Preseason Proved Nebraska Remains Nationally Significant & Revered

By Rock Westfall

The 'Rhule-Aid' is not just a local phenomenon in Nebraska, but a national sensation. While the Nebraska Cornhuskers have claimed more offseason national championships than any other team, there's a palpable sense that the 2024 season is more than just hype-it's a promise of substance and success.

It's important to remember that Nebraska’s role in college football history is not just special but unique. The Big Red’s enduring legacy, from 1963 through 2001, a period during which they finished in the final Top Ten 27 times and clinched five national championships, is a source of pride and connection for all Husker fans.

Urban Meyer , Joel Klatt , Jim Rome , and Pat McAfee , to name just a few of many in the national media, can see a special era coming from the land of corn.

More than just the team, the media reveres Husker Nation for its unwavering devotion. They are often hailed as the best fans in college football. Since 1962, when the Founding Father of Husker Power, iconic head coach Bob Devaney , arrived, Memorial Stadium has been a sell-out.

Nebraska's fan base, known for its unparalleled traveling ability, is not just a support system, but a coveted asset for bowl games and opponents alike. Their presence is a testament to the belief that college football is at its best when Nebraska is in the mix. The 2024 season presents the best opportunity in a decade for this belief to be reaffirmed, highlighting the integral role of the fans in the team's success.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, the anticipation for Nebraska's return to the forefront of college football is palpable. The Huskers have captured the full attention of the national media and College Football Nation. While some dismiss Nebraska as a relic of the past, others see the Huskers as poised for a triumphant return under the leadership of substantive coach Matt Rhule .

The potential for a return to prominence is high. Rhule's unique coaching approach , emphasizing toughness, accountability, and character, could be the winning formula in the competitive and bruising Big Ten Conference, instilling a sense of optimism and confidence for Husker nation and beyond.

As Nebraska’s comeback beckons, it is wise to look back on previous fallen powers who returned to prominence and why Nebraska can, too.

Fallen Superpowers Abound in College Football History

The Alabama Crimson Tide is the current power dynasty in college football and arguably the greatest program in the sport's history. But the Crimson Tide had its share of mediocrity, especially after Bear Bryant retired. From 1982 through 2008, the Crimson Tide produced only one national championship and seven Top 10 finishes. This period would best compare to Nebraska’s Bo Pelini era of nine or ten-win seasons but no legitimate threats for a national championship. Then came Nick Saban and an unsurpassed modern dynasty.

With Nick Saban's retirement, the Georgia Bulldogs are often touted as the next big thing. Yet Georgia has never had the national dominance of Nebraska, with just four national championships. The last two (2021 and 2022) ended a drought that went back to 1980, which ended a dry period dating back to 1942. A decade ago, when both teams were good but not great, Pelini and Nebraska beat Georgia in the Gator Bowl.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish remain an iconic national brand, yet they last won the national championship in 1988. Notre Dame fans recall the mediocre to embarrassing seasons under Bob Davie, Tyrone Willingham, and Charlie Weiss since that natty.

In addition to the programs mentioned above, USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Miami-FL, Florida State, and others have served sentences in the wilderness, only to return to glory or, in some cases, fall back again.

History shows that Nebraska can return to prominence as a past power that fell to being merely good and then bad for most of the past decade.

There is no Cheering in the Press Box Until There Is

Nebraska is nationally loved for being a school in the corn belt that is lightly populated but supported nationally. It has no recruiting base advantage, yet it develops players unwanted by others while being able to flip a 5-star QB , Dylan Raiola , from the best program in the land (Georgia).

There are fans in every state who claim the Huskers as their own. The late great and sometimes underappreciated Bob Devaney did the heavy lifting to establish the brand, and then Tom Osborne took it to another level after two decades of frustration and falling short. Frank Solich and Bo Pelini kept things respectable but were often teasing instead of pleasing. Mike Riley was an alien outcast and poor fit, while Scott Frost flopped as the entitled Favorite Son and Prince who left in shame.

Nebraska had to suffer and lose to regain its soul. Matt Rhule is restoring the resilience, determination, and character of a proud farm state, and it’s not going unnoticed. The media spotlight has returned with big expectations.

After a long period in the wilderness, College Football Nation can sense that greatness beckons at Nebraska.

In its grit will come Nebraska’s glory.