When Nebraska takes the field against No. 15 Utah in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl, it’s not just another postseason game-it’s a measuring stick for how far the Huskers have come under Matt Rhule and how much further they still want to go.
At 7-5, Nebraska enters Wednesday’s matchup as a clear underdog against a 10-2 Utah squad, but don’t mistake that for a team simply happy to be here. This bowl game is another critical step in Rhule’s rebuild-a process that’s been more about foundational growth than quick fixes.
“We’re building,” Rhule said before the team left for Las Vegas following Christmas. “This isn’t a reset.”
And he’s right. Nebraska’s progress under his leadership is starting to show.
After years of mediocrity-seven losing seasons in the eight years before Rhule arrived in 2023-the Huskers are back in a bowl game for the second straight year. That alone is something the program hasn’t seen since the Bo Pelini era.
And while Pelini’s teams were known for consistency-nine-win seasons and regular bowl appearances-Nebraska hasn’t had back-to-back winning years since his departure. That’s what’s on the line Wednesday: a chance to not just show improvement, but to prove that the Huskers are turning the corner.
There have been flashes this season. Nebraska posted its first shutout in 16 years with a 68-0 win over Akron and broke the 50-point mark twice-for the first time in nearly two decades.
Yes, the competition was lighter (Akron and Houston Christian), but the performances still mattered. Quarterback Dylan Raiola and running back Emmett Johnson were key to that offensive output, though both are now out of the picture.
They’re not the only absences. Nebraska will also be without several key players due to injuries: offensive guard Rocco Spindler, linebacker Dasan McCullough, and rover DeShon Singleton.
Utah, meanwhile, is dealing with its own personnel issues. Starting offensive tackles Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, along with defensive ends Logan Fano and John Henry-Daley, are out-three opting out for the NFL Draft, one sidelined by injury.
And then there’s the headline from Salt Lake City: Kyle Whittingham, after 21 seasons as Utah’s head coach, has stepped down to take over at Michigan. That’s a seismic shift.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley is stepping in as the new head coach, but Whittingham’s absence adds another layer of intrigue to this bowl game. He won’t be on the sideline in Las Vegas-he’ll be in Jacksonville for Michigan’s Cheez-It Gator Bowl matchup against Texas.
Utah’s offense has been a force all season, ranking second nationally in rushing with nearly 270 yards per game. That ground game, however, could look different without its starting tackles.
Nebraska’s defense has had trouble stopping the run, allowing over 170 yards per game and surrendering 26 rushing touchdowns. That’s a matchup worth watching.
The Huskers are also navigating changes on the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator John Butler and defensive line coach Terry Bradden were dismissed, and Rhule has taken a more hands-on approach with the defensive line. Phil Simpson is helping lead that group, with former NFL lineman Dave Tollefson also stepping in temporarily.
At quarterback, true freshman TJ Lateef gets his fourth start. He’s shown poise and promise, completing 59-of-95 passes for 722 yards and four touchdowns-without a single interception.
He’s also added three rushing scores. Rhule says the staff now has “a great feel for what TJ can do,” and this game will be another opportunity for the young signal-caller to grow under the spotlight.
Utah counters with Devon Dampier, who’s had a breakout season. He’s thrown for over 2,100 yards and 22 touchdowns while also rushing for 687 yards and seven scores.
He’s the first Ute quarterback to hit the 2,000-passing, 600-rushing yard mark since Alex Smith in 2004. That dual-threat ability will test Nebraska’s defense in a big way.
Replacing All-American Emmett Johnson in the backfield won’t be easy, but Nebraska has options. Four backs-Isaiah Mozee, Mekhi Nelson, Kwinten Ives, and Kenneth Williams-are in the mix. It’ll likely be a committee approach, and the staff will be looking for someone to emerge as a reliable contributor.
Statistically, Utah poses a serious challenge. The Utes are top-10 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense. Nebraska, which opened as a two-touchdown underdog, will need to play its most complete game of the season to pull off the upset.
But this isn’t just about one game. It’s about momentum, identity, and continuing to build something that lasts.
Rhule has made it clear: Nebraska isn’t looking for a quick fix. It’s about progress-and as an old commercial once said, “Progress is our most important product.”
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.