Nebraska football could go from 'dangerous' to 'contender' in 2025, says analyst

Now that the Nebraska football program is coming off its first bowl game since 2016 and it’s first bowl win since 2015, the big question surrounding the 10th anniversary of that victory is … what comes next?

Certainly there’s plenty of excitement around Lincoln about Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s regime. And it appears that the excitement around what the Huskers could be in 2025 isn’t just from people in and around Lincoln.

One analyst, Greg McElroy made it clear that he believes the Nebraska football team could be quite good this season. On his Always College Football podcast, McElroy said that he believes the Huskers could go from a dangerous team that could pull of upsets, to a real contender.

Nebraska football could be a contender in 2025 according to Greg McElroy

“They return a lot on the offensive side, including their quarterback, Dylan Raiola. I love what they brought in at wide receiver, McElroy said. “I look at what Dylan Raiola was last year, and there was a lot to like about what we saw from him. Is there room for growth? Absolutely. For a freshman last year, there were a lot of positives that he can build on going into his second year as the starting quarterback.”

The analyst did believe that there are things the Huskers will need to sort out in order to be as good as he thinks they can be. 

“But they have to still be able to run the football. I really like the additions they've made at the offensive line, and that should help with trying to run the football. Cohesively, this should be without question the best offensive line that Matt Rule has had since he's been in Lincoln.”

And then there’s the defense, even without Tony White.

“ Look at what they were last year defensively. Top 20 in total defense, top 17 in scoring defense, top 10 in rushing defense. But there's some decent turnover, and especially within their coaching staff. They went out, and I think they got really solid football players. I'm pretty bullish on what they could be. Also, look at the schedule. Their win total is 7. 5. I kind of lean towards the over right now. I think the Cornhuskers are going to be a dangerous outfit here this upcoming season.”

Nebraska football fans would absolutely be happy if McElroy ends up being proven right.