Nebraska Cornhuskers Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Nebraska is alive with excitement after the Cornhuskers showed serious promise last season in head coach Matt Rhule‘s second campaign at the helm. Ahead of the season, college football expert Phil Steele analyzed Nebraska’s team and revealed his expectations for the Cornhuskers this fall, starting with the offense.

“Last year with true freshman QB Dylan Raiola taking over, I said they would have the threat of a pass game and should remain healthier,” Steele wrote. “My computer called for a large jump to 26.8 [points per game] and 370 [yards per game] and they almost got there with 23.5 ppg and 359 ypg.

“This year Raiola now has experience and Dana Holgorsen took over the last 4 games last year as the OC. I will call for their most productive offense since 2018.”

Dylan Raiola will be the key to Nebraska’s offense this fall. As a true freshman last season, Raiola completed 67.1% of his pass attempts for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns, compared to 11 interceptions.

Raiola will need to cut down on his turnovers in the upcoming season for the Cornhuskers to accomplish their goals. He’ll have a stronger supporting cast around him, which should help with this mission.

Most notably, Nebraska reeled in transfer commitments from wide receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter. With offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, the Cornhuskers will look to reach new heights this year. Of course, the team will need its defense to hold its end of the bargain.

“Last year 7 starters were back and they had the #5 Line in the country and my computer called for them to allow 325 ypg and 20.3 ppg and they were right there with 318 ypg and 19.5 ppg (missed by 8),” Steele wrote. “This year they lose their stud DT’s, 5 other starters and their DC but Rhule will field another solid defense.”

After the 2024 campaign, Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White left the program to accept an offer to call Florida State’s defense. In turn, the Huskers promoted John Butler to DC. He was the team’s secondary/defensive pass game coordinator last season.

Nebraska is returning four defensive starters this year, all of which are members of the team’s secondary. All eyes will be on Nebraska’s front seven as it attempts to improve its defensive presence in the upcoming season.

“This year they have 5 Big Ten Home games. In Matt Rhule’s 3rd year at Baylor, they went 11-3 and, in his third year at Temple, they went 10-4,” Steele wrote. “It has been 13 years since the Huskers have had a double-digit win season but this is Rhule’s best team and they are capable of getting there.”

On Aug. 28, Nebraska will kick off its 2025 campaign with a showdown against Cincinnati at 9 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.