Husker Big Red Daily: What Rob Aurich extension means for Matt Rhule, basketball teams crack top 25

Welcome to Husker Big Red Daily, your daily stop for the latest Nebraska football news, recruiting buzz, transfer portal updates, and Huskers headlines. Here’s a quick look at the latest storylines surrounding Nebraska athletics.

There was more coordinator news Monday as Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule announced a two-year contract extension for Rob Aurich during his weekly press conference.

For Rhule, it was a smart move, and it’s one that has ramifications. Aurich and the defense have been the bright spot this season for the 5-4 Huskers.

Other programs might try to poach Aurich. He also proved this season that he was worth more than he was getting paid. He’s an elite defensive coordinator. At least, he has been through nine games.

However, for those who want Rhule gone, this is a sign that he will be back for the 2027 Nebraska football season. It’s not likely that Aurich signs a new deal if he thinks Rhule is going to be fired in a few weeks. It’s also hard to see Troy Dannen approving it if Rhule were on the hot seat.

Nebraska is one of just four teams to have outgained its opponent in every game. You can see why Dannen wouldn’t want to give up on a staff that’s close, especially when you consider the 2027 recruiting class. If Rhule can find a Rob Aurich for the offense, maybe this program will finally reach its potential under the embattled head coach.

That will be his last chance, though. Another season like this in 2027 will be hard to survive.

Huskers basketball teams in the top 25

After blowout wins over San Jose State and Western Illinois, a mid-major that made the NCAA tournament last season, Britt Prince and Nebraska women’s basketball are ranked 25th this week in the AP Poll.

Fred Hoiberg and the Nebraska men’s basketball team are also ranked for the first time in the AP Poll after an eight-point win over Providence, as well as a rout of Le Moyne.

The women play North Carolina A&T tonight. The men host Lindenwood on Wednesday.

Bergen Reilly is Big Ten Setter of the Week

From Huskers.com

Nebraska senior setter Bergen Reilly was named the Big Ten Setter of the Week for the second consecutive week, the conference office announced on Monday.

Reilly was honored for the fourth time this season and 17th time in her career, which is tied for second all-time in the conference.

The Sioux Falls, S.D., native led the top-ranked Huskers to a pair of road victories at No. 12 Oregon and No. 18 Washington last week.

Reilly set the Huskers to an NCAA-leading .448 hitting percentage on the week, which was 18 points better than the second-best mark. The Big Red also led the country with 17.00 kills per set last week.

The senior was fourth nationally with 13.33 assists per set across the two matches.

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