‘Let them all go compete’: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule talks offseason progress
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – It’s Feb. 1, and it’s time to talk some Husker football.
Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule addressed the media Saturday morning, giving updates on current roster size, offseason recruiting and plenty more.
He began by thanking former Husker volleyball coach John Cook, congratulating him on his retirement.
SEE ALSO: John Cook talks retirement after 25 years as Nebraska volleyball’s head coach
“I was obviously sad, but excited for him to hear that news the other day,” said Rhule. “I’m not getting on a horse, but I’ll go visit him.”
Rhule said he’s been working around the clock since taking down Boston College on Dec. 28, including road trips to Alabama, Georgia, Chicago and others.
SEE ALSO: Blackshirts lead Nebraska to first winning season since 2016 as Huskers take down Boston College
There are currently 126 players on the roster and Rhule plans to keep it that way throughout the spring.
“Lets not forecast our lineups right now. Let them all go compete,” Rhule said. “All of our guys are going to have an opportunity this spring to battle for the 105, or battle to be a starter.”
Matt Rhule says they’ll be carrying 126 players into the spring, looking to give everyone a chance to make the team.
“Let’s not forecast the lineups right now. Let them all go compete.”#Huskers #GBR @Channel8ABC pic.twitter.com/DZrcGgv99O
— Jake Homan (@JakeHoman_) February 1, 2025
It’s also not clear if there will be a spring game in 2025.
Rhule stated some concerns about this year’s game that have a lot do with his players being openly evaluated.
“Last year we were one of the more televised spring games and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players opportunities after that,” said Rhule. “To go out and bring in a bunch of new players and showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. The word tampering doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just an absolute free open common market.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska dominating transfer portal, boasting No. 1 Big Ten class
Despite the uncertainty of a Husker football spring game in 2025, Rhule said his main focus has been recruiting and the transfer portal.
One of the final questions Rhule was asked dealt with the growth of quarterback Dylan Raiola and how the Huskers can become “his team” in the fall.
Rhule said it’s about furthering his leadership.
“Before he can make it his team, he has to make it his offense,” Rhule said. “Before he can make it his offense, he has to make it his receiving core.”
