**‘We Believe We Can Compete With Anyone’: Matt Rhule Talks Bold Mindset and Sky-High Confidence as Nebraska Cornhuskers Prepare for 2025 Season**
As the 2025 college football season approaches, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is making one thing abundantly clear: the Cornhuskers aren’t backing down from anyone. After a transformative offseason and a strong showing in spring practices, Rhule’s message to fans, players, and opponents alike is simple — Nebraska believes it can compete with anyone.
“We’re not here to hope for success. We expect it,” Rhule said in a recent press conference. “Our mindset is bold, our confidence is high, and we’re building something that we think can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the country.”
This assertive attitude comes on the heels of Rhule’s second full offseason in Lincoln, where he’s overseen an aggressive rebuild of the Cornhuskers’ program. From revamped strength and conditioning programs to a retooled coaching staff and several high-impact transfers, the team has made significant strides. One of the most notable storylines is the quarterback room, which now features elite freshman recruit Dylan Raiola, whose arrival has electrified both fans and teammates.
“Dylan’s a competitor, no question,” said Rhule. “But this is bigger than one player. It’s about a culture shift. We’re holding ourselves to a different standard.”
Nebraska’s 2024 campaign, though still marked by growing pains, showed glimpses of what’s to come. The defense tightened up in key moments, the offensive line showed more discipline, and the team finished strong in several close contests — a stark contrast to the narrow losses that plagued them in recent years.
Now, with another year of Rhule’s system under their belts, players are buying in with full belief. Veteran leaders and incoming freshmen alike have echoed Rhule’s confidence.
“Coach Rhule brings energy and clarity,” said senior linebacker Nick Henrich. “We’re not hoping to win anymore — we expect to.”
With tough matchups against Big Ten powerhouses like Michigan and Penn State looming, Nebraska’s road won’t be easy. But Rhule welcomes the challenge.
“We don’t care about rankings or predictions,” he said. “We believe we can compete with anyone — and now we’re going to prove it.”
As Nebraska eyes its return to national relevance, one thing is clear: the Cornhuskers are no longer content to rebuild. Under Matt Rhule, they’re aiming to rise — and rise fast.
