Nebraska Football Ends 2025 with Tough Questions-but a Chance to Regroup
The 2025 season for Nebraska football didn’t end with fireworks-it ended with frustration. A 7-5 record sounds respectable on paper, but when the final two games are lopsided losses to Penn State and Iowa, the mood shifts. Those defeats didn’t just sting-they sparked real questions about where this program is headed under Matt Rhule.
But now, as the Midwest settles into winter and the holidays bring a bit of perspective, it’s worth taking a closer look at what actually unfolded-and what it means going forward.
A Defensive Reset Begins
The most notable move of the offseason came on the defensive side of the ball. John Butler is out as defensive coordinator, and it’s hard to argue with the timing.
The breaking point? A baffling decision to run a three-man front inside the 10-yard line against Iowa.
That moment didn’t just symbolize a bad call-it summed up a season of defensive inconsistency that Nebraska couldn’t overcome.
Rhule’s decision to move on from Butler signals more than just a staffing change. It’s an acknowledgment that the current approach wasn’t working-and that the defense needs a fresh direction. The upcoming bowl game against Utah, a physical 10-2 team that thrives on running the football, will give the new defensive staff a real test and a valuable evaluation window heading into 2026.
In the Trenches, Trouble Lingers
Nebraska’s offensive line issues weren’t a late-season surprise-they showed up early and never really went away. When you’re getting pushed around by mid-tier opponents in September, that’s not just a blip. That’s a red flag.
The Huskers struggled to generate consistent push up front, which limited the offense’s ability to control games or sustain drives. It’s a foundational problem, and Rhule knows it.
Fixing the line isn’t optional-it’s essential. Whether it’s through development, recruiting, or the transfer portal, Nebraska needs more strength and cohesion in the trenches if it wants to compete in the Big Ten.
Emmett Johnson: A Bright Spot in a Cloudy Finish
If there was one clear highlight from the 2025 campaign, it was the emergence of Emmett Johnson. The running back didn’t just flash potential-he delivered, game after game, with the kind of performances that evoke memories of Nebraska’s storied backfield past.
Johnson’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft is bittersweet. He’ll be missed, no question.
But his breakout season also gives Nebraska something it desperately needs: a success story to sell on the recruiting trail. The key now is turning that momentum into more talent.
The Huskers can’t afford to repeat the post-Suh era mistake-when Ndamukong Suh’s dominant 2009 season didn’t lead to a pipeline of elite defensive linemen.
Johnson’s rise should be a launching pad, not a one-off.
A Chance to Build, Not Just Rebuild
It’s easy to dwell on what went wrong-especially in the social media era, where every misstep gets amplified. But Rhule isn’t standing still.
He’s making adjustments. He’s trying to fix what’s broken.
And while the bowl game against Utah is a tough matchup on paper, it’s also a chance to evaluate the progress behind the scenes.
This isn’t about chasing a moral victory. It’s about finding out who’s ready to step up, who fits the new vision, and who can be part of the solution moving forward.
Beyond Football, Nebraska Athletics Are Thriving
It’s also worth noting that while football grabbed the headlines, other Nebraska programs quietly had banner years. The baseball team brought home a Big Ten title.
Women’s basketball remains undefeated and ranked. Volleyball, as always, is in the national conversation-even if the trophy eluded them again.
There’s a foundation of success across the athletic department. The question is whether football can catch up-and whether Rhule can be the one to lead that charge.
For now, the answers are still forming. But the effort to find them is underway.
Merry Christmas, Husker Nation. The road ahead may not be easy-but it’s still wide open. Go Big Red.