Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt recently offered an in-depth analysis of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and their potential to make a historic run to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2025. With the playoff field expanding to 12 teams, Klatt believes Nebraska may finally have the right combination of talent, coaching stability, and favorable schedule to break through on the national stage.
Klatt, a former quarterback and longtime college football commentator, praised the direction of the Nebraska program under head coach Matt Rhule. Now entering his second season, Rhule has built momentum by focusing on discipline, player development, and recruiting within the Midwest. “There’s a different energy in Lincoln now,” Klatt said. “Nebraska is starting to look like a team that knows who it is and where it’s going.”
One of the key factors Klatt highlighted was the Huskers’ defensive improvement. In 2024, Nebraska fielded one of the Big Ten’s most physical defenses, ranking near the top in rushing defense and third-down stops. With most of their core players returning, including standout linebacker Nick Henrich and edge rusher Cameron Lenhardt, the defense could be a strong foundation for a playoff push.
On offense, Klatt noted the importance of quarterback development. The program added several promising transfers, including a veteran quarterback who brings leadership and accuracy to the position—something Nebraska has lacked in recent years. Paired with a solid offensive line and a rising star at running back, the Huskers are expected to be more balanced and consistent in 2025.
Klatt also emphasized the importance of Nebraska’s schedule, which is favorable compared to many other Big Ten contenders. The Huskers avoid facing Michigan and Penn State in the regular season, and their toughest matchups—against USC and Wisconsin—are at home in Memorial Stadium, where Nebraska enjoys one of the best home-field advantages in college football.
Another major factor is the expanded 12-team playoff format. Under the previous four-team system, programs like Nebraska would have needed a near-perfect season to qualify. Now, with automatic bids for top conference finishers and at-large spots, a 10-2 or even 9-3 record with strong wins could be enough to earn a playoff berth.
Klatt pointed to the culture shift Rhule has instilled as a key intangible. “You can feel it,” he said. “This is no longer a program hoping to be competitive—they’re expecting to win. The accountability, the effort, the hunger… it’s all there.”
While Klatt stopped short of predicting Nebraska as a lock for the playoff, he made it clear that they’re one of the dark-horse teams to watch in 2025. “There’s always a surprise team when the playoffs expand. Don’t be shocked if it’s Nebraska,” he said.
For a fanbase hungry for national relevance, the prospect of finally cracking the College Football Playoff would be a landmark achievement. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes in Lincoln will be on whether Rhule and his Huskers can turn potential into reality and return Nebraska to college football’s elite.
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