

It’s been two months since John Cook wrapped up his legendary 25-year run with Nebraska volleyball, leaving behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. But beyond the championships and coaching brilliance, Cook had also unknowingly become a TikTok sensation—thanks to none other than Harper Murray. The Nebraska junior wasn’t just spiking balls on the court; she was orchestrating Cook’s entire social media game.
Back in September 2024, Cook even spilled the beans, joking that he had no clue he even had TikTok until Murray and her teammates took his phone and worked their magic. “Apparently Harper manages my TikTok account. I didn’t even know I had TikTok on my phone. They grabbed my phone, and then TikTok happened…But hey, if they like it, I like it.”
And just like that, Cook became an internet star. Fast forward to now, and while Murray was feeling the loss of her OG TikTok partner, fate had a little surprise up its sleeve. Enter Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule—aka Cook’s unexpected replacement in Murray’s viral world. That’s right, folks! The content must go on, and with Rhule now stepping into the frame, Nebraska fans are in for a whole new era of sideline-to-social-media fun.
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Harper Murray dropped a TikTok that no one saw coming, and let’s just say—Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule is officially in his viral era. On March 31, Murray took to TikTok to post a hilarious video with Rhule, featuring the anxiety audio by Doechii. The setting? A random hallway. The vibe? Pure entertainment. It all starts with Harper closing her ears, looking all kinds of dizzy, when suddenly—boom! She hits a slick dance move, and guess who’s right behind her, matching the energy? Yep, Coach Rhule himself. But the real cherry on top?

The grand finale, where Rhule, in true cool guy fashion, whips off his cap and tosses it like he’s been in the TikTok game for years. Harper’s caption? “I thought you hated tik tok???” Yeah, we’re all wondering the same thing, Coach. But she didn’t stop there—nope, the content just kept rolling! Harper also posted a photo with Coach Rhule, both of them standing back to back, feet touching, flashing big smiles like they’ve been besties for years. And the caption? Straight-up iconic: “me and bro.” Looks like Nebraska just gained a new TikTok duo, and honestly? We’re here for it.
And guess what? Matt Rhule is no stranger to the volleyball scene, and he’s got the receipts to prove it, and Harper Murray is right in the mix! How dedicated is he? Well, let’s just say he celebrated his birthday not with cake and candles but courtside, cheering on the Omaha Supernovas as they absolutely dominated the Columbus Fury with a smooth 3-0 sweep back in January. And who was right there alongside him? None other than TikTok’s very own Harper Murray. But hold on, the plot thickens—because Harper’s ties to football go way deeper than just her newfound TikTok co-star!
Harper Murray has a deeper connection in football!
Sure, Harper Murray just pulled Nebraska football’s Matt Rhule into the TikTok limelight, but let’s be real—her ties to football go way deeper than a viral dance. Long before Coach Rhule entered the chat, Harper was already rocking game-day fits and showing up in the stands. And the reason? Enter Nebraska’s very own QB1-in-the-making, Heinrich Haarberg. Back on September 20, 2024, Harper stepped into Memorial Stadium, repping a bright red #10 jersey—not for volleyball, but to cheer on the Huskers against Illinois. And while her presence alone couldn’t swing the scoreboard in Nebraska’s favor, she still had a win of her own.
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Just before kickoff, she made sure to wish Haarberg good luck with a hug, capturing the moment with some adorable sideline clicks. And Haarberg? Oh, you know he was feeling that extra boost with his biggest fan cheering him on from the box. But Harper wasn’t just a one-time guest at Husker football showdowns. Nope—she’s been a familiar face in the crowd, making waves with her sideline support. Even when the Cornhuskers took a tough loss to Maryland in November, Harper had the fans buzzing—but not just for football. Mid-game, Haarberg took a brutal hit, sending him off the field with an injured ankle, leaving Nebraska fans holding their breath.
Meanwhile, social media had its own moment, as Murray’s posts about their growing romance had everyone gushing over the power couple. And when it comes to power moves, these two know a thing or two. Harper helped Nebraska volleyball clinch the Big Ten Conference title, while Haarberg, despite his injury battles, led the Huskers to a solid 5-3 record in his starts. Now? He’s climbing the QB depth chart, looking stronger than ever. Safe to say, this crossover of sports is exactly what was needed by the fans!
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Did Matt Rhule just become the coolest coach on TikTok, or is it all Harper's magic?
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