Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule's Crossroads Moment After USC Loss | Huskers' Future (2025)

Picture this: Nebraska football, once a powerhouse, now staring down the barrel of a make-or-break season after a tough defeat—could this be the moment that defines the program's future?

In Lincoln, head coach Matt Rhule is sounding the alarm, describing the Huskers' current situation as a decisive turning point, much like a fork in the road where every choice leads to vastly different outcomes. After dropping a narrow 21-17 game to the No. 23-ranked USC Trojans, Nebraska's record stands at 6-3, leaving fans and players alike grappling with what comes next. And this is the part most people miss—the stakes are sky-high, with a College Football Playoff invitation no longer in reach, and a rookie quarterback now thrust into the spotlight following a devastating injury.

Let's unpack this a bit for those new to college football: The CFP is essentially the elite postseason tournament that crowns the national champion, pitting the top teams against each other in a bracket-style competition. For a program like Nebraska, which has a storied history of big games and bowl victories, missing out feels like a gut punch. But here's where it gets controversial—some might argue that Rhule's emphasis on rebuilding is just a polite way of saying the team isn't ready yet, potentially drawing criticism from those who believe in pushing for immediate results. Is this the right approach, or is it setting the stage for more frustration down the line? Feel free to weigh in below!

The loss wasn't just about the scoreboard; it came with a heavy price on the injury front. Starting quarterback Dylan Raiola suffered a season-ending broken fibula during the USC matchup and is scheduled for surgery later this week. Imagine a freshman QB, fresh out of high school, suddenly holding the reins of an offense that relies on precise throws and decision-making—this could be a thrilling opportunity or a recipe for growing pains. Rhule himself acknowledged the crossroads at Monday's press conference, stating, 'We're sitting at a crossroads right now as a team. It's an unbelievable opportunity for us. These next three games are some of the most important time for our team and for our program moving forward.' It's a reminder that in sports, as in life, challenges can spark growth, but they can also expose weaknesses.

Drawing inspiration from a personal favorite, Rhule compared the moment to the book 'Legacy' by James Kerr, which chronicles the legendary New Zealand rugby squad known as the All Blacks. For beginners, think of the All Blacks as the equivalent of a football dynasty—they're rugby's most successful team, with multiple world championships. The book explores how they rebounded from a period of decline by embracing core principles, and Rhule specifically highlighted the idea of 'planting trees you'll never see,' meaning investing effort today that benefits future generations. In other words, it's about improving the program even if you won't personally reap the rewards. Rhule shared that he wanted the seniors to keep fighting for a CFP spot, turning their hard work and the passionate support from fans into the groundwork—those 'seeds'—that could elevate Nebraska back to elite status someday. It's a profound analogy: just like planting a tree takes time to grow, rebuilding a football program requires patience and vision.

On the injury report, offensive tackle Elijah Prichett also took a hit against USC, but Rhule is optimistic he'll be back in action for Saturday's clash against UCLA, along with other key offensive linemen like Turner Corcoran. These are the unsung heroes who protect the quarterback and open lanes for running backs, so their health is crucial for any team's success.

Curious for more? You can check out the full media session from Monday right below. Keep scrolling for additional updates and insights.