Kirk Herbstreit Identifies Potential 'Sleeping Giant' In The Big Ten

The Big Ten is home to historic programs like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Iowa Hawkeyes. The conference expanded to include four more teams, with the Oregon Ducks, Washington Huskies, USC Trojans, and UCLA Bruins this offseason.

Nebraska fans have been waiting for their program to return to its 1990s level. Under former head coach Tom Osborne, the Cornhuskers won three national titles in 1994, 1995, and 1997.

Kirk Herbstreit was high on Nebraska and made a bold claim on Saturday's edition of "College GameDay." Herbstreit called the Cornhuskers a "sleeping giant" and believed the team could be 7-0 when they go to Columbus to play the Ohio State Buckeyes on Oct. 26.

"I think a flyer on Nebraska, that's putting a lot on Dylan Raiola as a freshman," Herbstreit said. "But I've got a lot of confidence in Matt Rhule building that program back, kind of a sleeping giant. I think Nebraska could be 7-0 by the time they go to Columbus."

Nebraska made a big move this offseason by flipping former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola from the Georgia Bulldogs. Raiola was the No. 2 QB from the 2024 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings .

Raiola, former four-star tight end Grant Brix , former four-star corner Marcus Buford , and former four-star offensive lineman Preston Taumua led the Cornhuskers' 2024 class.

The program also added former Oregon Ducks running back Dante Dowdell, former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, former Wake Forest Demon Deacons receiver Jahmal Banks, and former USC Trojans corner Ceyair Wright, among others, from the portal.

Nebraska had its last winning season in 2016 under former head coach Mike Riley. The Cornhuskers open this season against the UTEP Miners on Aug. 31. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

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