Former Nebraska linebacker Will Compton isn’t tempering his expectations for Cornhuskers in the 2025 campaign. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, Compton made a bold prediction for Nebraska’s upcoming season.
“Boys, I’m telling you, we got a favorable schedule. No matter how you think of the Huskers. This is Year 3 of the Rhule era. Year 2 for Dylan Raiola. Dana Holgorsen on the sideline full-time,” Compton said. “This is going to be the first double-digit win season since Willie C.’s senior year in 2012.
“You can book it. You heard it here right now. I’m just letting you know, I can feel it. It’s in the air, and it starts tonight against Cincinnati.”
As Compton mentioned, Nebraska hasn’t had a double-digit win season since it posted a 10-4 record in 2012 under head coach Bo Pelini. Alas, the Cornhuskers are on an upward trajectory.
In head coach Matt Rhule‘s debut campaign at Nebraska in 2023, the Cornhuskers logged a 5-7 (3-6) record. Last season, Nebraska built on that momentum, finishing the year with a 7-6 (3-6) mark, the program’s first winning season since 2016.
Now, Compton believes Nebraska is poised to return to its former heights. In fairness, the Cornhuskers have plenty to be excited about this fall.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola is back in Lincoln after racking up 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, compared to 11 interceptions. Raiola will have plenty of quality targets out wide this fall.
Nebraska reeled in numerous standout transfers this offseason, including wide receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter. Additionally, this season will Nebraska’s first with Dana Holgorsen as its full-time offensive coordinator.
Holgorsen began last season as an offensive analyst for the Cornhuskers, but served as their OC the final four games of the season. Holgorsen isn’t the only new coordinator for Nebraska.
After the 2024 campaign, Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White left the program to accept an offer to call Florida State’s defense. In turn, the Huskers promoted John Butler to DC. He was the team’s secondary/defensive pass game coordinator last season.
While Nebraska is only returning four starters on defense from last season, many fans are confident Butler will provide a stiffer opposition to opposing offenses. Evidently, Will Compton falls in that camp.
On Thursday, Nebraska will kick off Year 3 of the Rhule era with a showdown against Cincinnati at 9 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.