Matt Rhule hits pause on Nebraska’s spring game until NIL issues are resolved.
Amid rumors, Matt Rhule officially canceled Nebraska’s spring game, citing practical reasons behind the decision on the Triple Option Show. He expressed concerns about the risks and rewards of paying players, especially with the spring transfer portal opening and some players potentially having already graduated.
Rhule recalled watching the FCS playoffs and noticing a player making a significant block, only to learn the player was already committed to another team. He warned that showcasing players could lead to other schools targeting them. Rhule believes that once contracts and clearer rules are in place, he will feel more comfortable with the process, but for now, he prefers to focus on retaining as many players as possible for the fall season.
Rhule’s viewpoint underscores the vulnerability of college programs in an era where players can leave at any time through the transfer portal. His decision reflects a broader trend, as other schools like Ohio State and Texas have also opted not to host spring games, showing similar concerns about the current college football landscape.
A deeper issue at play is the growing influence of NIL opportunities. Teams like Nebraska, with five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, are at risk of losing players to bigger schools offering more lucrative NIL deals. While this is within the rules, it adds another challenge for programs like Nebraska.
Looking ahead to 2025, Rhule knows the Cornhuskers will need to navigate the complexities of NIL and the transfer portal. Despite a 7-6 season, including a Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College, Nebraska aims to keep improving under Rhule’s leadership.
Leave a Reply