Things continue to go wrong for Nebraska this season. After reports of several players considering departures, head coach Matt Rhule now faces an injury setback. The timing could not be worse, as the Huskers still have a bowl game left to play.

The end of the 2025 season has not been kind to Matt Rhule. Nebraska suffered a season-finale loss to Iowa, followed by reports that quarterback TJ Lateef and wide receiver Jacory Barney could leave the program. The latest setback is the loss of starting right guard Rocco Splinder, who will miss the upcoming bowl game after undergoing finger surgery.

The Athletic’s Nebraska beat reporter Mitch Sherman revealed the news in a post on X.

“Nebraska RG Rocco Spindler will not play in the bowl game. He needs surgery on the finger that was injured against Minnesota.” Sherman’s post on X read.

Splinder sustained the injury during Nebraska’s 24-6 loss to Minnesota in Week 9. The procedure rules him out for the final game of the season, adding to an already growing list of challenges for the Cornhuskers. Current projections have Nebraska facing either LSU or Missouri in the Music City Bowl, making Splinder’s absence a significant setback for Rhule.

This is a developing story…