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A feeling of uncertainty currently surrounds the Nebraska football program. Will Matt Rhule be the head coach in 2026?
Speculation continues to swirl linking Rhule to an opening at Penn State. It could have major recruiting implications.
James Franklin was fired by the Nittany Lions after losses to UCLA and Northwestern. Rhule’s name is trending as a potential replacement given his ties to the university.
Penn State is his alma mater. He played linebacker for the program in the 1990s. He is close with current athletic director Pat Kraft.
Rhule’s interest wouldn’t be a surprise. Some have gone as far as to call him the “front-runner” in the coaching search.
Will Matt Rhule be Nebraska’s football coach next year?
That is yet to be determined. It hasn’t stopped rivals from preying on the Cornhuskers‘ top recruits.
Opposing suitors are reaching out to top prospects in order to gauge interest amid the uncertainty. They hope to capitalize on the unknown.
Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class ranks 79th in the country. It’s 2027 cycle, however, is considered Top 5.
That group is headlined by four-star quarterback Trae Taylor, who’s listed as the fourth-best passer in the nation. His offer list is notable.
Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon have extended scholarship opportunities. In all, he boasts 32 Power 4 offers.
He committed to play for Matt Rhule back in May. He remains firm on that pledge despite being contacted by other teams this week.
With everything going on with @CoachMattRhule many schools have reached out. I really appreciate the consideration and love. But I’m Locked “N” with @HuskerFootball. Any recruits that may be considering Nebraska I hope this takes away any concerns. To the fan base GO BIG RED 😎 pic.twitter.com/UKOwQ5UrIR
— Trae Taylor (@Qb6Trae) October 16, 2025
Trae Taylor believes his future head coach.
Matt Rhule has shut down Penn State rumors. He’s locked in with Nebraska football.
“I absolutely love it here,” he said when speculation first arose. “I want to continue to take the steps needed to turn this place into a beast.”
He doubled down on that outlook Thursday.
“[Nebraska] is a destination job … I refuse to be distracted.”
—Nebraska HC Matt Rhule on if he would leave to go coach Penn State ✍️
(via @PatMcAfeeShow) pic.twitter.com/iY4cWDLsII
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 16, 2025
“This is not a jumping-off job,” he reiterated on the Pat McAfee Show. “This is a destination job… I have a great young team. The youngest team in the Big 10. Think about how good we’ll be next year… Think about where we’re going to go.”
Rhule noted the young talent on the roster. He insists he wants to keep building for the future. Trae Taylor is a big part of that plan. His commitment is important.
Rhule’s Penn State denial won’t quiet the narrative. Still, he’s doing everything in his power to ease concern. That includes maneuvering to benefit from the Nittany Lions’ collapse on the recruiting trail.
Rhule says he will be in Lincoln next year. Recruits seem to believe him. Nebraska may not be 100% sure until the Penn State job is filled.