Greg McElroy Believes Legendary College Football Program Will Take A Big Leap In 2024

Nebraska was one of college football's premier programs from 1970-99, winning five national championships. The Cornhuskers won three national titles in four seasons under legendary head coach Tom Osborne but have failed to find the same success in today's age of college football.

On a recent episode of Always College Football , Greg McElroy believes Nebraska is primed for a breakout season under second-year head coach Matt Rhule. He noted that Nebraska might not be ready for a College Football Playoff run but could end its streak of seven consecutive seasons without a bowl game appearance.

“Is it going to result in a Big Ten title game appearance? No... Is it going to result in a playoff appearance? Highly unlikely, but this is a program that has had seven consecutive losing seasons.

They’ve had eight out of the last nine years where they’ve been in the loser’s column more so than the win column,” McElroy said. They’re really far away from the peak of their program’s competency in the 1990s, but I still believe they will take a pretty big leap this year."

Nebraska showed promise last season, ranking No. 13 nationally in scoring defense. However, the offense struggled due to poor quarterback play, ranking No. 123 nationally in scoring offense.

The Cornhuskers signed five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who flipped his commitment from Georgia this offseason. Raiola is expected to stabilize the quarterback position next season. He finished his senior season at Buford with 2,819 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and only one interception.

“I’d be surprised if they’re not flirting with the seven, eight-win plateau. I’d be surprised,” McElroy continued. “I think eight is even more likely than seven, especially when you take into account some of the improvements that they’re likely to make on both sides of the ball.”

Nebraska opens the 2024 season against UTEP on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT on FOX.

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