Playing for a team and later coaching there? That’s a dream. Just ask Jerry Neuheisel. He joined UCLA in 2023 as a walk-on QB, but now he’s the program’s offensive coordinator, and making waves against Big Ten competition. And UCLA’s latest win not only knocked the Penn State out of the AP Top 25. But it also exposed their 3-2 record as the squad struggles to find rhythm. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule seems to be one of the possible candidates if James Franklin gets sacked. But if Rhule takes the position, a Nebraska alum is reportedly ready to step in and take the reins.

On the September 6th episode of Bussin’ With The Boys, Will Compton was asked a big hypothetical. “If Rhule does take the Penn State job, would you interview for the Nebraska head coach position?” Compton didn’t hold back, and he admitted, “I would have a learning curve getting to that level.” And then came the bold take. “But let’s just say hypothetically I know everything there is to know about being a head coach. Absolutely,” he added. “I’d be trading in a microphone for a whistle, and then I’ll carry on the legacy… This would be destiny.”

Compton may not have a coaching resume yet, but his playing career tells its own story. At Nebraska, he capped his senior season with a milestone 50th game and his 37th career start, playing every contest in 2012. Due to his stunning performance, awards and honors followed. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, was named Nebraska Defensive MVP, and served as a team captain for that single year. While Compton made an unforgettable impact at Nebraska, he confirmed, “Coach Rule’s not leaving.” But his co-host Taylor Lewan revealed a bombshell here.

“I’ll tell you this, you guys are bringing up hypotheticals. Will and I have had the conversation. If Will goes and coaches at Nebraska, we have a plan in place,” he said. Then Compton chimed in with a nod to big-time success. “Look at the Deion Sanders formula,” he added. But Lewan reassured listeners with a grin, stating, “I’m just letting you guys know. Will and I have talked about it. Bussing will be just fine.” It was playful banter. But in the world of CFB, who really knows what destiny has in store? And here, a question still remains. Why was the Nebraska HC even being considered for the PSU job?

Matt Rhule played at Penn State as an LB from 1994 to 1997. He also served as an assistant for PSU before earning his first HC job at Temple. Fans are noticing the homegrown connection, and that’s why one fan tweeted, “I vote for Matt Rhule. Bring in a Penn State/Paterno guy who gets it.” Meanwhile, the Nebraska HC himself threw some shade at his PSU peer.

Matt Rhule does not believe in complaining

Nebraska heads to Maryland facing a tough test. And there are two reasons why it’s going to be difficult. First of all, it’s their first real road game this season. Secondly, it is also their longest trip from Memorial Stadium yet, over 210 miles. But Matt Rhule isn’t leaving anything to chance. That’s why the team departs Thursday to settle into East Coast time. Now, while Rhule is making sure his squad is ready to compete, he couldn’t resist a subtle jab at James Franklin.

“The No. 1 thing is we don’t complain about it,” stated Rhule when asked about prepping for the road trip. Although it was not explicitly aimed at Franklin. But it’s hard to ignore the context. Following the shocking loss to unranked UCLA, Franklin had criticized the travel among other factors.

“We did not handle last week’s loss well,” admitted Franklin. “We also lost some players in that game, during the week. Then, everything else. Travel. Everything else. Did not come out with the right energy to start the game.” But Rhule isn’t one to make excuses. He expects accountability from his team ahead of the Maryland game. Huskers fans can rest easy as Matt Rhule is probably not going anywhere in the near future.