Matt Rhule news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Matt Rhule enters his fourth season at Nebraska with a 19-19 record, opening against Ohio. His overhauled coaching staff faces a critical test after four straight win increases.
Background
Matt Rhule became Nebraska's head coach in 2023, inheriting a program that had struggled for years. His first three seasons showed gradual improvement in regular-season wins, from five to six to seven, marking the first time in program history a coach increased win totals four years in a row. However, fan expectations for a 'Year Three Bump' were not met, leading to staff changes and scrutiny as he begins his fourth season.
How it unfolded
- 2023Rhule's first season at Nebraska ends with five wins.
- 2024Nebraska wins six regular-season games plus a bowl game, improving to 6-6 in regular season.
- 2025Nebraska wins seven regular-season games, marking the fourth consecutive year of increased win totals under Rhule.
- Sep 4, 2026Nebraska opens its fourth season under Rhule with a home game against Ohio; Rhule has a 19-19 record entering the game.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Progress is slower than fans want, but Rhule has achieved a historic four-year win increase, and his contract extension makes a firing unlikely this year.
- Caution
- The lack of a 'Year Three Bump' and a major staff overhaul raise questions about whether the changes will produce better results.
Still unverified
The exact buyout figure of $52.2 million is based on calculations from a Sports Illustrated article and is not an official statement.