Will Compton reveals his confidence level in Matt Rhule staying at Nebraska over Penn State

Matt Rhule has found himself atop many hot boards for Penn State‘s new head coaching vacancy. Amid his successful third season at Nebraska, Rhule himself has pushed back against any interest in the job.

Still, he’s a Penn State alum, so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility. Former Nebraska star Will Compton, co-host of Bussin’ with the Boys, addressed Rhule’s name being thrown around by the media. Specifically, he revealed his confidence in Rhule remaining at Nebraska after the season is over.

“My confidence level, 1-10 on Coach Rhule staying, I think, is a 10,” Compton said on the
Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams. “I think that (Penn State) is a pretty girl with a lot of nostalgic, emotional ties to where he would be interested in that next pretty girl as an opportunity. But I think if you’re a head coach in college football, you want a few different things. You want a place where you feel like your family can be and thrive. He has that in Nebraska.”

At the same time, Compton wouldn’t fault Rhule if the Nittany Lions threw a massive contract his way. Or if he signed it.

“You want to be at a place where you have all the resources in the world with facilities, ability to recruit,” Compton said. “He has that, and now in the NIL world the money, if you want to compete national titles, this is where it’s more outside of Coach Rhule, and more of the donors and the money that’s there.

“You want a wallet that can pay for and get the recruits that you want in there, but also keep the good players who are on the roster. Could Penn State have more of that opportunity for Coach Rhule? Could Nebraska now start ponying up? Because if Coach Rhule has all of that alignment, that AD, Troy Dannen, they have all that alignment and Nebraska is all in on that, I don’t think he goes anywhere.”

The Nebraska head coach said that he wants to turn Nebraska into a “beast.” With a 5-1 record this season, he appears to be well on his way. After all, Rhule’s resources at Nebraska helped secure top 25 recruiting and transfer portal classes this past offseason. That has translated to success on the field so far in 2025.

Nebraska will look to become bowl eligible this weekend against Minnesota. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET live on FOX.