Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official against the UCLA Bruins during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Portal fears could end Nebraska spring football game

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule says he just might pull the plug on his team’s traditional spring game.

And while the fervent faithful in Lincoln, Neb., likely would be devastated if Rhule follows through, the third-year coach said it might be necessary to keep his program together.

“I don’t know that yet, but I’ll be honest with you. I highly doubt it,” Rhule told reporters Saturday about the likelihood of the Cornhuskers playing the game.

The reason? The transfer portal. He doesn’t want to expose his players to other coaches who might try to pluck them during the spring transfer window.

“The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore,” Rhule said. “It’s just an absolute free open common market. I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world. I don’t want these guys all being able to watch our guys and say, ‘Wow, he looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him.’ “

Rhule said he is considering ways to give fans a preseason look at the team without sharing his players with the nation. The spring game last year drew 60,452 fans to Lincoln, and it also was televised on the Big Ten Network.

The spring transfer portal closes April 25. After that, as a ceremonial close to spring practices, Nebraska could invite the fans in.

“I do want to show off our players in some way,” he said. “So what exactly will it be? … I have not worried about anything other than recruiting right now.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; Bronx, NY, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Rahmir Johnson (14) carries the ball as Boston College Eagles linebacker Joe Marinaro (45) pursues during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Nebraska builds big lead, holds off Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl

A trio of running backs recorded touchdowns to help Nebraska hold off Boston College’s late rally for a 20-15 win in the Pinstripe Bowl on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Bronx, N.Y.

New York native Rahmir Johnson scored the Cornhuskers’ opening touchdown to highlight his 60-yard performance on 10 carries. His 11-yard run on fourth-and-1 before the two-minute timeout iced the game, lifting Nebraska (7-6) to its first winning season since 2016.

Kwinten Ives also ran for a score and Emmett Johnson (team-high 68 rushing yards on 14 carries) caught one from freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who was 23 of 31 for 228 yards, one touchdown and one interception on the day.

Nebraska had a 20-2 lead before allowing its first touchdown with 6:11 left in regulation.

Boston College (7-6) forced two first-half turnovers and finished five of its first seven drives inside the opposing 35-yard line, but the Eagles went 0-for-4 on fourth downs until Turbo Richard’s 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska’s first two punts turned into touchdowns for the Eagles, with the second being blocked and returned to the 2-yard line ahead of a Jordan McDonald score with 4:18 remaining.

Grayson James quarterbacked the Eagles, going 25 of 40 for a season-high 296 yards. He also rushed for 22. Lewis Bond made six catches for 94 yards.

Jahmal Banks was Raiola’s leading target, making four catches for 79 yards.

After big plays went by the boards for both teams on their opening series, Raiola sent Nebraska on a 15-play, 75-yard drive to the opening touchdown four seconds into the second quarter. Following a third-down conversion in the red zone, Rahmir Johnson scored on a 4-yard run before John Hohl’s PAT made it 7-0.

After Boston College was unable to convert on Josiah Griffin’s recovery of an Emmett Johnson fumble, an ensuing fourth-down penalty gave Nebraska new life and the Cornhuskers turned it into Ives’ 2-yard score with 3:39 before halftime.

Ashton McShane’s 88-yard blocked PAT return got the Eagles on the board at 13-2, though.

Nebraska’s first drive out of halftime included two fakes from punter/holder Brian Buschini, including a successful fake field goal. On the following series, Raiola’s 13-yard pass to Emmett Johnson out of the backfield resulted in a 20-2 lead with 3:02 left in the third.

Richard punched in the first Boston College touchdown. James’ two-point conversion pass attempt failed.

Buschini’s second punt was blocked by Victor Nelson Jr. and returned to the 2-yard line by Omar Thornton, setting up McDonald’s run and a Liam Connor PAT.

–Field Level Media

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) passes as Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jay Higgins (34) defends Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

Nebraska, BC excited about visit to New York for Pinstripe Bowl

The opportunity in front of Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Saturday is not lost on first-year coach Bill O’Brien.

When the Massachusetts native leads the Eagles (7-5) onto the hallowed New York ground, Boston College will be shooting for its first eight-win season since 2009. Facing an opponent as prestigious in the world of college football as Nebraska (6-6) makes it even more special.

“I think that was the big thing for us,” O’Brien said. “Can we play a great, legendary program? (We’re) all very excited about the opportunity to go up against a program like Nebraska in Yankee Stadium around Christmastime. It’s a very, very cool opportunity.”

The Eagles not only look to send seniors such as ACC Defensive Player of the Year Donovan Ezeiruaku (FBS-leading 16 1/2 sacks in the regular season), running back Kye Robichaux (452 yards, six touchdowns in the past four games) and former walk-on linebacker Joe Marinaro out on a high note, but also keep an eye on the future with many expected 2025 returnees already contributing on the depth chart.

