Penn State and Nebraska have only met twice during James Franklin’s tenure and not since former Nittany Lion graduate assistant Matt Rhule took over as head coach. This year, Penn State will face the Cornhuskers for the first time since 2020 and the first time in Beaver Stadium since 2017. Though they don’t clash routinely, the two have a relatively even series history, with Nebraska holding a 10-8 all-time edge. Penn State will have a chance to close that gap this fall.
Here’s a look at the Cornhuskers heading into the 2025 season.
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2024 in review
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to hand off during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Ohio State won 21-17.
Nebraska made its first bowl appearance since 2016 after failing to reach the postseason for the entirety of Scott Frost’s tenure. The cherry on top was winning the Bad Boy Mower’s Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College, earning some momentum heading into 2025. First-year starting quarterback Dylan Raiola showed flashes of his 5-star rating, but turnover struggles kept the Cornhuskers from winning more games. However, his two leading receivers are off to the NFL, meaning he’ll need new names to step up if he wants to replicate his passing production.
Head coach profile
Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and athletic director Troy Dannen walk off the field after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Rhule has famously rebuilt college football programs in a three-year window, including Temple (2-10, 6-6, 10-4) and Baylor (1-11, 7-6, 11-3). His first two seasons with Nebraska were 5-7 and 7-6, setting the stage for another jump if the pattern holds. Rhule also had a three-year stint in the NFL coaching the Carolina Panthers, but he was fired after a 1-4 start in 2022.
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Top offensive player
Nov 16, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key (6) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Murray State Racers at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
To replace the departing wide receivers, Nebraska needed to bring in a replacement and found a possible answer in Kentucky transfer Dane Key. Through three seasons as a starter, Key went over 500 yards each year. He peaked last season with 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns despite poor quarterback play with the Wildcats. Joining a pass-heavy offense in Lincoln and having a talented quarterback could result in career highs and possibly a 1,000-yard campaign for Key.
Top defensive player
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs around Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Ohio State won 21-17.
Safety Deshon Singleton considered declaring for the draft this offseason, but opted to return and potentially boost his draft stock. He has good physical traits and was productive last season, ranking second on the team with 71 tackles and adding three passes defended and two takeaways. The junior college prospect will likely be a leader of the defense and continue to put up big numbers in 2025.
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2025 schedule
Aug. 28 (Thurs.) vs. Cincinnati
Sept. 13 vs. Houston Christian
Oct. 4 vs. Michigan State
Oct. 17 (Fri.) at Minnesota
Nebraska gets many of its toughest games (Michigan, Iowa, USC) at home, but it’ll have to travel to take on Penn State in what looks to be the toughest game of the season for the Cornhuskers. The Nittany Lions will hope to pull closer in the all-time series with a win in late November, but Rhule and Company will attempt to play spoiler. The clash of historic programs may be a ranked matchup, and could be one of the best uniform matchups of the year.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Scouting the Nebraska Cornhuskers ahead of 2025