting Ohio at 11 a.m. CT in a game slated for broadcast on FS1. The matchup will be the first in a slate that could set the tone for Rhule’s fourth year and the broader trajectory of the program.
For ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions, follow Cornhuskers Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like their page on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire, highlighting Rhule’s placement in USA TODAY Sports’ coaches rankings as part of broader coverage and SEO considerations.