Final Nebraska football record prediction before fall camp

Nebraska football opens fall camp this week, fresh off the trip to Las Vegas for Big Ten Media Days.

This feels like one of the most anticipated seasons for the Huskers in quite some time. After a winning season in 2024, plus a bowl victory, there is hope that a true breakout season is coming in the third year under head coach Matt Rhule.

Rhule won 21 games combined in his third seasons at Temple and Baylor. Nebraska football has everything you need to win. The Huskers have an elite talent playing quarterback, are solid in the trenches, have pass rushers, pass protectors, and good skill guys on both sides of the field.

For the first time in a long time, the cornerback and wide receiver positions feel like strengths. Quarterback does, too. The schedule is also favorable. Phil Steele rates it as the easiest in the Big Ten.

I’d argue that Penn State, Michigan, USC, and Iowa are the most difficult games. Three of those are at home. Believe it or not, I’ve got the Huskers winning 10 games. Here are the game-by-game predictions of how I got there.

Nebraska football game-by-game predictions

Thu, Aug 28 — Cincinnati — W
Sat, Sep 6 — Akron — W
Sat, Sep 13 — Houston Christian — W
Sat, Sep 20 — Michigan — W
Sat, Oct 4 — Michigan State — W
Sat, Oct 11 — @ Maryland — W
Fri, Oct 17 — @ Minnesota — W
Sat, Oct 25 — Northwestern — W
Sat, Nov 1 — USC — W
Sat, Nov 8 — @ UCLA — L
Sat, Nov 22 — @ Penn State — L
Fri, Nov 28 — Iowa — W

Explanation for wins and losses

The opener won’t be a cakewalk, but I don’t expect Nebraska to have any trouble with its first three opponents. Cincinnati is good enough to beat Nebraska, yet the defense and the quarterback will be too good.

Michigan is one of the defining games of the season. Win that, and Nebraska can make the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines might be without head coach Sherrone Moore, and Lincoln Memorial Stadium will be jumping.

Matt Rhule will get a defining win in a close game. I also think the Huskers will survive the two-game stretch against Minnesota and Maryland. The second game is Minnesota. PJ Fleck has had Nebraska’s number.

The Huskers also haven’t had a quarterback or a head coach this good since Fleck has been around. Nebraska’s talent will shine through on a Friday night.

Turning the corner means winning those games on the road. In truth, Nebraska needs to win all its home games, win at Arrowhead, and go 2-2 on the road. Do that, and this team is dancing (playoffs).

USC has to travel halfway across the country to play Nebraska. UCLA won in Lincoln last season, but this game will have tons of hype, too, and Nebraska will meet the moment.

An emotional letdown, a long trip to Pasadena, plus a talented running quarterback will lead to an upset loss. Nebraska will lose a close game to Penn State, before beating Iowa to finish 10-2.

I might be drunk on Kool-Aid, but I’m sold on Nebraska.