Nebraska football has some high expectations that are being set for them right now, whether it be from the fanbase, the media, or the program itself.
We’ve all seen this story before, Husker fans drink too much of the Kool-aid in the offseason, placing lofty expectations for the program and are often disappointed with the results.
But this season feels different, the program seems to have a different vibe to it, many of the doubted husker fans are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The Huskers schedule sets up nicely for them, this team will be tested and will need to start quickly during their non-conference slate, which won’t be an easy task by any means.
August 28th Vs Cincinnati (Arrowhead Stadium)
This brings us to the first game that will define head coach Matt Rhule and his Cornhuskers in 2025, a season opener in Kansas City in front of a crowd that we can confidently say will be a majority of Husker faithful.
Season openers are tough, especially when you’re playing other power four opponents and Cincinnati is by no means an ideal season opening opponent.
Despite going 4-8 in 2024, Bearcat head coach Scott Satterfield was able to retain some key pieces offensively for the Bearcats, most importantly quarterback Brendan Sorsby, a true dual threat who could give the Huskers trouble.
Nebraska needs to win this game, fair and simple. Since 2015 the Huskers are 0-6 in season openers against power four opponents (including FBS Independent BYU in 2015). It may sound cliche but securing a win in week 1 would open countless doors and opportunities for Nebraska.
The Huskers return to Memorial Stadium to finish off their non-conference slate before their biggest matchup of the young season, at home against Michigan on September 20th.
October 17th At Minnesota
The second of back to back road games for the Huskers ends with a difficult matchup, as Nebraska heads to Huntington Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
This will be the Huskers second game in a six day span, not to mention the little success that the Huskers have had against Minnesota and playing in Minnesota in recent years.
Nebraska has lost five straight games against the Golden Gophers with three of those losses on the road, while not beating the Gophers since 2018.
There is a good chance that Nebraska enters this game with only one loss and a Friday night game under the lights is the perfect opportunity to break that streak against Minnesota.
The reason this game is so huge? The Huskers finish their October slate with Northwestern, before beginning a November slate where the Huskers play USC, UCLA and Penn State.
Nebraska is a better team than Minnesota, but will the lights and situation be too big and bright for the Huskers?
November 28th Vs Iowa
I shouldn’t have to even explain why Iowa is on this list, especially given the fiasco that concluded the Huskers 2024 regular season.
In a game that saw the Hawkeyes muster just 164 yards of total offense, Iowa rallied back from a 10-3 fourth quarter deficit to rip the hearts out of Husker nation on a walk off 53 yard field goal.
Iowa is not liked by Nebraska at all, especially in Memorial Stadium, which should give Nebraska plenty of juice on the morning after Thanksgiving.
End out the regular season on a high note with a win against Iowa? That will give recruiting plenty of momentum for Nebraska heading into the offseason and may even be a resume builder for the Huskers.