With the transfer portal window nearing its close, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule isn’t changing his tune-he’s doubling down. Speaking on the 365 Sports podcast, Rhule made it clear that thanks to the financial boost from the House Settlement, the Huskers are finally equipped to compete at the highest level when it comes to landing talent.
“We have the resources to go toe to toe with anybody,” Rhule said, and he backed it up with a prime example: junior offensive lineman Paul Mubenga, a recent portal pickup from LSU. Mubenga’s recruitment was no small feat-he visited South Carolina, Arkansas, and even Alabama before choosing Nebraska. That kind of recruiting win doesn’t happen without serious backing.
Rhule’s message is clear: when the playing field is level financially, it comes down to fit-and Nebraska is starting to win those battles.
“Some guys still pick other places because it’s a better fit for them,” Rhule acknowledged. “But when you talk about building a team, I still want to recruit high school players. I want them to come in, develop, and grow.”
Still, he knows the modern game demands more. The transfer portal isn’t just a tool-it’s a necessity. Rhule pointed to the teams in the national title game as proof: elite programs are leveraging the portal aggressively, and Nebraska has to do the same if it wants to keep pace.
He’s also seeing a shift in player mentality. After a year or two on the bench, many athletes are looking to move on-not because they’re unhappy, but because they want to play. That often means transferring to a Group of Five program where the path to the field is clearer.
“I don’t fault them,” Rhule said. “I don’t know how other coaches are doing it, but I let guys go in the portal and say, ‘See what you can find. And if you want to come back, come back.’”
Some did just that. According to Rhule, three or four players returned after testing the waters and gaining a better understanding of their market value. It’s a new reality in college football-one that requires flexibility and a bit of NFL-style roster management.
“What I feel really good about is we now are going to have a veteran team,” Rhule said. “Big, powerful, physical guys that are 20, 21, 22, 23 years old.”
That’s the blueprint. Rhule pointed to Indiana and Miami as programs that have built their rosters through a mix of portal additions and high school recruiting. Experience matters, and Nebraska is starting to stack it.
He estimates that some playoff teams are made up of 50 percent portal players. That’s a staggering number, but one Rhule is comfortable with-because he’s been here before.
“In the NFL, you build year to year,” he said. “Instead of thinking of a three- or four-year plan, I now have to adapt to a one-year plan.”
So far, Nebraska has brought in 15 signees during this transfer cycle, including JUCO All-American defensive lineman Andy Burburija. And they’re not done yet-the Huskers are still hosting visitors, still working the phones, still grinding.
Rhule made a point to thank the university and its donors. Nebraska may not be the top spender in the country, but they’re finally in the conversation.
“We’re not first. We don’t have the most money,” Rhule said.
“But we’re in the conversation for the first time. And that’s allowed us to hit the portal hard, bring in the guys we want, and keep the guys we need.”
It’s a new era in Lincoln. One where Nebraska isn’t just chasing talent-they’re starting to land it. And with Rhule at the helm, the Huskers are building a roster that looks a lot more like today’s college football contenders.