It has been a very long offseason filled with high hopes and expectations for Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, who heads into his third season at Nebraska and on Thursday night in Kansas City, we’ll finally get to see the Huskers put on the pads against Cincinnati in the season opener.
The Huskers finished 7-6 in 2024, breaking the then longest active bowl drought streak among teams in the Power Four.
Rhule knows how to win in year three and with a reloaded roster both offensively and defensively, the Huskers are ready for a breakout year in 2025, but the Bearcats are not going to make it easy on the Huskers.
Led by head coach Scott Satterfield, the Bearcats finished 5-7 in 2024, losing their final five games of the season, but they feel like the additions they brought in from the transfer portal, along with the return of their quarterback Brendan Sorsby could have them flying under the radar of a lot of teams in 2025.
Sorsby is one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, throwing for 2,813 yards to pair with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions, adding 447 yards and nine touchdowns with his legs.
The Bearcats will also be bringing in three new transfers at wide receiver for Sorsby in Cyrus Allen (Texas A&M), Caleb Goodie (Colorado State) and Jeff Caldwell (Lindenwood).
Defensively for the Bearcats, the two names that stick out are defensive tackle Dontay Corleone and linebacker Simeon Coleman for first year defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt, who ironically runs a defense similar to Nebraska’s 3-3-5.
Defensive backs Matthew McDoom, Logan Wilson and Christian Harrison headline a somewhat inexperienced secondary for the Bearcats.
Key #1: Quick Start
With a full offseason under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, Nebraska would greatly benefit from a quick start offensively.
Holgorsen called plays in each of the Huskers last four games in 2024, which saw the offense average 352.5 yards a game, but true freshman quarterback benefited the most from the switch to Holgorsen.
Raiola saw his completion percentage climb to 71.7% during the final four games of the season and with Nebraska bringing in new weapons at wide receiver, we should get to see a taste of what is to come from the young quarterback and this offense in 2025.
Key #2: Brendan Sorsby
With Sorsby being one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference, the Huskers will have to game plan for him both in the passing and running game.
Nebraska struggled against quarterbacks that were effective on the ground last season, many Husker fans remember former UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers 57 yard run on third down when the Huskers needed a big stop.
Sorsby is talented with his arm as well, but posts a record of 6-13 in games that he has started in his career.
Factor that in with a new receiving core and it may be challenging for the Bearcats.
Key #3: Special Teams
Nebraska brought in a new in Special Teams Mike Ekeler this past offseason from Tennessee as well as new punter Archie Wilson from Australia.
The Volunteers recently made the College Football Playoff in 2024, Wilson on the other hand has never played a snap in a football game in his life.
The Huskers will also be bringing in a new kicker to handle PATs and field goals as Kyle Cunanan transfers in from Charlotte, where he converted on five of five field goal attempts in limited action in 2024.
Prediction:
This is the game that all of Husker nation has been waiting for all offseason long and I can’t be the only one that thinks Nebraska has a big time advantage in this game.
Whether it be the mass amount of Husker fans in attendance, or the talent on the Huskers roster, this feels like a game where Nebraska will come out fast and control from the opening kick, similar to the Colorado game last season.
Nebraska: 28 Cincinnati: 17