Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule expressed his views on the current state of college football during Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. He dismissed the notion that the sport is "broken," arguing that college football is thriving, particularly in terms of viewership and competition. Rhule emphasized the need for those within the industry to work together to improve the game, highlighting that access for teams is greater than ever, allowing previously marginalized teams to now contend for championships. As he aims to position Nebraska at the forefront of the Big Ten, he remains confident in the potential of the upcoming season.

By the Numbers
  • Viewership for college football was reported to be near an all-time high.
  • Nebraska has a projected 1.0% chance of winning the Big Ten title in 2026 according to prediction markets.
Yes, But

While Rhule argues that college football is thriving, critics point to ongoing challenges such as eligibility issues, the transfer portal, and the upcoming 24-team playoff format, suggesting that these factors indicate deeper systemic problems.

State of Play
  • Rhule believes competition has increased, providing more teams access to playoff opportunities.
  • There is ongoing debate among coaches about the future structure of college football.
What's Next

As the 2023 season approaches, Nebraska will seek to improve its standing in the Big Ten, while Rhule continues to advocate for positive changes within the college football landscape. The ongoing discussions about playoff format and eligibility could reshape how success is measured in the sport.

Bottom Line

Rhule’s insights underline a fundamental optimism about college football, yet also reveal a need to address its complexities. The sport stands at a crossroads, requiring collaboration and innovation to ensure it continues to flourish and evolve.