Matt Rhule compares new Nebraska practice field to Augusta National

Nebraska completed its renovation of Hawks Championship Center this summer. The changes included the addition of two new grass fields at the facility. Evidently, Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule is enjoying the fresh scenery.

“It’s like being on Augusta or one of those great golf courses,” Rhule said, per the Omaha World-Herald‘s Sam McKewon.

While Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium is currently artificial turf, Nebraska reportedly plans on changing the field to grass as well in 2026. This season, the Cornhuskers will use their practice fields as test runs for next season.

It’ll be a massive change for the program. Memorial Stadium has had a turf field since 1970. Alas, Rhule believes the change is necessary.

“Injuries are higher on turf than on grass,” Rhule said. “When I came here, there had been a rash of knee injuries going into this season. There had been a bunch of ACLs over the last six years, a bunch of meniscus (tears). Football’s a violent game.”

Nebraska will look to avoid injuries this year as it enters Rhule’s third season at the helm of the program. Quarterback Dylan Raiola will be the key to the team’s success. 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. However, 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. The program also has several fresh faces on its coaching staff, including two new coordinators.

Dana Holgorsen served as the team’s offensive coordinator through the final four games of last season, but this will be his first campaign as the team’s full-time OC. In contrast, John Butler will be making his debut as the Cornhuskers’ defensive coordinator in Nebraska’s season-opener against Cincinnati.

Butler was Nebraska’s secondary/defensive pass game coordinator last season, but was promoted after  Tony White left the program to take over Florida State‘s defense. Nebraska is returning four defensive starters this year, all of which are members of the team’s secondary.

On Aug. 28, Matt Rhule and Co. will kick off their 2025 campaign with a showdown against Cincinnati at 9 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.