While Nebraska still has work to do, the foundation is being laid for a return to national prominence. Rhule’s vision is clear: establish alignment within the program, recruit and develop top talent, build a winning culture, dominate in the trenches, and embrace modern college football dynamics
The Cornhuskers may not be national title contenders just yet, but the pieces are starting to come together. If Rhule can continue improving the program, Nebraska could soon find itself back in the national championship conversation.
For now, the focus remains on steady progress. As Rhule enters his third season in charge, the goal is to take another step forward, potentially contending for a Big Ten championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Nebraska fans have waited a long time to see their team compete for a national title again. With Matt Rhule at the helm, the dream of returning to college football’s elite is becoming more realistic.
Matt Rhule’s arrival at Nebraska marks a new era for the program. While challenges remain, his track record suggests he has the blueprint for success.
By emphasizing player development, toughness, and a strong team culture, he hopes to restore Nebraska to national prominence.
If his past success at Temple and Baylor is any indication, Nebraska fans have reason to be optimistic. The journey won’t be easy, but under Rhule’s leadership, the Cornhuskers are poised for a resurgence.
Also Read: Dylan Raiola: The Key to Matt Rhule’s College Football Playoff Ambitions at Nebraska
Table of Contents
Matt Rhule’s Vision for Nebraska: Blueprint for Success
Matt Rhule took over as head coach of Nebraska ahead of the 2023 season, bringing with him a reputation for transforming college football programs.1
Known for rebuilding struggling teams, Rhule’s task with the Cornhuskers was monumental—to return the program to national prominence.
In this article, we’ll delve into Matt Rhule’s coaching philosophy, his expectations for players, and his approach to rebuilding Nebraska football. We’ll also examine his past successes and the challenges he faces in the Big Ten.
Good luck today #GBR pic.twitter.com/hYGviVaqcn
— Matt Rhule (@CoachMattRhule) February 27, 2025
Laying the Groundwork for a Turnaround
Before arriving at Nebraska, Matt Rhule orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Temple.
When he took over in 2013, the program was struggling, but by 2016, he had led the team to a 10-win season and an American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship.
His approach at Temple relied on:
- Recruiting players with a chip on their shoulder – Many of the team’s stars were overlooked by bigger programs.
- Focusing on player development – Rhule’s staff helped transform raw athletes into NFL prospects.
- Establishing a culture of toughness – Temple became known for its physical style of play.
This success at Temple proved that Rhule could rebuild a program from the ground up.
Matt Rhule’s Coaching Philosophy: Building a Strong Foundation
Throughout his coaching career, Matt Rhule has been known for his methodical approach to program building.2
He doesn’t seek instant success through quick fixes but instead prioritizes long-term growth and stability.
At Temple and Baylor, Rhule focused on player development, accountability, and a disciplined work ethic. These principles remain at the core of his strategy at Nebraska. His philosophy revolves around:
- Physical and Mental Toughness – Players must be resilient in the face of adversity.
- Discipline and Accountability – Every player is expected to put in the effort both on and off the field.
- Development Over Recruitment Rankings – Rhule has a track record of turning under-the-radar recruits into elite players.
His approach has proven successful before, and Nebraska fans are hopeful he can work his magic in Lincoln.
Setting High Standards: NFL Aspirations for Nebraska Players
When appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay after being hired in November 2022, Matt Rhule set a clear expectation: Nebraska players should aspire to reach the NFL.
“I sat there last year and watched the draft,” Rhule said. “I think it was six or seven Baylor kids who got drafted. Guys that weren’t highly recruited, guys that weren’t five-star players.”
The message was clear—Rhule believes that Nebraska should be a stepping stone for players who want to develop into professional athletes. He expects his players to have:
- A Strong Work Ethic – Success doesn’t come from talent alone but from dedication to improvement.
- Commitment to Growth – Players should embrace training, film study, and off-field preparation.
- A Well-Rounded Approach – Excelling academically and personally is just as important as excelling on the field.
By setting these high expectations, Rhule aims to attract the right kind of athletes to Nebraska—players who are not only talented but also willing to put in the work to maximize their potential.
Matt Rhule: Baylor Rebuild
Overcoming Adversity
Rhule’s next challenge was Baylor, a program in turmoil following a major scandal.3
When he arrived in 2017, the team went 1-11 in his first season. However, by 2019, Baylor had won 11 games and played in the Big 12 Championship Game.
His Baylor tenure demonstrated:
- Resilience in tough situations – He took over a program with significant challenges and turned it around.
- Rapid player development – Several of his players went on to be drafted into the NFL.
- The ability to win with discipline and toughness – Baylor became one of the most hard-nosed teams in the Big 12.
The transformation at Baylor cemented Rhule’s reputation as one of the best program builders in college football.
The Nebraska Challenge: Restoring a Fallen Giant
Unlike Temple and Baylor, Nebraska has a rich football history. However, the program has struggled in recent years, failing to live up to its championship legacy.
Rhule’s biggest challenge will be:
- Changing the Culture – Nebraska has lacked consistency and discipline in recent seasons. Rhule must instill the values that made the program great in the past.
- Competing in the Big Ten – The conference is one of the toughest in college football, with powerhouses like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State standing in Nebraska’s way.
- Developing Talent Efficiently – Nebraska must improve at turning three-star recruits into NFL-caliber players.
Despite the obstacles, Rhule believes Nebraska has the infrastructure and resources to return to national prominence.
Recruiting Strategy: Finding the Right Fit for Nebraska
Matt Rhule is not just focused on landing five-star recruits—he wants players who fit Nebraska’s blue-collar mentality. His recruiting approach involves:
- Identifying Under-the-Radar Prospects – Rhule has a history of finding hidden gems who develop into elite players.
