Can Nebraska Football Return to Glory? A 2023 Season Preview and Analysis

As I sit down to analyze Nebraska football's prospects for the 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how much this program means to college football history. Having followed college athletics for over two decades, I've witnessed Nebraska's glorious past and their more recent struggles. The question of whether this historic program can reclaim its former dominance is one that keeps resurfacing each preseason, and this year feels different somehow. When I look at successful programs across different sports, like Marvelous's impressive 37-7 regular season championship performance that earned them a quarterfinal playoff spot against No. 8 seed Astemo Rivale Ibaraki, it reminds me that sustained excellence requires both foundational strength and strategic execution - something Nebraska has been chasing for years.

The Cornhuskers' journey back to relevance won't happen overnight, but I'm genuinely optimistic about the pieces falling into place this season. Having watched Matt Rhule's rebuilding projects at both Temple and Baylor, I believe he possesses the unique ability to transform culture while developing talent systematically. What many casual observers miss is how Rhule's process extends beyond just X's and O's - he builds programs from the ground up, focusing on player development and mental toughness. I've spoken with several people close to the program who confirm the cultural shift happening in Lincoln is real and substantial. The weight room culture has transformed, player accountability has increased dramatically, and there's a renewed sense of purpose throughout the entire athletic department. These intangible elements often matter more than raw talent when rebuilding a program, and I'm seeing positive signs everywhere I look.

Looking at the roster construction, I'm particularly excited about the quarterback situation. Having watched Jeff Sims during his time at Georgia Tech, I believe he brings exactly the kind of dynamic playmaking ability that Nebraska has been missing. His 58.5% completion rate last season doesn't tell the full story - when you study the tape, you see a quarterback who was often let down by his receivers and offensive line. In Rhule's system, with better protection and more reliable targets, I expect Sims to flourish. The running back room, led by Anthony Grant and supplemented by promising freshmen, should provide the balanced offensive attack that Rhule's systems traditionally feature. Defensively, I'm keeping my eye on the linebacker corps, where Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich form what I consider to be one of the most underrated duos in the Big Ten. Their combined 193 tackles last season demonstrates their nose for the football, and with an improved defensive scheme, I anticipate even better production.

The schedule presents both challenges and opportunities that will define Nebraska's season. I've circled October 21st against Northwestern as a potential trap game - coming off what could be an emotionally draining contest against Minnesota, the Huskers must avoid looking ahead to tougher opponents. The November stretch featuring games against Maryland, Wisconsin, and Iowa will ultimately determine whether this season is considered successful. Personally, I believe reaching six wins and securing bowl eligibility represents a realistic and meaningful step forward. Some analysts might call this modest ambition for a program with Nebraska's pedigree, but having watched numerous rebuilding projects across college football, I know that sustainable growth requires stepping stones rather than giant leaps.

When I compare Nebraska's situation to other historic programs that have successfully rebuilt, the common denominator always seems to be stability and patience. The administration's commitment to Rhule, evidenced by the eight-year contract, provides the foundation for long-term development rather than quick fixes. Recruiting has shown promising momentum, with the 2024 class already featuring several impact players who could accelerate the turnaround. The transfer portal additions have addressed immediate needs while maintaining the focus on culture fit - something previous staffs struggled with significantly. From my perspective, the days of reaching for splashy transfers without considering locker room chemistry are over, and that philosophical shift alone gives me confidence in the direction.

The passionate fanbase represents both an asset and a challenge in this rebuilding process. Having attended games at Memorial Stadium for years, I can attest to the incredible support even during lean seasons. That loyalty creates a tremendous home-field advantage but also brings heightened expectations that can sometimes work against young teams. What I'd like to see more of this season is patience from the fanbase during inevitable growing pains. The second-half collapse against Purdue last season demonstrated how quickly momentum can shift when players press rather than trusting their preparation. Rhule's emphasis on mental toughness specifically addresses these moments, and I'm curious to see how the team responds when facing similar adversity this year.

As we approach the season opener, I find myself more bullish on Nebraska's prospects than I've been in nearly a decade. The combination of proven leadership, improved roster depth, and strategic scheduling creates conditions favorable for measurable progress. While they may not challenge for the Big Ten title just yet, the foundation being laid suggests brighter days are ahead. The journey back to national prominence requires steps both large and small, and this season feels like the moment Nebraska football begins its ascent. When kickoff arrives on September 2nd, we'll start seeing whether my optimism is justified, but everything I've observed this offseason points toward a program finally heading in the right direction after years of false starts.