Florida International junior transfer Grayson James has emerged as Boston College’s top quarterback, throwing for five touchdowns in four starts since Florida State-bound Thomas Castellanos departed the program midseason. The Eagles won three of those games, all in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

This season has also seen the likes of running back Turbo Richard, wide receiver Reed Harris and safety Carter Davis receive significant time as true or redshirt freshmen for O’Brien’s team.

“There’s a lot of guys that will be playing in this game that will hopefully be playing for us next year,” O’Brien said. “If you can’t get up to playing in a game like this, I think for our guys, you might want to check yourself out a little bit.”

While Boston College seeks back-to-back bowl victories after toppling now-ACC rival SMU in the Fenway Bowl last December, Nebraska is headed to its first postseason appearance since 2016.

The Cornhuskers clinched the bowl berth with a Nov. 23 win over Wisconsin, ending a four-game losing streak that followed a 5-1 start. Five of Nebraska’s six losses were by eight or fewer points, including setbacks against ranked Big Ten foes Illinois and Ohio State.

“We’re unbelievably excited and grateful,” second-year Nebraska coach and native New Yorker Matt Rhule said. “We’ve worked really hard to get to this point. A tough schedule this year, had a chance to play against a lot of great teams.”

Nebraska has one of the nation’s top young quarterbacks at the helm. Dylan Raiola has thrown for 12 touchdowns and ranks second among FBS freshmen with 2,595 passing yards and a 66.6 percent completion rate.

Raiola shot down transfer portal rumors and affirmed his commitment to the Huskers since the regular season concluded.

“I never officially entered and never really was shopping around,” Raiola said. “I’m playing quarterback at Nebraska.”

The game has added significance to Rhule due to his New York City roots. This month, he added Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator and promoted John Butler to defensive coordinator.

Eight Nebraska players hail from New York or New Jersey, including sophomore starting defensive end Cameron Lenhardt and sixth-year senior running back Rahmir Johnson.

“It’s been home for a long time,” Rhule said. “This is a special, special kind of full-circle moment for us.”

–Field Level Media

Mississippi State's quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Egg Bowl game against Mississippi at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

Former Mississippi State QB Michael Van Buren Jr. transfers to LSU

Former Mississippi State quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. announced on social media Sunday that he is transferring to LSU.

Van Buren, who has three years of eligibility remaining, made eight starts as a true freshman this season for Mississippi State (2-10). He played in 10 games and completed 140 of 256 passes (54.7 percent) for 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for five TDs.

Bulldogs starter Blake Shapen sustained a season-ending injury in the fourth game of the season against Florida on Sept. 21 and Van Buren took over. Shapen said Monday that he plans to return as a sixth-year senior in 2025.

LSU’s QB room includes starter Garrett Nussmeier, who announced his plans to return, as well as former Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann.

The Tigers’ Class of 2025 recruiting has not included a quarterback after No. 1 prospect Bryce Underwood changed his commitment from LSU to Michigan last month.

“My family and I are forever thankful to coach (Jeff) Lebby, the staff, my teammates, the administrative team and the professors for their contributions to my growth as an individual,” Van Buren had posted on social media on Tuesday in announcing he was transferring. “For the past year, we have worked arm in arm to generate some memorable moments in coach Lebby’s first year, and I am confident there is more greatness to come from the program.”

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Van Buren was a four-star prospect out of Bowie, Md., who initially committed to Oregon before signing with Mississippi State.

–Former Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin committed to Virginia on Sunday, he announced on social media.

The true freshman from Elkhorn, Neb., redshirted this season. Kaelin (6-foot-3, 220) was behind true freshman starter Dylan Raiola and junior Heinrich Haarberg on the depth chart.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders carry flags across the field after a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Signing Day notebook: Nebraska flips 4-star WR Cortez Mills

Nebraska plucked a prize from old rival Oklahoma on Wednesday, inking wide receiver Cortez Mills on early National Signing Day.

Mills committed to Oklahoma on July 1. He decommitted on Wednesday, then signed with the Cornhuskers. Mills, from Homestead (Fla.), told On3 that the Nebraska recruiting staff didn’t let him forget he was wanted.

“Nebraska never went away,” said Mills, who is ranked No. 15 at wide receiver by the 247Sports composite. “They stayed consistent with me. They showed me that I was a top priority for the program and that they really wanted me. How they stayed consistent and true to who they are was very important in my decision.

“The Nebraska coaches never let their foot off the brake. They recruited me, my mom, my sister, we all had a bond and that love meant something. We made the decision as a family that Nebraska is best for me.”

