### Cornhuskers’ Road to Redemption: How Nebraska Can Surpass 7.5 Wins in 2025
The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the 2025 college football season with a renewed sense of optimism. After finishing **7-6** in 2024, the program is looking to take the next step under head coach **Matt Rhule**. With key returning players, a revamped offensive strategy, and a favorable schedule, Nebraska has a legitimate path to exceeding **7.5 wins** and making a statement in the Big Ten.
### **1. Stability at Quarterback**
One of the biggest factors in Nebraska’s success will be the continued development of **Dylan Raiola**, the highly touted quarterback entering his sophomore season. Raiola showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, throwing for **2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions** [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/sophomore-season-nebraska-qb-dylan-155948414.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZUZIQVhRN1VBZG1YdTFzNXpxM2tCIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvc29waG9tb3JlLXNlYXNvbi1uZWJyYXNrYS1xYi1keWxhbi0xNTU5NDg0MTQuaHRtbCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IjQ5NmlnY1ZUUTY1YUNWQTJrdlZYNSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With a full offseason under new offensive coordinator **Dana Holgorsen**, Raiola is expected to take a significant leap in his performance.
Holgorsen’s offensive philosophy emphasizes **quick decision-making and explosive plays**, which should help Raiola maximize his strengths. If he can improve his accuracy and cut down on turnovers, Nebraska’s offense will be far more efficient than last season.
### **2. Strengthening the Offensive Line**
Nebraska’s offensive line struggled at times in 2024, particularly in pass protection. However, the team has made key additions through the **transfer portal** and recruiting. The arrival of **Rocco Spindler**, a talented interior lineman, should provide much-needed stability control the trenches, they will be able to dictate the pace of games and wear down opponents.
### **3. Defensive [B](https://www.on3.com/college/nebraska-cornhuskers/expert-predictions/football/2025/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0OTZpZ2NWVFE2NWFDVkEya3ZWWDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC93d3cub24zLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbmVicmFza2EtY29ybmh1c2tlcnNcL2V4cGVydC1wcmVkaWN0aW9uc1wvZm9vdGJhbGxcLzIwMjVcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJlRkhBWFE3VUFkbVh1MXM1enEza0IifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
A stronger offensive line will allow Nebraska to establish a more consistent **running game**, which was a weakness last season. If the Huskers can Improvements**
Nebraska’s defense showed promise in 2024 but lacked consistency. The team has focused on improving its **pass rush** and **secondary depth**. The addition of **Dasan McCullough**, a versatile linebacker, should help Nebraska generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks [C](https://huskerbigred.com/5-bold-predictions-for-nebraska-football-in-2025/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0OTZpZ2NWVFE2NWFDVkEya3ZWWDUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9odXNrZXJiaWdyZWQuY29tXC81LWJvbGQtcHJlZGljdGlvbnMtZm9yLW5lYnJhc2thLWZvb3RiYWxsLWluLTIwMjVcLyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJlRkhBWFE3VUFkbVh1MXM1enEza0IiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
The Huskers also need to improve their **third-down defense**, which was a major issue last season. If they can force more stops and create turnovers, Nebraska will be in a better position to close out tight games.
### **4. Favorable Schedule**
Nebraska’s **2025 schedule** presents opportunities for success. While they face tough matchups against **Michigan, USC, and Penn State**, they also have winnable games against **Akron, Houston Christian, and Northwestern** [D](https://collegefootballnews.com/college-football/nebraska-football-schedule-best-worst-season-prediction-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZUZIQVhRN1VBZG1YdTFzNXpxM2tCIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiNDk2aWdjVlRRNjVhQ1ZBMmt2Vlg1IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvY29sbGVnZWZvb3RiYWxsbmV3cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL25lYnJhc2thLWZvb3RiYWxsLXNjaGVkdWxlLWJlc3Qtd29yc3Qtc2Vhc29uLXByZWRpY3Rpb24tMjAyNSJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
A strong start to the season will be crucial. If Nebraska can build momentum early, they will have confidence heading into the tougher Big Ten matchups.
### **5. Coaching and Culture**
Matt Rhule has emphasized **discipline and player development**, and his impact is starting to show. Nebraska’s **recruiting efforts** have improved, and the team’s overall mentality is shifting toward a winning culture.
If Rhule can continue to instill confidence in his players and make smart in-game adjustments, Nebraska has a real shot at surpassing **7.5 wins** and competing for a **bowl game victory**.
### **Final Prediction**
With improvements at quarterback, offensive line, and defense, Nebraska is poised for a **breakout season**. If they execute their game plan effectively, **8-9 wins** is a realistic expectation. The Cornhuskers’ road to redemption starts now.
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