Main reason Nebraska won't make College Football Playoff revealed

Published: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 2:51 am

Nebraska's Playoff Hopes Hinge on Defensive Strength

Lincoln, NE - Despite a promising trajectory under head coach Matt Rhule, Nebraska's chances of reaching the College Football Playoff in the upcoming 2025 season are facing scrutiny. Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt suggests the Cornhuskers are close to being a "playoff party crasher," but a significant defensive weakness could ultimately prevent them from competing for a national championship.

Klatt's concerns center on the defensive side of the ball. The departure of defensive coordinator Tony White to Florida State is a major blow, and the internal promotion of John Butler to fill the role raises questions. Klatt believes the loss of White, a highly regarded defensive mind, will be difficult to overcome.

Furthermore, the Huskers face the challenge of replacing key defensive line players. The team will be without Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson, both of whom have moved on to the NFL. These losses are significant, as Klatt notes that these players were "the heart and soul of their defense." He questions whether the defense will be as strong as it was last season.

While the team is trending upwards, the defensive concerns could be a major hurdle in a 12-team playoff format. Rhule's past success in program-building, particularly his third-year turnarounds at Temple and Baylor, offers a glimmer of hope. However, the ability of the defense to maintain a high level of performance will be crucial.

BNN's Perspective: The situation in Nebraska is a classic example of the complexities of college football. While the offensive potential, especially with a star quarterback, is exciting, a team's overall success hinges on all facets of the game. The loss of key defensive personnel and the transition in defensive leadership are legitimate concerns. It remains to be seen if Rhule can overcome these challenges and build a complete team capable of playoff contention.

Keywords: Nebraska, College Football Playoff, Matt Rhule, Joel Klatt, Tony White, Dylan Raiola, defense, Cornhuskers, football, program building, defensive coordinator, defensive line, Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, 2025 season

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