As the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are positioning themselves as a potential playoff spoiler. Fueled by the whirlwind changes brought about by the transfer portal, Nebraska is capitalizing on this era of player movement to build a team that could turn heads and defy expectations.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Big Ten this year is the scarcity of experienced quarterbacks. Many teams are fielding new faces under center, which opens up opportunities for a team like Nebraska to step up. This is where Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola comes into play, entering his sophomore year he is set to play a crucial role for the Huskers, and be “that guy” in 2025. Raiola’s performance will be pivotal, if he can play at an All-Big Ten caliber, he has the potential to be one of the top three quarterbacks in the conference. His success could very well propel Nebraska into playoff contention.
Nebraska’s defense, which saw some significant departures, has made notable strides by adding several talented transfer players. Andrew Marshall, a defensive back from Idaho, brings depth and skill to the secondary. Dasan McCullough, a safety from Oklahoma, is a player to watch with his prototypical NFL caliber abilities, McCullough could surprise many with his talent. Additionally, the Huskers have acquired Marques Watson-Trent and Williams Nwaneri, both of whom have the talent and potential to be All-Big Ten players in their own right.
The offensive line, a critical component of any successful football team, has been significantly strengthened by the addition of two major transfers which are Elijah Pritchett, who started for Alabama last year, and Rocco Spindler, who started for Notre Dame. These seasoned players bring experience and stability to the line, which will be crucial for both pass protection and the run game.
For Nebraska, a steady and reliable run game will be essential to complement their upgraded offensive line and the potential star power of Dylan Raiola. If the Huskers can establish a strong ground attack and maintain a balanced offense, they have a legitimate chance to surprise the country and make a serious playoff run.
This combination of transfer additions, a promising quarterback, and a fortified offensive line positions Nebraska as a formidable contender in the 2025 college football season. With the right mix of talent and performance, the Cornhuskers could very well play the role of playoff spoilers and make a statement on the national stage. This could be the year that kicks off Nebraska’s rise back to contention.