Nebraska vs. Cincinnati: Why This Year Feels Different
A year ago, I would’ve taken Cincinnati in this matchup. It would’ve been close, but if I’m being honest, I didn’t think we were the team to beat them back then.
But that was then.
This year, everything feels different — and better. Nebraska heads into this season with momentum, improved talent, and, most importantly, a coaching staff that feels like the best we’ve had in the last 25 years. There’s legitimate reason for optimism in Lincoln.
Offensive Improvements Across the Board
Let’s start up front. The offensive line will be better — plain and simple. With another year of development and the addition of Rocco Spindler, we finally have some physicality and depth. That’s a major step forward.
Running back looks more explosive this year too. Emmitt Johnson has added strength, and the depth behind him has come along nicely. It’s no longer just a one-man room.
At receiver, even with the losses of Isaiah Neyor and Tyler Banks, we’re in a better spot. The additions of Jeremiah Charles (Key) and Hunter bring speed and versatility, and Jacory Barney could be a breakout star — he’s that dynamic. This group is deep, athletic, and ready to make plays.
Even with Thomas Fidone gone, the tight end room should hold its ground. We have enough talent to keep production steady, if not improved.
A Defense Built on Experience and Speed
Defensively, there’s a lot to like.
The secondary is loaded with experience. This isn’t a unit trying to find its identity — they’ve already got it. The linebackers are deep, smart, and physical. We’ll be rotating guys without much drop-off, and that’s a luxury we haven’t always had.
The only question mark for me is the defensive line. Losing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher hurts — no way around it. But there’s young talent waiting to break through. Jeudy, Lenhardt, Keona Wilhite, Van Popple, Jaylen George — that’s a group with speed and upside. We might not have the same size in the trenches, but we could make up for it with quickness and pressure. I’m really hoping we see a bump in sack numbers this season.
Players I’m Excited to Watch in 2025
There are a lot of names I’m keeping my eye on this year — some obvious, some under the radar:
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Dylan Raiola – The future of this program starts here.
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Gunnar Guttula, Williams Nwaneri, Heinrich Haarberg
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Cortez Mills, Mehki Nelson, Will McGahee Jr.
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Arthur Marshall, Kaelin Singleton, Quinn Clark, Teddy Prochazka
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Dasan McCullough – A potential game-changer on defense.
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And don’t sleep on special teams — I think we’re going to be very solid there this season.
Prediction: Nebraska 31, Cincinnati 17
This feels like a game Nebraska can control. The physicality is catching up to the scheme. The talent is deeper. And the staff has this group more prepared than we've seen in years.
A year ago, I’d have called this a toss-up or slight edge to Cincinnati. But not anymore. I think Nebraska pulls away in the second half and makes an early-season statement.
Let’s go win it.
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