It’s not uncommon for people to leave Las Vegas with their pockets turned inside out. Not the Huskers, they left town with their hands full after having their butts handed to them – again. Nebraska lost their last three games this season by a point total of 121-48 to finish with a disappointing 7-6 record.
Don’t think it’s unfair for me to call this season’s record disappointing. Especially with the schedule Nebraska had. I don’t care what Rhule says, that isn’t progress. Tell me where they are getting better.
This season Rhule desperately dusted off Frost’s record and pointed to his bettering that, then quickly brought up Emmett Johnson as an example of development. But better than Frost is a pitiful goal and for every EJ there’s at least one other name at every position where there should have been a noticeable improvement and there wasn’t. I won’t name names because it isn’t on the players, it’s on Rhule and his staff. But show me an example of real development. Especially at line play. You can’t.
It’s simple really, it’s time for the backwards hat Matt Rhule to make a change. Yes, Rhule has already made changes in his staff and is starting on his 2026 roster. But now it’s time for him to overhaul Matt Rhule.
First off, ditch the backwards hat routine and all the gimmicky shticks. Next, get back to being a head football coach. Stop worrying about trying to promote and sell the Nebraska program. Forget the Pat McAfee show, the House Rhules podcast, “X” photos of you sitting on bulls, and everything that makes you look like a sleazy used car salesman.
Rhule needs to focus on one thing and that’s winning games. Yes, Nebraska has history. Yes, the facilities are second to none, and yes, Nebraska can compete financially. But there is only one thing that sells and Nebraska isn’t doing that.
Rhule’s record at Nebraska is 19-19 and that’s a hard sell. Win the games you are supposed to win (Minnesota) and quit blowing smoke up everyone’s rear. Because dreams and promises eventually wear thin. Recruits need to see results on the field and that isn’t happening.
Rhule acts as if he’s trying to raise the dead. But this program never died, not in the hearts of Nebraska fans anyway. Stop worrying about what the national perception is. Yes, you want to look good across the nation so you can catch recruit’s attention, but when you bring attention to yourself and then flop miserably, well that’s just as detrimental. Rhule has one job. Coach and win games.
Right now, Rhule is the incoming freshman who is worrying about winning the Heisman rather than just balling out to secure a starting spot. Be a leader of men rather than a salesman for the program. Win and everything else will take care of itself. Losing keeps you stuck in a quagmire no matter what your resources are.
When talking about the transfer portal in his last press conference Rhule stated there are players who want to come to Nebraska. I’m sure there are. Now just imagine who those players might be if you were winning and qualifying for the CFP. It may not happen this portal cycle, but another 6-6 record next season will see a mass exodus of your top recruits and developmental prizes.
I’ve said all along Rhule is still learning and that’s clear. The year three thing was nothing but talk and speculation. At this point Nebraska fans look at his previous success as a blind squirrel finding a nut in Temple and at Baylor it was tying himself to the state of Texas. His hiring Texas high school coaches David Wetzel, Joey McGuire, and Shawn Bell established a winning culture for a 2019 Bears team that included 87 players from the state of Texas. I’m biased, but Texas doesn’t develop players and coaches that do things halfway.
That same physicality is part of what’s missing on Rhule’s Nebraska teams. He thought they looked physical against Utah. Well, he needs to go back and watch this year’s Miami team play and he’ll see what “Hit-Stickers” really look like.
It all boils down to the 2026 season finishing with Rhule and Dannen sitting on the hotseat. The pair is quickly losing the confidence of Husker fans. Dannen with the contract extension and Rhule with his failure to produce a record better than Mike Riley’s.
I know Matt Rhule hates pieces like this. He will point out that it doesn’t help Nebraska when recruits read negative articles about him and the program. Well, I’m sorry the truth hurts, and if Rhule doesn’t like it – then fix it.
I’m one fan who was high on Rhule when he came in. I haven’t given up but I’m quickly losing confidence.
GO BIG RED!!
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