
Nebraska’s athletic programs have recently experienced significant developments across football and men’s basketball, marking a period of notable achievements and transitions.
Football Successes and Roster Enhancements
The Cornhuskers ended a seven-year bowl game drought with a decisive 44-25 victory over Wisconsin on November 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. This win secured their sixth victory of the season, ensuring bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The offense was particularly effective, amassing 473 total yards, including a robust ground game that outpaced Wisconsin by 65 rushing yards. Quarterback Dylan Raiola demonstrated precision, completing 74% of his passes for 293 yards and a touchdown. Running back Emmett Johnson led both rushing and receiving efforts, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack.
Building on this momentum, Nebraska triumphed over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 28, 2024, achieving a 20-15 victory. The defense, known as the Blackshirts, was instrumental, limiting Boston College to a mere 47 rushing yards and thwarting all four of their fourth-down conversion attempts. Raiola continued his consistent performance, throwing for 228 yards and a touchdown. Running backs Rahmir Johnson and Emmett Johnson contributed significantly, each securing a rushing touchdown, propelling Nebraska to its first winning season since 2016.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Nebraska has been active in the transfer portal to strengthen its roster. Notably, former Alabama offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett has committed to the Cornhuskers. Pritchett, a highly regarded five-star recruit from the Class of 2023, brings versatility and experience, having started 12 games for Alabama at both right and left tackle positions during the 2024 season. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 312 pounds, his addition is expected to bolster Nebraska’s offensive line under head coach Matt Rhule.
Men’s Basketball: Thrilling Contests and Learning Experiences
The Nebraska men’s basketball team has engaged in several intense matchups, providing both challenges and growth opportunities. In a recent game against Iowa on January 8, 2025, the Cornhuskers faced a heart-wrenching 97-87 overtime loss. Despite leading by 15 points in the second half, Nebraska was unable to contain Iowa’s Payton Sandfort, who scored all of his 30 points in the latter part of the game. Brice Williams led Nebraska’s efforts with 28 points, and Juwan Gary achieved a double-double, contributing 13 points and 13 rebounds. The game was marked by Iowa’s impressive three-point shooting and clutch free-throw performance in overtime.
Earlier, on January 7, 2025, the team experienced a narrow road loss, reflecting the competitive nature of their schedule. These experiences are anticipated to serve as valuable learning opportunities as the Cornhuskers progress through the season, aiming to enhance their performance in close contests and secure victories in forthcoming games.
In summary, Nebraska’s football program is experiencing a resurgence, highlighted by a return to postseason success and strategic roster enhancements. Concurrently, the men’s basketball team is navigating a series of challenging games, gaining experience that is expected to contribute to their development and future successes.