Predicting Nebraska's three toughest games in 2025
As Nebraska looks to take a significant step forward in Year 3 under head coach Matt Rhule, its 2025 schedule will present plenty of challenges.
Here are HuskerOnline’s three most difficult opponents the Huskers will face as they hope to push back into championship contention…
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
There’s a growing belief in Happy Valley that 2025 could be the year Penn State finally breaks through to the top tier of college football. That’s not just offseason hype, either. With a roster that combines returning star power and one of the most talented recruiting classes in program history, James Franklin has all the tools at his disposal.
Quarterback Drew Allar is expected to make a major leap. With an offensive line that’s gone from liability to strength, the Nittany Lions should have the firepower to match any team in the country. Defensively, Penn State might be even more dangerous. Coming off a national title at Ohio State, new coordinator Jim Knowles has inherited a unit loaded with NFL-caliber talent at all three levels.
The pieces are there, but what could separate Penn State in 2025 is its mindset. This is a team tired of being “close.” The coaching staff emphasized physicality and execution all spring, and there’s a quiet but unmistakable chip on their shoulder. Don’t be surprised when the Nittany Lions are right in the thick of the national championship conversation come December.
2. USC Trojans
Don’t let last year’s growing pains fool you, USC is built to make serious noise in 2025. Lincoln Riley has retooled the roster with a mix of high-end transfers and elite recruits, and for the first time since arriving in Los Angeles, he has the personnel on both sides of the ball to compete with college football’s heavyweights.
At the center of it all is quarterback Jayden Maiava, who could make the jump as the next superstar under Riley’s tutelage. He’s surrounded by one of the deeper skill groups in the country. With a more cohesive offensive line, USC’s offense could be explosive. The real key could be the defense. Coordinator D’Anton Lynn has overhauled the unit, particularly with some notable upgrades on the defensive line.
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There’s also a renewed edge within the program. There’s a different energy coming out of Los Angeles this offseason, and for good reason. The Trojans aren’t just aiming to compete – they expect to win in 2025. November 1 could be a much greater challenge for Nebraska than some might think.
3. Michigan Wolverines
When discussing measuring-stick games on Nebraska’s 2025 schedule, the conversation starts with its Big Ten opener against Michigan. Even with head coach Sherrone Moore out due to suspension, the Wolverines stand as NU’s most significant test in the first half of the season.
Freshman sensation quarterback Bryce Underwood has generational potential, but he’ll be making his first conference road start in Lincoln. UM also lost four defensive starters in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. Still, the game could be the ultimate tone setter among the Huskers’ otherwise manageable first eight games.
The Wolverines expect a bounce-back season and to return to the College Football Playoff mix in 2025. They’ll understand the importance that their trip to Memorial Stadium will have concerning their own aspirations. Some unique circumstances aside, this one could be an early defining point – one way or the other – for both teams.
