The college football world watched as Matt Rhule, a Penn State alum and proven program builder, unequivocally stated his intention to remain at Nebraska, emphasizing his love for Lincoln and his ongoing mission to elevate the Huskers into a national powerhouse.
The college football landscape was rocked on Sunday, October 12, 2025, when Penn State made headlines by firing longtime head coach James Franklin. This sudden opening immediately sparked widespread speculation, with one name prominently surfacing as a top candidate: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule. Given his deep historical ties to the Nittany Lions, the coaching carousel buzz quickly became a central topic at Rhule’s Monday press conference for Nebraska football.
Fans and analysts alike were eager to hear Rhule’s response, particularly considering his strong personal connections to the Penn State program. However, the Nebraska head coach made it clear that his focus remains squarely on Lincoln, reaffirming his dedication to the Cornhuskers’ rebuilding efforts.
Deep Roots and Program Builder Reputation
Matt Rhule’s name naturally became synonymous with the Penn State vacancy due to his extensive history with the institution. He was a walk-on linebacker under the legendary Joe Paterno in the 1990s and even met his wife at the school. This personal connection runs even deeper through his close friendship with Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft, who previously hired Rhule at Temple in 2012.
Beyond his alma mater ties, Rhule boasts an impressive track record as a program builder, consistently turning struggling teams into contenders:
- At Temple, he inherited a 2-10 team and, by his third and fourth seasons, led the Owls to back-to-back 10-win campaigns.
- He replicated this success at Baylor, transforming a 1-11 team in his first year to an 11-3 record just two seasons later in 2019.
After a stint with the Carolina Panthers in the NFL, where he went 11-27, Rhule returned to college football, taking the helm at Nebraska in December 2022. His arrival was met with high expectations, and he has already shown promising signs, leading the Cornhuskers to a 7-6 record in 2024—their first winning season in seven years, which included their first bowl appearance since 2016 and first bowl win since 2015.
Reaffirming Commitment to Lincoln
Despite the “buzz” and his clear affection for Penn State, Rhule used his press conference to articulate a clear commitment to Nebraska. He spoke fondly of his alma mater and expressed sadness regarding James Franklin’s departure, acknowledging Franklin’s vital role in stabilizing the program after 2014. Yet, his primary message was one of dedication to his current role.
“I came here for two reasons,” Rhule stated, “I love the community here and wanted to live here. I love it here, and I wanted to rebuild Nebraska football… I absolutely love it here, and I want us to continue to take the steps needed for us to turn this thing into a beast.” He also highlighted his family’s integration into the community, mentioning his daughters’ search for a volleyball club, a testament to their settled life in Lincoln.
Rhule views the external speculation as a byproduct of success. “This is what happens when you win,” he explained, noting he dealt with similar rumors during his successful runs at Temple and Baylor. He emphasized his strong working relationship with Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen, stating, “Troy and I are in constant, constant, constant communication about this program and where we’re headed.” This unwavering commitment is backed by a contract through 2030, with a $5 million buyout should he resign before January 1.
Nebraska’s Rising Momentum and The Road Ahead
Under Rhule’s leadership, Nebraska has shown significant progress. The Huskers are currently 5-1 and entered the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week at No. 25 for the first time this season. This ranking follows a hard-fought 34-31 victory over Maryland, marking their first true road test passed in 2025. This recent success, coupled with Rhule’s proven ability to develop programs, fuels the excitement among the Cornhusker faithful.
The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming game against Minnesota, a return to the site of Rhule’s first game as Nebraska’s head coach. Rhule praised the Golden Gophers’ defense and their freshman quarterback, Drake Lindsey, highlighting their discipline and ability to force turnovers. “They have three defensive touchdowns this year,” Rhule noted. “They’re one of the least penalized teams in the country… their quarterback’s an elite player.” He stressed the importance of winning the turnover battle, stating, “If we go out there and we’re minus-three [in turnovers], then we are who we were two, three years ago, and we shouldn’t be that.”
Rhule also acknowledged the profound impact of the Nebraska fanbase on both himself and his team. “There’s no place like Nebraska,” he said, highlighting the unique connection with the fans, allowing his family to sit in the stands safely—a luxury not found everywhere. This sentiment underscores his genuine affection for the community and reinforces his commitment to delivering a championship-caliber program to the loyal fans of Lincoln.
As the rumors surrounding the Penn State job continue to swirl, Matt Rhule’s message is clear: his mission in Lincoln is far from over. His dedication to rebuilding Nebraska football and his appreciation for the community remain the cornerstones of his tenure, offering a strong reassurance to the Cornhusker faithful. For more details on Rhule’s press conference, you can refer to reports from The Associated Press.
