College football gets a big stage on Thursday night as Nebraska and Cincinnati square off at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. It is the only Power Four matchup of the day, and it features two programs entering important third seasons under their head coaches.
Both Matt Rhule and Scott Satterfield are looking to prove that their teams can make the jump this fall. Nebraska comes in off its first bowl appearance since 2016, while Cincinnati is trying to shake off a frustrating 2024 that ended with a five-game losing streak. With Arrowhead just a short trip from Lincoln, the atmosphere should be electric with plenty of red in the stands.
Big Ten's Cornhuskers
The Cornhuskers finished last season 7-6, a solid step forward in Rhule’s rebuild. His track record shows his third seasons have often been his best, and Nebraska fans are hoping that trend continues.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola is the centerpiece of the offense. As a freshman, he threw for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The experience he gained against tough Big Ten defenses should pay off as he takes another step in his development. Nebraska also showed signs of life on defense late in the year, including a 20-15 bowl win over Boston College.
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The Huskers will have to overcome some early injuries, with several key players listed as questionable. Still, this team believes it has the depth and confidence to start strong.
Big 12 Bearcats
The Bearcats are still adjusting to life in the Big 12. After a 5-7 record in 2024, Satterfield knows his group needs to be more consistent to climb the conference ladder. They started last season 5-2 but faded badly down the stretch, losing their last five.
Quarterback Brendan Sorsby showed flashes of promise with 2,813 passing yards but struggled with turnovers and rhythm late in the year. Cincinnati will count on him to stabilize the offense and find more balance. The defense had its moments in 2024 but often wore down against high-powered Big 12 opponents.
The good news for the Bearcats is they enter this opener healthy, with no major injuries reported. A clean slate and a neutral site setting give them a chance to reset and make a statement.
Pivotal opener in Kansas City
This matchup feels like a tone-setter for both programs. Nebraska is chasing momentum and looking to show that Rhule’s rebuild is ready to peak, while Cincinnati wants to prove it belongs in the Big 12 conversation after a tough year.
With two young quarterbacks entering their second seasons and two coaches in pivotal third years, this Thursday night clash at Arrowhead is about more than just a Week 1 win. It is about direction, confidence, and laying the groundwork for the rest of the season.
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