Grading Nebraska Football Coach Matt Rhule’s First Two Seasons: A Comprehensive Breakdown
In the world of college football, few coaching tenures are as scrutinized as the start of a new head coach’s career at a blue-blood program like Nebraska. Matt Rhule, hired as the Cornhuskers’ head coach in 2022, arrived with an impressive track record at Baylor and Temple but faced the daunting task of resurrecting a program that had been floundering for years. Two seasons into his tenure, it’s clear that Rhule’s Nebraska journey is a mixed bag — showing promise but far from achieving the glory the Huskers’ faithful have longed for.
The first season, 2022, was always going to be a rebuild. Rhule inherited a program that had seen six different head coaches in the past 20 years, each leaving a legacy of mediocrity. The Huskers ended the season with a dismal 4-8 record, but there were signs of progress. The team’s defense, often porous in previous seasons, showed noticeable improvements under Rhule’s leadership. His defensive philosophy, marked by toughness, discipline, and effort, began to take hold. The Cornhuskers became a more physical team, and while the record was far from impressive, the team looked more organized and disciplined than it had in years.
However, the offense continued to struggle. Quarterback play, which has been an ongoing problem at Nebraska for over a decade, remained inconsistent. The Huskers still lacked an identity on offense, and the team’s inability to finish games was painfully evident. Rhule’s conservative approach and reliance on a strong defense and special teams kept the games close, but ultimately, Nebraska couldn’t execute in key moments. Rhule was dealing with the aftermath of former coach Scott Frost’s inability to develop players effectively, and the team lacked the depth and cohesion to close out games. The 2022 season was a year of transition, and while the Huskers showed grit, it was clear that significant changes were needed.
Fast forward to 2023, and Rhule made notable strides, leading Nebraska to a 5-7 record. The team seemed better prepared, and their physicality was more apparent. The defense was once again the backbone of the team, but the offense showed flashes of life, particularly in the running game. Rhule made the bold decision to bring in new quarterback talent in the form of transfer Jeff Sims, but his inconsistency — paired with ongoing offensive line struggles — kept Nebraska from taking the next step. The Huskers’ inability to finish games continued, but it was more pronounced in 2023. Their inability to close out key Big Ten matchups, especially at home, led to a sense of frustration among fans.
But let’s not ignore the biggest challenge Rhule faces: the weight of Nebraska’s past. The Huskers, once a national powerhouse, have been stuck in a perpetual state of rebuilding since their last successful season in 2001. Fans, particularly those who remember the glory days of Tom Osborne’s reign, are quick to criticize any failure, no matter how small. Rhule, despite his best efforts, is fighting an uphill battle, trying to restore a culture that was built over decades. The expectation for quick results can often overshadow the realities of rebuilding a program. Rhule is making headway, but it’s a slow burn, and patience is wearing thin in Lincoln.
Looking at his two seasons so far, it’s clear that Rhule is a builder. His teams are tougher, more disciplined, and less prone to self-inflicted wounds than under his predecessors. But success in the Big Ten, particularly with the Huskers’ current talent pool, is not immediate. The offensive line remains a work in progress, and despite defensive improvements, Nebraska still struggles in critical moments.
So where does Matt Rhule’s Nebraska journey stand? The grades are mixed. If you’re grading on tangible progress, it’s a C-plus. The foundation is solid, and there’s a clear path forward, but the offense remains a question mark. If you’re grading on how much fans expect from a program like Nebraska, it’s a C-minus — given that they want championships, not just improvement. Rhule’s first two years have been about stabilizing the ship, and while his progress has been visible, the full results of his efforts won’t be seen until 2024 or even 2025. The job isn’t just about wins — it’s about restoring Nebraska to its rightful place among the elite. Whether Rhule can achieve that remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a slow climb with more work ahead.
