Since joining Nebraska before the 2023 season, Matt Rhule’s team hasn’t appeared in the CFP. But last season under his leadership, the team finished 7-6 and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. This season, the program sits at No. 8 in the B1G with a 7-3 overall record and becomes bowl eligible after their hard-fought 28-21 win against UCLA. Still, the first win in Pasadena since 1993 seemed to fall short for the Cornhuskers’ HC. He’s focused on the future promise rather than dwelling on the celebration.

In the post-game conference, while talking about the team’s growth as the season goes on and their bounce back after the USC loss, Rhule said, “We’re like some of the streets in Lincoln, like, you know, we’re under construction, right? We’re still building them. But it’s a fun process to be a part of.” While it indicates the HC wasn’t entirely satisfied with his team’s performance against UCLA, it also signals better days ahead for Husker fans.

With a two-and-a-half-season stint with the Cornhuskers, the HC has a 19-16 record and no CFP appearances, which could be a triggering point in this ongoing coaching-firing trend. But that does not seem to be the case with the Huskers, as their growth is quite visible. The analogy of a team still developing filled the room with laughter as reporter Chase Matteson humorously wrote, “Maybe the Quote of the season from Matt Rhule. 🤣”

Although after the USC loss, there was a noise like, “Can they bounce back?” Coming into today’s matchup against UCLA, the HC himself praised his team’s growth, stating, “I’ll just say it again, like not many teams would have bounced back the way they did. They put their heart and soul to that game last week, right? And it speaks to them.”

Last week against USC, the Cornhuskers walked out with a 21-17 loss, but this time against the Bruins, they showed potential early. Freshman QB TJ Lateef, who took over for injured Dylan Raiola, connected 13 for 15 for 205 yards and three touchdown passes in his first collegiate start. Emmett Johnson rushed for 129 yards, including one TD, and also made three receptions for 103 yards, finding the end zone twice. That’s why, after the UCLA win, the team earned the HC’s praise. “Wasn’t perfect, but it was really good,” he said.

Now, with two games remaining, there is a chance for Matt Rhule’s squad to rise and be a legitimate contender for the B1G title. With such a display of talent, the HC didn’t go anywhere soon.

Matt Rhule gets an extension

A few weeks ago, the school announced that Nebraska has secured HC Matt Rhule through the 2032 season. With a two-year contract extension, Rhule’s buyout increases from $5 million to $15 million this season. This was after the Cornhuskers’ 6-2 record in Rhule’s third year at Nebraska, but the HC’s contribution to the program gained attention. Praising Rhule’s leadership and efforts, AD Troy Dannen was appreciative of the 50-year-old.

“Coach Rhule has shown he is the right leader at the right time for Nebraska Football. Continuity and stability are critical, and we look forward to him and his family being in Lincoln for a long time. Our program has seen significant progress under Matt’s leadership.” With a proven track record at Temple and Baylor, including a 2016 AAC title, Rhule has a long runway to continue, but his focus is crystal clear.

“The University of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln and the state of Nebraska are special. It is a place our family is proud to call home…Our focus remains on building Nebraska Football into a perennial championship contender,” said the Nebraska HC. Now, while the HC focuses on reshaping Nebraska into a championship-caliber program, the school has done its side of the action.

Yes, the new contract includes an innovative clause: Rhule’s base salary rises by $1M when Nebraska qualifies for the CFP. The Huskers were already bowl eligible, and now, after the bye week, will be visiting Penn State (0-6 Big Ten) on Nov. 22 in Rhule’s return to his alma mater.