The College Football World Is In Agreement On 2025's 'Dark Horse' Team

The Huskers own a 12-13 record over Rhule's first two seasons in Lincoln, but have steadily improved and appear ready to make another leap in '25.

Between former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, some new weapons on the outside and a schedule that bodes well for making the College Football Playoff, Nebraska certainly looks the part when it comes to potentially surprising some people this fall — and typically in his third year is when Matt Rhule's rebuilds tend to pop.

Big Red opens the season with three very winnable games against Cincinnati, Akron and UConn, and most of their tougher matchups outside of Nov. 22 against Penn State come at the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium.

College football fans agree

"Idk why more people aren't talking about Nebraska this year," a user pointed out. "3 of their 4 hardest games are at home and I s ee them as 10-0 going into Beaver Stadium. Biggest sleeper in the country."

"Dylan Raiola won't have to carry Nebraska on his own," Steven Sipple wrote. "With Holgorsen simplifying the offense, new weapons at WR/TE, and an O-line finally looking formidable, the pressure is easing. That's how a young QB finds his rhythm—and sparks a revival."

"Nebraska as a dark horse CFP contender? We'll take it," a fan said.

"NEBRASKA IS OFFICIALLY A DARK HORSE TEAM FOR THE CFB PLAYOFFS! THE BLACK SHIRTS ARE BACK!" another person exclaimed.

"My dark horse playoff team from the B1G is Illinois," another person shared. "I also think Nebraska, and Minnesota might end someone's playoff hopes."

Will this be the year the Huskers finally post back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the Bo Pelini era? We'll get our first chance to see it nine days from now at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 28.