In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the debate around which teams are poised for a resurgence often revolves around programs that have experienced a fall from grace but have the potential, given the right circumstances, to return to their former glory. In 2025, Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and respected college football analyst, named a former powerhouse that has been struggling in recent years but stands on the brink of a major comeback. The team in question, while not necessarily a traditional top contender right now, has the pieces in place to rise again and reclaim its place among college football’s elite. The program McElroy singled out was none other than the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Nebraska, a program that once dominated college football in the 1990s and early 2000s, has fallen on hard times in recent years, finding itself mired in mediocrity, underachievement, and coaching changes. For decades, the Cornhuskers were synonymous with elite football, thanks in no small part to the leadership of legendary head coach Tom Osborne, who guided the program to three national championships and numerous conference titles. However, since Osborne’s retirement in 1997, Nebraska has struggled to maintain its once lofty standards. The transition from the Big 12 to the Big Ten in 2011 further complicated matters, as the program found itself competing in a much more competitive and geographically distant conference. The results have been underwhelming, with only a handful of bowl appearances and no significant playoff appearances in recent memory. This lack of success has raised questions about whether Nebraska can ever return to its former glory.
However, Greg McElroy’s prediction is not based solely on nostalgia for the past success of the Cornhuskers. Instead, it is rooted in a series of developments, both on and off the field, that point to a brighter future for the program. One of the key reasons McElroy sees Nebraska as a team that will emerge in 2025 is the recruitment of talent and the rising level of expectations surrounding the team. The Cornhuskers’ recruiting classes have steadily improved over the past few seasons, with the program bringing in highly regarded high school players from across the country. Nebraska has a tradition of attracting big-time recruits, particularly in the Midwest, and with the right coaching staff and facilities in place, McElroy believes that the Cornhuskers are poised to begin reaping the rewards of those efforts.
Another important factor in McElroy’s prediction is the stability that has finally settled into the Nebraska coaching staff. The Cornhuskers have seen several coaching changes in recent years, with each new hire trying to return the program to its previous heights. The revolving door of head coaches, including Bo Pelini, Mike Riley, and Scott Frost, only added to the instability and inconsistency that plagued the team. However, Nebraska may have finally found a coach who can lead the program back to success. The hire of Matt Rhule in 2023 is seen by many as a potential turning point. Rhule, known for his ability to rebuild struggling programs, comes to Nebraska with a track record of success at Temple and Baylor. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, implement a strong system, and develop players has made him a highly respected figure in the coaching community.
Rhule’s arrival brings a sense of optimism to Nebraska football, and McElroy believes that the team will benefit from his leadership in the coming seasons. Rhule’s approach is one that focuses on building a strong, disciplined team from the ground up. This means not just focusing on star players, but creating a culture of toughness, discipline, and hard work that will permeate throughout the program. McElroy has highlighted Rhule’s ability to turn around teams that were once considered underachieving or in decline. At Baylor, he took over a program that had been rocked by scandal and NCAA sanctions and led it to a Big 12 championship game appearance in just his third season. Rhule’s commitment to team building, along with his emphasis on both sides of the ball, makes him a coach that McElroy believes can turn Nebraska into a legitimate contender once again.
Nebraska’s offensive and defensive units are also starting to show signs of improvement, which has contributed to McElroy’s optimism about the team’s future. On offense, the Cornhuskers have developed a stable quarterback situation, which had been a major issue for several years. The emergence of talented quarterbacks like Casey Thompson and Heinrich Haarberg, combined with a solid offensive line and a good group of skill position players, means that Nebraska has the potential to put together a potent offense. Rhule’s emphasis on a balanced attack, which incorporates both the running and passing games, will likely play a key role in maximizing the Cornhuskers’ offensive output. Furthermore, McElroy has pointed to Nebraska’s solid recruiting efforts at the wide receiver and running back positions, areas that will provide additional depth and playmaking ability.
On defense, Nebraska has shown improvement in recent seasons, particularly under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Tony White. The team’s defense has been aggressive, physical, and well-coached, with an emphasis on stopping the run and creating turnovers. This is a recipe for success in the Big Ten, where strong defenses are often a necessity for teams to compete for championships. McElroy has observed that Nebraska’s defensive unit is beginning to resemble the dominant defenses that were a hallmark of the program in its heyday, and with further development, the Cornhuskers could soon be able to compete with the top defenses in the conference.
Another reason McElroy believes Nebraska is primed for a resurgence is the fan base and the culture surrounding the program. While Nebraska has struggled on the field in recent years, the Cornhuskers still enjoy one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in all of college football. Memorial Stadium remains one of the most iconic venues in the sport, and the fans continue to show up in full force, despite the team’s struggles. This level of support is invaluable for a program looking to return to prominence. It not only helps to create a winning atmosphere but also makes it easier to attract top recruits who want to play in front of a passionate fan base in a historic stadium. Nebraska’s commitment to football and its history of success is something that McElroy believes will ultimately give the Cornhuskers a competitive edge as they look to return to the top of the college football world.
Of course, a resurgence for Nebraska won’t come easily. The Big Ten remains a loaded conference, with programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State consistently fielding championship-caliber teams. However, McElroy believes that Nebraska’s steady improvement, combined with the right coaching staff and the program’s strong tradition, will position the Cornhuskers to be competitive on a national level once again. With Matt Rhule leading the charge and a new wave of talent coming in, Nebraska appears ready to climb back into the ranks of college football’s elite teams in 2025 and beyond.
For Nebraska fans, the 2025 season could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the program’s storied history. While the journey back to the top may be long and difficult, the pieces are finally in place for the Cornhuskers to emerge from the shadows of their past struggles and return to their former greatness. If Greg McElroy’s prediction proves accurate, Nebraska could soon be one of the most exciting and competitive teams in college football once again.
