Matt Rhule’s team ripped off their most dominant three-week stretch in nearly a decade as they went 3-0. Best part? They have outscored their last two opponents with a 113-7 score difference. But how? It’s not just talent talking, but also Rhule’s cultural shift is making its way. At times, that’s visible in how the team comes together in practices or stands for each other during the games. This change in the leadership isn’t just reflected in what happens when everything is going great. How does the team react when standards are not met? Huskers’ DB Marques Buford is showing the way.
Buford featured in 632 snaps last season. Naturally, he is one of the leaders in the team. In a recent media appearance, the DB talked about all that has changed in the locker room. Especially since he was named one of the team captains for the 2025 season along with players like Dylan Raiola, Dana Key and Cayair Wright, among others. Buford adapted into his new role, but it didn’t come without challenges. “I feel like it kind of started off kind of difficult because you want your teammates to like you, you want to be their friends, we’re always around each other. We’re like brothers. But I think I just really had to realize like there’s a standard for everything. And friendship doesn’t come before the standard,” he said.
Being a leader can be a thankless job. But you do it because you want the team to move forward. One of the challenges is to realize that every player is different. What helped Buford is that he has the respect of the locker room. “I want the best for them at all times, and I just want to bring the best out of them if they’re not performing at that.” But no player will response if the leader is failing at what they asking others to do. “I always have to make sure that I’m practicing what I’m preaching.”
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The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman has noticed the change in the locker room, especially from the leadership standpoint. This is exactly what Matt Rhule has been preaching to get Nebraska out of almost a decade of mediocrity. “I’ve seen evidence that Nebraska is more mature as a football program this year than in recent seasons,” Sherman said.
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On the field, the change is reflected in how the team is now calmer under pressure. In their Week 1 game against Cincinnati, the Huskers didn’t panic when it got close. Last year, they may have found a way to lose the game. That’s what a lot of games looked like for Nebraska in 2024. Now, sitting at 3-0, thanks to two easy wins, things are only looking upwards for the program. But a tough opponent is waiting for Rhule. It’s the Wolverines.
Matt Rhule gets real on game against Michigan
After coming off a remarkable win against Houston Christian, Matt Rhule’s team is all set to take up their first conference game against Michigan. But before that, the Huskers need to gear up, and Rhule knows it pretty well. “We’re going to continue to have to get better. Some things that look like they’re good right now aren’t going to be as good versus a different opponent. You just have to keep reacting as the year goes on. I think we’re a significantly better team than we have been, but the road gets a lot harder. If we stay where we are right now, we won’t win a lot of games moving forward. We have to improve.”
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Sure, the cultural changes and shifts have brought visible results and have set new standards. The result? Kwinten Ives rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts, and Dane Key had four receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. And even Matt Rhule’s pretty happy with this change. “I kept bringing it back to this is the standard that we have. I thought a lot of guys did a lot of really good things. We have a long way to go, but to be 3-0 and have played a Power 4 team and dominated two teams we were supposed to dominate, that’s all I can ask of the guys.”
But the hustle doesn’t just stop there, as Rhule also points out the importance of preparations and how well his team is gearing up for the Big Ten game. “Dylan (Raiola) was talking about doing his Sunday workout today. I asked the guys to show up and be ready to go tomorrow, and it’s not about any one opponent. I mean, now we are in Big Ten play, we will be playing nine conference games, and we are a proud member of the Big Ten.” Now, let’s wait and see how this game turns out.