The Huskers finished the 2024 season with a 6-6 record, and while many of the fans found the record disappointing, the Huskers qualifying for the Pinstripe Bowl was monumental for the program. Saying that sounds over dramatic. But with the unveiling of the $165 million state-of-the-art Osborne Legacy Complex in September of 2024, anything less would have been catastrophic. Again, that sounds over dramatic. Yet, with the investment made the thought of the new facility sitting dark and empty during the month of December is unthinkable. The sound of jet engines traveling to a bowl destination is music to the ears of Husker fans compared to crickets chirping ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in the new facility.
Nebraska has had some rough Novembers under Rhule with a win loss record of 2-10. Despite the record, persistence and hard work have paid off with bowl game invitations in consecutive seasons. There is a growing thought out there that bowl games have become unimportant and are on their way out. I disagree. The bowl games are more important than ever. Without the bowls there would be a limited number of teams seeing action in the post season. You don’t get better by not playing football.
There are far too many advantages to playing bowl games. They allow young players to get additional practice and reps, give new staff members the opportunity to evaluate players before the portal opens, and from a team perspective, allow players to recognize where they stand amongst the competition. For Nebraska, a win over a 10-2, 15th ranked Utah would be their biggest of the season and wipe the bitter taste out of their mouths from the last two losses. Plus, no matter how impressive your facilities might be the single biggest recruiting tool is winning. Bowl games like these allow you the opportunity to register those wins.
While the fans feel the Huskers underachieved again this season, they realize how important this game is for the Huskers. Almost every game this season I’ve emphasized the importance of upping the win total each week and this game is no different. A win here makes a statement that all the so called tweaking Rhule has done was needed and the results are showing. Promises can only go so far, results make the difference.
Another huge advantage to the bowl games is the new rule that allow 2026 incoming recruits to participate in the bowl practices. Seven of Nebraska’s ten 2026 recruits are early enrollers and of the seven, five are practicing with the team in Vegas. TE Luke Sorenson, RB Jamal Rule, WR Nalin Scott, OL Rex Waterman, and K Micheal Sarkizis all made the trip. WR Larry Miles and OT Claude Mopuma have practiced with the team this month but didn’t travel to Las Vegas. CB Danny Odem will play in the Navy All-American Bowl in early January before enrolling. The remaining two members of the class, LB Jase Reynolds and OL Hayden Ainsworth, will enroll in May.
If you have doubts about the importance of early enrollers participating in bowl practices, look no further than the QB who will be starting the game for Nebraska. TJ Lateef was one of those early enrollee’s last season. He practiced with the Huskers at Fordham’s facility in preparing for Boston College and the Pinstripe Bowl.
“Just a year ago, we were at Fordham,” said Rhule. “TJ was throwing his first couple of passes as a Husker. Now here he is a year later, and he’s starting for us.”
The 6’1” 200lb Lateef will be making his fourth start for the Huskers after replacing the injured Dylan Raiola. It’s hard not to be impressed with Lateef and his willingness to compete against the five-star Raiola. He never wavered in his commitment to Nebraska and now that is paying off for both him and the Huskers.
It was clear in Lateef’s first start against UCLA that he had won this team over and both the players and coaches had great confidence in him. Rhule added this week,
“He doesn’t have to be the guy being the spokesperson and giving a bunch of speeches. He just has to do his job at a high level and prepare. And then, coach the guys in terms of be here, do this – and he’s doing it at a really high level right now.”
OC Dana Holgorsen’s thoughts about Lateef going into the game. “Pretty cool your first four college starts are Rose Bowl, Memorial Stadium, Happy Valley, and Allegiant,” Holgorsen said. “Pretty cool start for him. He’s fired up about playing.”
Of the 2026 incoming players, several are expected to make contributions on the field next fall. Rhule’s and Holgorsen’s comments should get their attention and help them realize what’s possible. Nebraska is a young team, and they need all the games and reps they can get.
I’m excited to see what the Huskers can do against a good Utah team.
GO BIG RED!!
Photo courtesy of The Falls City Journal.
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