Well, it’s not a tough task to fathom how much pressure is on the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ head coach Matt Rhule. After all, Nebraska football owns one of the richest championship traditions in college football history. They won back-to-back Natty crowns in 1970 and 1971. They continued the streak by bringing home titles in 1994, 1995, and 1997. But ever since then, there has been a drought. As Rhule prepared to flip their luck, it’s obvious that he is going to count on his quarterback. But the 2024 season showed him how his Dylan Raiola plan backfired. So now all eyes are on who Rhule counts as Raiola’s successor, as the head coach now goes through a tough time. Courtesy? The mass exodus. 

The 2024 season was all about taking revenge. Back in 2023, the Huskers got stung by Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes with a 36-14 defeat. Were they able to teach the Buffs a lesson? Yes. They defeated Colorado in their heroic 28-10 feat. But given Rhule’s program’s overall record, they had to pull the brakes at 7-6. One of the biggest reasons behind their fallout was their quarterback plan going awry. After all, Rhule opened on a high note, spreading some terror among the competitors with his quarterback. The quarterback came off as a threat as he pulled off a Patrick Mahomes doppelganger look. The same broccoli hair, the Oakley glasses. However, the Mahomes effect was limited only to physical look, as Rhule’s quarterback failed to bring Mahomes’ type of magic on the gridiron.

In his debut against UTEP, Raiola completed 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in less than three quarters of action. However, the whole picture showed some concerning stats when it came to Raiola’s sacks. For instance, against Illinois, Rhule’s quarterback got sacked three times. So, the head coach had to start prepping for the post-Raiola plan. That’s when he got his eyes on the highly coveted class of 2027 QB Trae Taylor. On the April 30 episode of the 247Sports podcast, analysts shed light on where college football programs stand in the Taylor race. When it comes to Coach Rhule’s squad, recruiting analyst Mike Schaefer sounded all confident. 

“The Huskers have done a good job loading up its quarterback room with Matt Rhule, and Taylor could be the next one in the 2027 class. This is a guy who has spent a lot of time in Nebraska already this spring.” And what was his reaction post his visit? The analyst shared the player’s take, “For the Huskers game Taylor said in the past that it feels great, comfortable in Lincoln. He likes the environment, he likes the campus, he likes the program, he likes the coaches. It means a lot.” With Raiola gone by 2027, what makes Taylor hold the next starting position? The Carmel Catholic (Illinois) standout comes off as a package of skill, talent, and leadership on the field.

The 5-star is ranked as the 14th best player in the country and No.4 in his 2027 class. So, it’s obvious that a bunch of suitors are swarming around him. The list includes Illinois, LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, and Texas A&M. However, Rhule and co. are at an edge in the Taylor race. Wondering why? Analyst Wilson Dittman noted, “If he [Taylor] went to Michigan, he would have to sit on the bench for a couple of years with Bryce Underwood there. If he comes to Nebraska, Dylan Raiola will likely be off to the NFL by that time. He can get a hand off the keys, and he’ll probably start.” Now, amidst this moral boost, Rhule must be too upset with his recent blows. 

Matt Rhule’s heartbreaking portal prophecy comes true

Turns out that Rhule had already had his ‘travel me to the future’ glasses on. Yes, that’s how accurately he had envisioned how the transfer portal is going to treat Nebraska. Earlier, the head coach had predicted, “Think this year, we’re going to end up with 30-50 guys (Nebraska players) in the portal with the roster (limit)… I don’t want any of them to go into the portal. I want them all to stay here and develop. It’s just the new world we’re in. It’s going to be different.” The figures state that the Huskers lost 36 players to the transfer portal this offseason.

Transfer portal departures are part of the game, but four in one day before the clock strikes noon don’t happen very often. Poor Rhule! He got to witness the quadruple blow. The Huskers lost tight end Ian Flynt, offensive lineman David Borchers, wide receiver Hayes Miller, and cornerback Evan Taylor, who jumped out of Lincoln on April 29. Just when the Huskers fans thought that things can’t get any worse, here came post-spring departures.

As per the reports, seven post-spring players left the Nebraska program. Some of them are D’Andre Barnes (defensive back), Nico Ottomanelli (kicker), and Grant Seagren (offensive line). Even in the recruiting race to land Omaha native CharMar Brown, Nebraska is likely to lose against Mario Cristobal’s Miami. So, Matt Rhule better clinch the reins and ride straight toward what truly needs fixing.