–Oklahoma pulled off a flip of its own, signing quarterback Jett Nieu, a three-star prospect from Lehi (Utah) High School.

He had been committed to Oklahoma State since Sept. 10. According to 247Sports, it was new Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle — with whom Niu has built a relationship during the recruiting process — who lured him to the Sooners.

Niu previously was committed to Appalachian State before flipping to Oklahoma State of the Big 12.

–Four-star running back Anthony Rogers signed with Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over Georgia. The 247Sports composite ranks Rogers, from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., as the No. 9 rusher in the class.

Rogers committed to Alabama in June 2023, then decommitted last month. The 5-foot-9 Rogers took official visits to both Columbus, Ohio, and Athens, Ga., this fall.

“It just feels like the right place for me to develop as an athlete and a man,” he told ESPN of Ohio State. He is one of three running backs to sign with the Buckeyes in this cycle.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Daniel Kaelin (12) throws a pass before a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Report: Nebraska QB Daniel Kaelin to enter transfer portal

Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin told the Cornhuskers coaching staff on Tuesday that he is entering the NCAA transfer portal, ESPN reported.

He will have four years of eligibility remaining.

The 6-foot-3 Kaelin was part of Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class. A former Elite 11 quarterback at Bellevue West High School in Nebraska, he took a redshirt season in 2024.

He didn’t appear in any games for Nebraska, with fellow freshman Dylan Raiola entrenched as the starter.

Kaelin initially committed to Missouri in March 2023, then decommitted in favor of his home-state program.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa comes back for last-second victory over Nebraska

Drew Stevens kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired and Iowa rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat Nebraska 13-10 on Friday night in a Big Ten game in Iowa City.

It was the second consecutive year the Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) won the annual rivalry game on a last-second kick, both by the same score. The latest victory ensured Iowa a ninth consecutive eight-win season, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola was strip-sacked by Iowa’s Max Llewellyn at the Cornhuskers 36-yard line with 20 seconds remaining. Three plays later, Stevens tucked the kick just inside the upright.

The second-coldest game in Kinnick Stadium history — it was 20 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff — saw less than 500 yards of offense, with Iowa managing just 164. The Hawkeyes made up for it with a pair of takeaways which led to six points.

Iowa trailed 10-0 at halftime, punting on all six full drives and managing only 20 yards on 20 plays with one first down. The Hawkeyes got 29 yards on their first drive of the second half, a march that included another punt but also a recovery of a muff at the Nebraska 4-yard line. Stevens made a 20-yard field goal with 4:30 left in the third quarter.

Kaleb Johnson scored on a 72-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Stratton on the first play of the fourth quarter, his 23rd score of the season, to tie it at 10. Iowa had only 65 yards prior to that play.

Nebraska (6-6, 3-6) scored on its opening possession, getting a 31-yard field goal from John Hohl. That was the only scoring in the game until the Cornhuskers’ Dante Dowdell scored on a 1-yard run with 38 seconds left before halftime.

Both schools will learn which bowl game they are in and their opponent on Dec. 8. Nebraska will make its first bowl appearance since 2016, while Iowa is bowl-eligible for the 12th straight season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) takes a picture with fans after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Nebraska ends bowl drought with win vs. Wisconsin

Nebraska scored 10 points in the last 17 seconds of the first half and Wisconsin couldn’t recover, losing 44-25 in the Big Ten Conference matchup in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday afternoon.

Cornhuskers freshman Dylan Raiola threw for 293 yards and one touchdown — the first of the two scores just before halftime. Dante Dowdell rushed for three touchdowns and Heinrich Haarberg added another for Nebraska (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten), which became bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016.

Braedyn Locke threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns — two to Bryson Green — for Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5), which lost its fourth straight game. He was intercepted once.

The Badgers missed two field goals in the first half, and their fumble set up a Nebraska field goal with two seconds left in the half for a 24-10 lead.

Emmett Johnson racked up 113 yards on 16 rushes and 85 yards on six catches for Nebraska, which had a season high in points scored. Vinny Anthony II made seven catches for 137 yards and a long touchdown for Wisconsin.

Wisconsin needs to beat Minnesota on Friday to extend its streak of bowl game seasons to 23.

The Cornhuskers amassed 473 yards to 407 for the Badgers and led in first downs 29-15.

Nebraska’s defense took over to start the second half, forcing a punt on Wisconsin’s first possession. The Cornhuskers then drove for John Hohl’s 45-yard field goal, which extended the cushion to 27-10.

The Badgers tried to rally, driving to Nebraska’s 25-yard line, but they failed to convert a fourth-and-2. It took the Cornhuskers only seven plays to capitalize, with Dowdell rushing in from 3 yards out for a 34-10 lead.

