College athletics enters a new chapter this fall — the revenue-sharing era. At Nebraska, football and volleyball are poised to flourish. With the offseason wait finally over and students returning to campus, it’s time to mark those special Husker game days on the calendar.
Here are previews for the must-see contests.
Football: Time to make the leap
We’ve seen head coach Matt Rhule do it at Temple and Baylor in year three — will he do the same at Nebraska?
Elijah Downey, a senior exercise science major, sees a path.
“Since [Rhule’s] tenures at Temple and Baylor, the game has changed quite a lot, with the NIL and transfer portal,” Downey said. “What’s nice about Nebraska is that we have the facilities, the culture and I think he’s got a great coaching staff around him. I do think we make big strides in year three.”
Fans can start the season by heading down to Kansas City for Nebraska’s season opener against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. With the drive from Lincoln to Kansas City being about three hours, the Huskers are in for a great turnout.
Kaden Hoffman, a senior civil engineering major, knows the environment will be unmatched, full of scarlet and cream.
“The atmosphere at Arrowhead, you can’t beat it, the loudest stadium in the NFL,” Hoffman said. “With the Nebraska fans there, I think it’ll be a great atmosphere.”
Kickoff is set for Thursday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Although it’s during the first week of classes, professors will likely understand if students choose to attend the unique experience.
Now, for what everyone loves — games inside Memorial Stadium. The Huskers host several marquee matchups this fall, highlighted by college football blue-bloods Michigan and USC coming to Lincoln.
Nebraska opens Big Ten play against the Wolverines on Sept. 21, and if the electricity is similar to when Michigan came to town in 2021, it will be one to remember.
This contest has more than just on-field intrigue as Wolverine head coach Sherrone Moore won’t be on the sidelines due to Michigan self-imposing a two-game suspension for him, going into effect in weeks three and four of its season.
The headlines carry to the field. A former five-star quarterback duel between sophomore Dylan Raiola and true freshman Bryce Underwood is in order. The CBS nationally televised event will kick off at 2:30 p.m.
Hallie Fisher, a senior communication sciences and disorders major, has this one circled.
“Looking at the schedule for the 2025 season, Michigan is one of my first ones,” Fisher said.
The next blue blood clash takes place when USC enters the wildcard Nebraska weather on Nov. 1. As per usual, it will either be 70 degrees and sunny, or 30 degrees with 40 mph wind gusts. Plan accordingly.
The Trojans haven’t played in Lincoln since 2007, where they dominated the Huskers 49-31. Nebraska is 0-5-1 all-time against USC, tying with the Trojans in 1970. Could 2025 be the year that the Huskers breakthrough against the California blue blood? Kickoff time is to be determined.
“That 2007 game was on College GameDay,” Downey said. “[USC] came in here and beat us pretty good. That’s a big game, especially later in the season, fighting for a possible playoff spot in November.”
As always, there’s Iowa to close out the regular season as the rivalry continues to grow. Last season, it was chippy from the get-go. Nebraska wasn’t permitted its annual pregame prayer at the 50-yard line. In response, the Huskers skipped shaking the Hawkeyes’ hands pregame.
Although it’s not an old Big Eight foe like Oklahoma that your parents grew up on, the rivalry between these two border institutions and fan bases has boiled over.
“There’s a lot of trash talk since we’re neighbors [and] Big Ten rivals,” Hoffman said.
The annual Black Friday showdown is set for 11 a.m. on Nov. 28, airing on CBS. Last season, Nebraska lost 13-10 at Iowa in primetime, which might upset the Huskers’ fanbase, since it’s a morning kick in Lincoln. Yet, this Heroes Trophy contest will be full of energy on the field and in the stands. Can Nebraska pull off its first home victory over the Hawkeyes since 2011?
“Last year, I went to the game,” Hoffman said. “I think it’s a good chance for us to get some revenge this year. After going there, being an away fan, I think I’ll be ready to welcome the Iowa fans here.”
If Nebraska takes major strides on the field this season, a College Football Playoff berth might be in the cards. And if so, the Huskers might host a game.
After Nebraska’s struggles on the field over the past two decades, imagine that noise inside Memorial Stadium.
“That would be awesome,” Downey said. “I think having a chance to host a playoff game, especially the first one in our history — I imagine Lincoln would be pretty intense.”
Volleyball: New leader, same championship mindset
As football strives to return to glory, Nebraska volleyball enters its new chapter. Following the retirement of the legendary John Cook, the Huskers roll into the season with first-year head coach Dani Busboom Kelly.
The former Louisville head coach built a powerhouse, leading the Cardinals to two national championship appearances, including last season.
“I was sad to see Cook leave, but (Busboom Kelly) coming from such a winning school — I’m excited to see what she does with the team,” Fisher said.
The thrillers begin out of the blocks. Nebraska plays its first contests ever inside Pinnacle Bank Arena to open the season, taking on the top two ACC programs from last year.
Those opponents will be Pittsburgh on Aug. 22, and Stanford on Aug. 24.
“All three of them schools — they play in the Final Four like every year,” Downey said. “What a great way to start the season with really competitive games,” adding, “It’s the beginning of the school year. Students should show up — that’s school tradition.”
Sunday volleyball is always a treat to cap off the weekend, and it will be on Nov. 2, when Oregon makes its first trip to Lincoln as a Big Ten foe. The Ducks finished fifth in the conference this past season and could challenge the Huskers if they’re sleeping.
Lastly, a Final Four rematch with Penn State on Black Friday. This one will be personal, as Nebraska strives to take down the defending national champs that knocked them out of the postseason in the Final Four in 2024. This time, the Huskers have the Nittany Lions in their house. Tipoff will likely follow football in the evening.
“There should be no reason not to attend that Penn State game,” Downey said. “We suffered a really hard defeat last year at the end of the season. Let’s have the fans show up and support our girls.”
After back-to-back Husker Final Four appearances, a national championship run isn’t out of the question. Busboom Kelly played and coached under Cook — a seamless transition that might keep the dynasty alive in Lincoln.
“(Busboom Kelly) is going to coach them to perfection, just like (Cook) would,” Fisher said. “She’s going to lead this team to a national championship.”