The rumors surrounding Matt Rhule’s future went into overdrive when Penn State made James Franklin’s departure official. A proud alum of Penn State, Rhule immediately became the bookies’ favorite option to replace the outgoing Franklin. If Rhule were to leave Nebraska, it could affect their future plans of getting top prospects in the program. Despite this uncertainty, one key QB commit for 2027 has cleared the air regarding his loyalty to the program.

Matt Rhule has repeatedly expressed how important Penn State is to him. “I love Penn State…Met my wife there. It’s my alma mater…I have been a fan since I was born.” However, amid the uncertainty, 4-star Trae Taylor has reaffirmed his loyalty to Nebraska.

“With everything going on with @CoachMattRhule, many schools have reached out. I really appreciate the consideration and love,” wrote the QB on his X account. Despite that interest, Taylor is “locked” with the Cornhuskers and even appealed to other commits to do the same. “But I’m Locked “N” with @HuskerFootball Any recruits that may be considering Nebraska, I hope this takes away any concerns. To the fan base GO BIG RED 😎, wrote Taylor.

The 6’3″ and 187 lbs QB hails from Illinois and sealed his commitment to Nebraska in May this year. For him, the job, co-OC and QBs coach Glenn Thomas is doing stands out, along with the development trajectory Dylan Raiola has taken under his wing.  Trae Taylor is also a key piece for the Cornhuskers in the QB room after Dylan Raiola, since the team doesn’t even have a 4-star QB commit in the 2026 class.

“Sitting down with Coach Thomas and getting into the offense, seeing how he coaches Dylan and how he can prepare me for the next level — I really just can’t wait…The day after I got home from A&M, I was in contact with one of Coach Rhule, Coach Thomas, and Dylan [Raiola] every day for the next two weeks before I decided this was where I needed to be,” said Taylor to ESPN.

Taylor’s commitment to Nebraska was a coup for the Cornhuskers since the QB comes with elite skills. For instance, this year, the QB has played 7 games and already has accumulated 2094 passing yards. On top of that, his 79.5% passing efficiency and 327 rushing yards speak volumes about the 5-star talent he possesses. So, if Dylan Raiola decides to go to the NFL after the 2026 season, Taylor’s QB1 status would be a no-brainer.’

Meanwhile, in news that will be music to the ears of the Nebraska faithful, Matt Rhule’s future with the Cornhuskers seems to be secure.

Dylan Raiola and a Nebraska legend put Matt Rhule’s Penn State rumors to bed

After Penn State fired James Franklin after the Northwestern loss, rumors have been non-stop regarding Matt Rhule switching colors. For one, he is a distinguished Penn State alum who has charted a successful coaching career for himself. But also, because of the close relationship the Cornhuskers’ head coach has with Penn State AD Pat Kraft. “I love Pat Kraft. And I’m really sad to see Coach Franklin go,” said Matt Rhule in a recent presser. So, is Matt Rhule inching towards a new job at Penn State?

For now, it’s quite unlikely, if Nebraska legend Will Compton is to be believed. “My confidence level, 1 to 10, about Coach Rhule staying, I think it’s a 10. I think what Coach Rhule and I have built over the last three years is a very promising future for Nebraska,” said Compton. Even Dylan Raiola dismissed the rumors in a recent interview, declaring that “he ain’t going nowhere.” The result? The rumors have been put to rest for good. But if it happens, can we see a potential shakeup in the recruits’ commitments?

Despite Trae Taylor declaring his love for Nebraska. If Matt Rhule also decides to take his coaching staff with him, including Glenn Thomas. That potentially could give a major reason for even Trae Taylor to switch camps. For now, though, Taylor’s message is an optimistic sign of unwavering loyalty, and it remains to be seen what’s in the bag in the near future.