SportsOrbit

Matt Rhule Tackles the New Era of College Football as Nebraska Gears Up for 2025

Nebraska’s head coach Matt Rhule has his work cut out for him heading into the 2025 season. With the landscape of college football changing dramatically due to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the NCAA transfer portal, building a solid roster has become more complicated—and more competitive—than ever.

Navigating NIL and the Transfer Portal

Rhule and his staff have been active in the transfer portal, pulling in big-name talent like wide receiver Dane Key from Kentucky—who racked up nearly 1,900 receiving yards—and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler from Notre Dame, a veteran from their playoff run. Their efforts paid off, earning Nebraska the top transfer class in the Big Ten and sixth-best in the country.

But this new recruiting gold rush isn’t without problems. Rhule has voiced concerns about tampering—basically, players getting poached with offers before they even hit the portal. He pointed to the case of running back Dante Dowdell, who quickly transferred to Kentucky, as an example. And while some players are joining, others are moving on—like standout receiver Isaiah Neyor, who’s off to the NFL after a strong 2024 season.

Managing a Shifting Roster

On top of all that, new NCAA rules now limit rosters to 105 players by the start of the 2025 season. That’s a big cut from the 150 players Nebraska had just last year. The team has seen over two dozen players leave through the portal but brought in 14 transfers and signed 20 high school recruits. Among the newcomers are highly touted players like Williams Nwaneri, a top-ranked defensive end, and Marquis Groves-Killebrew, a defensive back with experience at Arizona and Texas A&M.

Still, the team isn’t at full strength. Injuries have sidelined 18 players this spring, including key names like wideout Carter Nelson and offensive tackle Gunnar Gottula.

Rhule’s Vision for the Future

Through all the roster movement, Rhule is focused on building something lasting. He wants players to choose Nebraska because they believe in the program—not just because of NIL money. He’s aiming for a culture of toughness, unity, and long-term success, similar to what Ohio State has built over the years.

As the 2025 season gets closer, how well Rhule manages this new era of college football could define Nebraska’s future. It’s not just about game plans and playbooks anymore—it’s about adapting to a world where money, mobility, and mindset all matter.