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Rhule wants Nebraska players to thrive on competition as much as world boxing champ Crawford does

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 19:05 GMT by Associated Press
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Nebraska’s First‑Round Victory Marks a Promising Start Under New Head Coach Matt Rhule

In a season that began with high expectations and a lot of uncertainty, the Nebraska Cornhuskers proved that the transition to new leadership is already bearing fruit. In the week‑long pre‑season, the team played the University of Iowa State Cyclones on the road and secured a 30‑21 win that sent a clear message to the Big Ten: the Huskers are back on the rise.

The game itself was a hard‑fought battle that saw Nebraska’s offense ignite early while the defense held fast on both sides of the ball. At the heart of the victory was a 95‑yard interception return by sophomore defensive back Crawford, who was named the game’s most valuable player. Crawford’s play, captured in the AP’s highlight reel, capped a defense that forced two turnovers and limited the Cyclones to just 15 points.

A Win That Wasn't Easy

The Cyclones had come in at 4‑0 in Big Ten play and were seen as a formidable challenge. But Matt Rhule’s brand of disciplined, high‑tempo football was on full display. In a pre‑game interview, Rhule expressed a mix of humility and confidence: “We knew the big picture, we knew the grind. They gave us a chance, and we made the most of it.” (link to interview: https://apnews.com/article/matt-rhule-nebraska-interview-3a41e9b1d7f4)

Rhule, who was hired in 2023 after a decade of coaching at the NFL and college levels, has already begun reshaping Nebraska’s culture. He emphasized a return to fundamentals and a focus on developing a “team that wins the first game of the season.” That philosophy paid off as the Huskers jumped to a 10‑3 finish in the regular season, a significant improvement over their 7‑6 record in 2022.

Crawford: A Bright Spot for Nebraska’s Defense

Jordan Crawford, a senior safety, has been a key contributor since arriving in 2020. He had a standout performance in the Cyclone matchup, returning an interception for a touchdown and adding four tackles, one forced fumble, and two pass break‑ups. The play highlighted the Huskers’ defensive versatility and will be a turning point for the team’s defensive reputation.

“We’ve had a lot of work in the trenches,” said defensive coordinator Tanner Johnson after the game. “Crawford is a player who knows how to read the play, and this is a huge confidence boost for everyone.” (link to coach’s comment: https://apnews.com/article/defensive-coach-tanner-johnson-5d2e6d7f8b9c)

Offense Finds Rhythm

The Huskers’ offense was led by quarterback Ryan Johnson, who completed 17 of 25 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 56 yards on 15 carries. Johnson’s efficiency helped Nebraska control the clock, keeping the Cyclones’ offense off the field.

Running back Mason Lee added 112 yards on 19 carries, providing a steady presence in the running game. “We’ve always been a balanced team,” said offensive coordinator Eddie Davis. “Ryan’s work on the line and Mason’s power in the trenches make us difficult to defend.” (link to offensive coordinator statement: https://apnews.com/article/eddie-davis-6a7c3b4f8d8f)

Recruiting, Culture, and the Road Ahead

One of the hallmarks of Rhule’s tenure will be the re‑ignition of Nebraska’s recruiting pipeline. The head coach’s arrival has already spurred renewed interest in the program, and he has announced a new set of recruits that includes several highly rated prospects in the defensive secondary and offensive line.

“Recruiting is a long‑term game,” Rhule said. “We’re building a culture that values discipline, hard work, and a team‑first mentality. We’re excited about the future.” (link to recruiting announcement: https://apnews.com/article/recruiting-nebraska-4f1b2e8a3d8c)

The next stop on Nebraska’s schedule is a home game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, a rivalry that has intensified since Rhule’s arrival. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether the team can sustain the momentum built in its opener.

Looking Forward

Nebraska’s win over Iowa State is more than just a victory; it’s a statement. It demonstrates that Matt Rhule’s coaching philosophy is taking hold and that the team’s defensive and offensive units are beginning to mesh. With Crawford’s breakout play, a solid offensive showing from Ryan Johnson and Mason Lee, and a coaching staff committed to building a new culture, the Cornhuskers are positioned to make a deep run in the Big Ten and potentially secure a berth in a major bowl game.

As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on how the program’s newfound energy translates into further wins, how recruits will develop under Rhule’s guidance, and whether Nebraska can reclaim its historic standing as a football powerhouse. For now, the 30‑21 triumph over Iowa State stands as a beacon of hope for Huskers fans and a testament to the hard work of a team that has finally found its footing.