Green’s 24-yard catch later in the third quarter and a 58-yard bomb to Anthony in the fourth sandwiched Hohl’s 26-yard field goal.

With just under 10 minutes left in the second quarter, Nathanial Vakos pulled Wisconsin within 14-10 on a 33-yard field goal. On their next possession, Vakos missed his second field goal in three attempts, this one from 41 yards.

The Cornhuskers then went 76 yards on 10 plays, capped by Jahmal Banks’ 5-yard touchdown catch with 17 seconds left for a 21-10 lead.

After a touchback on the kickoff, Wisconsin’s Tawee Walker fumbled on the first play, and Nebraska recovered at the Badgers’ 31. Hohl cashed in with a 37-yard field goal with two seconds left before the break.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates after a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Changes bring new offensive outlook for Nebraska, Wisconsin

Dana Holgorsen never expected to be Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell wasn’t expecting to fire the Badgers’ play-caller.

But that’s the situation as Fickell’s Badgers get ready to meet the Cornhuskers on Saturday afternoon in Lincoln, Neb.

Fickell dismissed offensive coordinator Phil Longo on Sunday, the day after Wisconsin lost to No. 1 Oregon 16-13 in Madison, Wis. The Badgers (5-5, 3-4 Big Ten) led 13-6 with 4:43 left in the third quarter, but produced only 21 yards on four possessions — punt, punt, downs, interception — in the fourth quarter and failed to add to the lead.

Oregon scored a tying touchdown and kicked a game-winning field goal with 2:36 to play.

As much as Fickell didn’t sound interested in talking about Longo’s departure, it was a prime topic. He emphasized that it was time for the program to “move forward.”

“It’s not about play calls, it’s not about points scored, it’s not about touchdowns. It’s moving forward with leadership, and that’s, to me, what we have to do and why we’re doing it right now,” said Fickell, who is in his third year at Wisconsin and brought in before Longo last season.

The Badgers are averaging 23.9 points per game and have lost three games in a row while scoring 36 total points.

They’ve also played most of the season with backup quarterback Braedyn Locke running the offense. Starter Tyler Van Dyke went down with a knee injury in Week 3 against Alabama. Locke has been inconsistent at best, completing 55 percent of his passes for 1,514 yards. He has an equal number of interceptions as touchdowns (9).

Then there’s Holgorsen, a head coach for 13 seasons who most recently ran the show at Houston from 2019-23. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule brought Holgorsen in during the Cornhuskers’ bye week to get his thoughts about the offense.

“(Rhule) said, ‘Just come try to figure this out, I need your help.’ I was grateful to him for saying, ‘I need your help,’ I think a great deal of him. I think a great deal of this program, so I was excited to jump on it,” Holgorsen said.

Apparently impressed with the newcomer’s perspective, Rhule installed him as offensive coordinator. His predecessor, Marcus Satterfield, is working as tight ends coach.

Holgorsen’s debut couldn’t prevent the Cornhuskers (5-5, 2-5) from losing their fourth straight game, 28-20, at Southern California. The hosts led 21-20 before extending their lead with 2:09 to play.

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola then led Nebraska on a 13-play, 56-yard drive. On first-and-15 at the USC 19 with five seconds left, Raiola was picked off in the endzone.

“We left a lot out there offensively,” Rhule said. “The offense is at some point here going to really take off with the kind of direction we’re headed.”

The Cornhuskers are averaging 23.2 points per game.

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen walks the sideline during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Reports: Nebraska adds veteran coach Dana Holgorsen as consultant

Nebraska is bringing in veteran college coach Dana Holgorsen as a consultant, hoping he can help the Cornhuskers put some points on the scoreboard.

Behind freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, the Huskers are averaging 23.6 points — tied for 100th in the nation — per game. The offense is 99th nationally in yards gained with an average of 354.1.

Holgorsen, 53, was fired from Houston last November after a 31-28 record in five seasons. He previously was the head coach at West Virginia (2011-18) and posted a 61-41 record.

Earlier this season, Holgorsen served in a scout and consultant role for TCU. He reportedly will remain with Nebraska through the end of the season but could be in line for a job on the Nebraska staff in 2025.

The Huskers (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) have put up an average of 18.3 points per game in conference play and have lost three in a row.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said he was going to add “outside people” to his circle as the team flounders down the stretch.

“Eighteen points a game. It’s not good enough,” Rhule said Monday.

The Huskers have a bye this week, then will face Southern California in Los Angeles on Nov. 16 and close the season with traditional Big Ten rivals Wisconsin (Nov. 23) and Iowa (Nov. 29).

–Field Level Media