Las Vegas Bowl Preview: No. 15 Utah vs. Nebraska - A Clash of Tradition, Transition, and Opportunity
When No. 15 Utah and Nebraska square off in the Las Vegas Bowl, it won’t just be the final game of the season for two storied programs-it’ll be a meeting of two teams navigating change, chasing momentum, and trying to close the year with a statement.
Despite their rich histories west of the Mississippi, these two programs have only met four times before, with Nebraska holding a 4-0 edge. But that last meeting came all the way back in 1992. A lot has changed since then, and this matchup feels less like a reunion and more like a fresh chapter for both sides.
Nebraska's Season: A Tale of Two Halves
For Nebraska, the 2025 campaign started like a dream. A 5-1 start had fans thinking about the College Football Playoff-yes, that kind of season.
But the second half told a different story. The Huskers dropped four of their final six games, including three of their last four, falling out of the rankings and out of the national spotlight.
Still, there’s progress here. Under third-year head coach Matt Rhule, the Huskers posted a 7-5 regular season-his best mark yet in Lincoln.
And with a win in Vegas, Nebraska would notch back-to-back bowl victories for the first time since 2009. For a program that’s been trying to claw its way back to national relevance, that’s no small milestone.
Utah's Steady Climb-and a Major Change
Utah, meanwhile, just wrapped up a 10-win season and spent most of the year in the playoff conversation. The Utes fell just short of the Big 12 Championship Game, but this was still their most successful campaign since 2022. From 2022 to 2025, Utah tallied 13 total wins-so this season’s resurgence was a big step forward.
But the bowl game marks the beginning of a new era in Salt Lake City. For the first time since 2004, Kyle Whittingham won’t be on the sideline.
After announcing his retirement at the end of the regular season, Whittingham was quickly hired to replace Sherrone Moore at Michigan. That means longtime defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley-long seen as the heir apparent-will make his head coaching debut against Nebraska.
This isn’t just a one-game audition. It’s the start of Scalley’s tenure, and the Utes will be looking to send a message that the program’s identity and toughness won’t skip a beat.
Eyes on TJ Lateef
One of the biggest storylines heading into the game is Nebraska’s quarterback situation. With Dylan Raiola out due to injury, freshman TJ Lateef has stepped into the spotlight.
His debut against UCLA was electric-three touchdown passes and a glimpse of what could be. But since then, it’s been a struggle.
Lateef threw for just 256 yards total in back-to-back losses to Penn State and Iowa. Against the Hawkeyes, he completed only nine of 24 passes. Now, with the season on the line and the coaching staff evaluating every position heading into a pivotal offseason, Lateef has one more chance to show he belongs in the mix for 2026.
Utah Looking to Snap Bowl Skid
Utah has been one of the most consistent postseason performers in college football over the last two decades. Between 2003 and 2017, the Utes went 12-1 in bowl games, a stretch that included wins under both Urban Meyer and Whittingham.
But the postseason magic has faded lately. Utah enters the Las Vegas Bowl riding a five-game bowl losing streak, including a loss to Northwestern in this very game in 2023.
For a program that prides itself on physicality and postseason preparedness, that’s a streak they’re eager to end. A win here would not only snap the skid, but also give Scalley a strong foundation as he takes the reins full-time.
What to Watch
This is a matchup defined by transition. Utah is handing the keys to a new head coach.
Nebraska is still trying to figure out who its quarterback of the future might be. Both teams have had players hit the transfer portal.
Both are trying to build momentum heading into a critical offseason.
Utah enters as the favorite-and rightfully so. They’ve been more consistent, more complete, and more battle-tested this year. But Nebraska has shown flashes, and if Lateef can rediscover the spark he had against UCLA, this could be a tighter game than the spread suggests.
One thing’s for sure: for two programs with proud pasts and uncertain futures, the Las Vegas Bowl offers something more than just a trophy. It’s a chance to end the year on a high note-and start the next one with purpose.