Matt Rhule isn’t afraid to take the heat. From his controversial spring game cancellation to Nebraska’s decision to tone down its non-conference schedule, the Huskers HC is taking in all the punches. For the greater good of his football team? Going 12-13 in two seasons is far from ideal, and he knows that has to change as he unleashes his silent thoughts. It’s pressure if he doesn’t reach the playoffs this season. And as he defends those choices, all eyes turn to Dylan Raiola to prove the gamble was worth it. 

It’s plain. If Nebraska is going to make a run in the Big Ten, Dylan Raiola has to deliver. J.D. PicKell, on a March 9th On3 episode, gave an ultimatum for the Huskers second-year QB. “This is Dylan Raiola’s team,” he began. “We go as he goes. He’s the leader. He’s the QB1. That’s our guy. We follow 15. The reason why I feel that way is that’s what you brought Dylan Riola to do at Nebraska. You brought him here to be a team that can go compete for the Big Ten championship and make the college playoff.” After all, Matt Rhule didn’t bring the 5-star QB to ride the learning curve. 

Dylan Raiola’s freshman season is in the rearview now with no more room for excuses. Last year had its flashes. But his numbers weren’t enough to silence his doubters. 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Decent but not elite. There’s quite a big room for improvement. As PicKell added, “He’s got to level up in 2025. You don’t have the same defense coming back from a season ago like last year. Nebraska was, I believe, top 5 in returning production, had a ton of dudes back on defense. It’s not the same way.” 

Nebraska won’t see the return of defensive veterans like Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, Isaac Gifford, John Bullock, and more who were the pillars of the Huskers’ defense. Eight new defensive transfers will fill in those gaps, including LB Marques Watson-Trent and edge rusher Williams Nwaneri. But it only puts more pressure on Dylan Raiola because in the Big Ten, it’s QB-driven. And while the pressure is mounting, Matt Rhule is still in the pool of criticism. 

Matt Rhule’s scheduling decision is still on fire

Nebraska’s decision to adjust its non-conference schedule put Matt Rhule at the center of criticism. He lashed out, “Why in the world would a Big Ten team who’s already playing nine conference games, why would you ever play one of those games?” Then the Huskers cancelled their game with Tennessee, swapping for a lighter schedule with Akron and Houston Christian. This move didn’t sit well with many people who called his mindset “weak” and “cowardly.” 

The Athletic’s Stewart Mandel was the latest to pile on the criticism. “I have a particular bone to pick with Matt Rhule, whose 12-13 record in his first two seasons at Nebraska apparently has turned him into the arbiter of all things college football.” But Rhule’s vision is that Nebraska doesn’t need any style points—they just need the W. 

Last season, Nebraska won their first bowl game in years, so right now, the goal is to keep stacking victories. Matt Rhule knows that. The Huskers know that. Dylan Raiola knows that. And with the changes made, this season is about proving that Nebraska football is back.