- Prioritizing Character and Work Ethic – Talent alone isn’t enough; players must be willing to put in the work.
- Building Strong Relationships – Nebraska’s coaching staff is focused on creating a family-like atmosphere to attract the right recruits.
With this approach, Rhule hopes to assemble a team that embodies Nebraska’s traditional toughness and grit.
The Role of Strength and Conditioning in Rhule’s Program
One of the key components of Rhule’s philosophy is physical development. His teams are known for being some of the strongest and most conditioned in college football.
At Nebraska, he has placed a strong emphasis on:
- Weight Room Excellence – Strength training is a priority to ensure players can withstand Big Ten competition.
- Speed and Agility Development – Nebraska needs to get faster, especially at skill positions.
- Injury Prevention – A focus on nutrition and recovery will help players stay on the field.
This commitment to player development is a major reason why Rhule’s teams have been so successful in the past.
Also Read: Matt Rhule: Who Is He? Bio, Career, Personal Life, Coaching Philosophy and More
Matt Rhule: Challenge for the National Title Again
Nebraska has long been one of college football’s most storied programs, boasting five national championships and a rich history of success.
However, in recent years, the Cornhuskers have struggled to regain their former dominance. Head coach Matt Rhule believes that Nebraska can once again compete at the highest level, and he has a clear vision for how to make that happen.
During an appearance on College GameDay, Rhule outlined what it would take for Nebraska to re-emerge as a powerhouse in college football. He emphasized the importance of alignment within the program, ensuring that everyone—from the coaching staff to university leadership—is working toward the same goal.
“When you go back and look at the five national championships and all the things that happened in the great great days of Nebraska football, it all goes back to alignment,” Rhule said. “And when the head football coach, the athletic director, the president and the chancellor – when everybody wakes up every day with the same mission, then you have a chance to do great things, and I think we want to go there.”
Now, two seasons into his tenure, Rhule is steadily working to rebuild Nebraska football. The team improved from a 5-7 record in 2023 to 7-5 in 2024, but there is still a long way to go before the Cornhuskers can truly contend for a national title.
The Importance of Program Alignment
One of the key factors Rhule highlights is the necessity for alignment throughout the entire program. In the past, Nebraska’s most successful eras were marked by strong leadership and a unified vision.
Coaches, administrators, and university officials must all be on the same page when it comes to recruiting, player development, and overall team culture.
During Nebraska’s golden years under coaches like Tom Osborne, the program had a clear identity and structure.
The team focused on power football, elite offensive line play, and a dominant rushing attack.
Rhule’s goal is to create a similarly unified approach in the modern era, ensuring that Nebraska’s football philosophy aligns with the university’s broader athletic vision.
View this post on Instagram
Recruiting the Right Talent
Another crucial aspect of Nebraska’s resurgence will be recruiting top-tier talent. Over the past decade, the Cornhuskers have struggled to land elite recruits, often losing out to Big Ten rivals like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
Rhule understands that Nebraska must adapt its recruiting strategy to compete with college football’s heavyweights. One approach is to focus on player development rather than just landing five-star prospects.
Nebraska has historically thrived on developing under-the-radar players into future NFL stars, and Rhule believes this can once again be a formula for success.
Additionally, Nebraska must expand its recruiting footprint. Traditionally, the program has relied on Midwestern talent, but to compete on a national level, the Cornhuskers must recruit in talent-rich states like Texas, Florida, and California.
Rhule has already taken steps to strengthen Nebraska’s presence in these regions, aiming to bring in dynamic athletes who can elevate the program.
Building a Winning Culture
Culture plays a massive role in any successful college football program, and Rhule is focused on instilling a winning mindset at Nebraska.
During Nebraska’s dominant years, the program was known for its toughness, discipline, and relentless work ethic.
Rhule wants to restore that identity, ensuring that his players embrace the same mentality that made Nebraska a national powerhouse in the past.
One of the key aspects of this culture shift is accountability. Rhule has emphasized that every player must take responsibility for their performance, both on and off the field.
He believes that by fostering a culture of accountability, the Cornhuskers can develop the mental toughness necessary to compete with the best teams in the country.
Matt Rhule: Quarterback Development
Elite quarterback play is another essential component of any national title contender.
Nebraska has struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position in recent years, often cycling through different players without long-term success.
Rhule is determined to change that trend by identifying and developing quarterbacks who can lead the team to victory. Whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, Nebraska must secure talented signal-callers who can execute the offensive system efficiently.
A strong quarterback not only improves the passing game but also helps open up the running attack. Rhule’s offensive philosophy revolves around balance, and finding the right quarterback will be crucial to implementing his vision.
Embracing the Transfer Portal and NIL Era
- College football has changed significantly in recent years, with the introduction of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals playing a major role in roster building.
- Nebraska must adapt to these changes to remain competitive.
- Rhule has already shown a willingness to use the transfer portal to bolster the roster, bringing in experienced players who can contribute immediately.
- This strategy will be vital in filling gaps and ensuring that Nebraska can compete with teams that have more established rosters.
- Additionally, Nebraska must fully embrace NIL opportunities to attract top recruits.
- The program has a passionate fanbase and strong financial backing, which can be leveraged to provide competitive NIL deals for student-athletes.
- By staying ahead in the NIL landscape, Nebraska can position itself as an attractive destination for elite talent.
Also Read: Dylan Raiola’s Family Ties to Nebraska: Did His Father Play for the Cornhuskers?
