Matt Rhule is no stranger to tough decisions. This offseason, he’s already set a tone that’s raising eyebrows across college football. As Nebraska gears up for the upcoming season, three significant concerns have emerged with the first two fixated on the HC’s decisions while the last one surrounds Dylan Raiola, which accentuates a national analyst’s warning on their second-year QB. Looks like this offseason will need more effort than ever before. 

The first concern that CFB analysts Marc Givler and Chip Minnich laid out for Nebraska on College Football at Saturday Glory on February 23 is Matt Rhule’s strategic shift in the spring portal philosophy. The Huskers are set to treat their spring ball like an NFL offseason program which is a bold move. “Matt Rhule, in his mind is that okay, it’s basically like an advertisement to tamper with players on the roster who may flash and you know, after the spring g game, the transfer portal was open so he would try to reduce that,” Minnich observed. The shift prioritizes controlled practices, limited play simulations, and fan engagement opportunities over a full-speed scrimmage. 

This approach might protect the roster from poaching but it also raises concerns about the development of team chemistry. This brings us to the second trouble that might creep up on Matt Rhule’s 33 transfer players. The irony is the fact that his stance on the portal tampering is a stark contrast to the “extremely high” number of his incoming transfers. “I think it’s going to be absolutely essential that Nebraska maybe behind closed doors outside of the praying eyes of the Nebraska media that you don’t want to see who might be making a move on the depth chart,” Minnich said. “But I think having those kinds of intensive practices is going to be absolutely crucial for a program.” 

These 33 transfers are going to need reps together because it’s chemistry that will win games for them. Nebraska must find a way to accelerate the acclimation process without sacrificing in-game readiness. While this approach works in the NFL, it remains a gamble in college football where continuity and team culture are staples. And now, the final concern for the Huskers heading into the 2025 season is Dylan Raiola. 

Dylan Raiola enters year 2 under heavy scrutiny

In his second year as Nebraska’s QB, Dylan Raiola holds both the pressure and potential to lead his team to a Big Ten contention. “When it comes to year two of a quarterback, you have not only the development and the maturation for the quarterback,” Minnich said. “But also, you have to recognize the fact that other teams that have played Dylan Raiola in 2024, they’ve seen things that all right, this is what he does well, this is where he struggles.” His ability to sync with new WR Dane Key will be crucial in taking the offense forward. 

On3 J.D. PicKell has strong advice for Dylan Raiola for the upcoming season. “We can’t have that be the world we’re living in,” he states. “Whether that’s throwing the football away, whether that’s dialing it up differently for him. Whether that’s seeing it differently. I don’t know what that looks like, but you talk about being able to create with your legs, I think he can do that. I want to see more of that.” After a freshman season that saw him getting sacked 27 times, Raiola must improve his pocket awareness, decision-making, and ability to create plays on the ground to wipe away the concerns hurled upon Matt Rhule. 

As Nebraska heads into its third season under Matt Rhule, the program stands at crossroads. If the risk pays off, the Huskers could be a surprise contender in the Big Ten. If not, the scrutiny surrounding the HC’s decisions will only get louder.