Nebraska’s Bowl Picture: Vegas or Nashville? Huskers Await Postseason Destination
Nebraska’s regular season is in the books, and now the Huskers are in wait-and-see mode as bowl season approaches. With a 7-5 record under Matt Rhule in his first year at the helm, Nebraska is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016-and the question now is where they’re headed and who they’ll face.
Right now, two bowl games are at the center of the conversation: the Las Vegas Bowl and the Music City Bowl. Each brings its own storyline, and each potential opponent adds a bit of spice to Nebraska’s postseason narrative.
Las Vegas Bowl: A Potential Clash with Utah
The Las Vegas Bowl is one of the leading possibilities, and if that’s the destination, Nebraska could be looking at a matchup with Utah. That would be a physical, hard-nosed showdown-two programs that pride themselves on toughness and defense. Utah, known for its gritty play in the trenches and disciplined approach under Kyle Whittingham, would present a real test for the Huskers, especially in the run game.
For Nebraska, this would be a chance to measure its progress against a perennial Pac-12 contender. The Huskers have shown flashes of growth this year under Rhule, particularly on the defensive side, but matching up with a team like Utah would demand four full quarters of execution. It’s a matchup that would tell us a lot about where Nebraska really stands heading into Year 2 of the Rhule era.
Music City Bowl: A Date with LSU and Lane Kiffin?
The other likely destination is the Music City Bowl in Nashville, and this one comes with a big headline-LSU, now led by newly hired Lane Kiffin. Yes, that Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin’s move to LSU would be one of the splashiest coaching changes of the offseason, and a Nebraska-LSU matchup would bring plenty of intrigue. Kiffin’s offensive creativity is well-documented, and he’d be bringing that flair to a Tigers program already loaded with talent. For Nebraska, this game would be less about stopping a typical SEC powerhouse and more about containing the unpredictability that comes with a Kiffin-led offense.
From a storyline perspective, this bowl would be electric. Rhule, a coach known for building programs from the ground up, facing off against Kiffin, a coach known for his offensive fireworks and headline-grabbing moves. It’s a contrast in styles, personalities, and philosophies-and it would make for must-watch TV.
What’s at Stake for Nebraska
No matter which bowl the Huskers land in, this game matters. It’s not just about ending the season on a high note-it’s about building momentum. A bowl win would give Rhule and his staff something tangible to point to as they hit the recruiting trail and prepare for 2026.
It’s also a chance to reward the players who helped turn the page on a tough stretch of seasons. For veterans who stuck around through the lean years, and for younger players who are just starting to carve out roles, this bowl game is a chance to show the country what Nebraska football is becoming.
Final Word
By Sunday, Nebraska will know where it’s headed. Whether it’s the bright lights of Las Vegas or the music-filled streets of Nashville, the Huskers are going bowling. And after years of sitting out the postseason, that alone is a step forward.
But make no mistake-this team isn’t just happy to be here. They want to win. And whether it’s Utah or LSU waiting on the other sideline, Nebraska’s bowl game will offer one more opportunity to prove that the rebuild under Matt Rhule is very much on track.