The Nebraska Cornhuskers won't open the season in Nebraska, but they also won't open the season in a different college football stadium. Instead, quarterback Dylan Raiola will get to play under the same lights as his doppelganger, Patrick Mahomes, as the Cornhuskers take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1.
That is right, Nebraska will get the NFL treatment when they start out the 2025 season as they take on an opponent from their old conference. The Bearcats weren't in the Big 12 when Nebraska was once a part of the conference, but this will still be a battle of the Midwest.
After struggling in year one under Matt Rhule, Nebraska at least became bowl-eligible last season and won their bowl game. Cincinnati, on the other hand, was in just its second season in the Big 12, was unable to become bowl-eligible yet again with a 5-7 record, but at least won more than one game in Big 12 play. Even though Cincinnati may not seem like the scariest opponent, Nebraska can't afford to overlook them.
Nebraska will have their own problems to also overcome against Cincinnati
Nebraska will have to prepare for Cincinnati heavily, as this team has at least looked better from their first season in the Big 12 compared to their second season in the Big 12. The Bearcats made some improvements to their offense this season, and Nebraska's defense is probably the most vulnerable heading into the 2025 season.
Another problem Nebraska will face against Cincinnati is simply itself. There are new moving pieces this season, especially on the offense surrounding Raiola, and working through the growing pains of the beginning of the season will be the biggest force for this team.
Nebraska will want to have everything ironed out as much as possible before they head into Big Ten play, which they will open against Michigan in Week 4. Stay tuned for that preview coming in just a few days.