Big Ten coaches slam Matt Rhule and Nebraska football QB situation

The Nebraska football program is not viewed in a favorable light by fellow Big Ten coaches, at least according to what they told Athlon Sports in a series of anonymous interviews about other programs.

Athlon interviewed Big Ten coaches about each other, allowing head coaches to speak freely without revealing their identity. What those coaches said about Nebraska football wasn’t very flattering.

One took direct aim at Nebraska’s QB situation, as the Huskers lost Dylan Raiola to the transfer portal before settling on UNLV transfer Anthony Colandrea, the Mountain West Player of the Year in 2025 to be the new starting quarterback.

“They’re in a ton of denial with the quarterback situation. Dylan Raiola is as good as they get as a player and as a person; losing him, I thought he was their last hope. He was the pin that was holding that thing together.”

That’s what one head coach said. It feels like that might be Dan Lanning, Oregon’s head coach, but maybe not.

Nebraska football fans feel like they have upgraded at the quarterback position. Fans are enamored with Colandrea’s ability to extend plays. He was also credited with the fifth-most plays over 10 yards among QBs in college football last season.

That’s still a little concerning to hear, though. We’ll see who ends up being right.

Nebraska football will struggle to reach a bowl game, says one Big Ten head coach

Another Big Ten head coach believes getting past five or six wins will be a struggle, something many Nebraska football fans have said this offseason.

“I don’t imagine they’re gonna do anything special. I think five wins, maybe six wins at the most (this) year. If they hit seven, I’d be shocked.”

Another told Athlon he wasn’t sure Rhule was going to work out.

“(Head coach) Matt Rhule has some great aspects. He can make you run through a wall, but there’s just always so much turnover with his staff. I know that it’s a tough environment for those coaches to be in. Rhule makes it like that on purpose because he doesn’t want you to get comfortable. I don’t want to say his model isn’t going to work, but I don’t know.”

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel.