Rumours of Matt Rhule moving to Happy Valley to replace James Franklin in charge of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Despite the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ coach’s efforts to shut down the rumour and to reiterate his desire to remain with his program, members of the press continue to raise the possibility of Rhule moving to Penn State.
This Thursday morning, it was pundit Josh Pate, who on ESPN’s Get Up said the following about the possibility:
“Taylor Lewan, do me a favor,” Pate said. “Earmuff our boy [Will Compton] for just a second. Hands on the ears. You asked me smart money. Smart money is the guy who lowkey has made it his dream job, the guy who is best friends with the athletic director there in Pat Kraft. It’s Matt Rhule until we see otherwise. It’s gotta be Rhule, the smart money.”
I rebuke this in the name of @_willcompton https://t.co/wM73dcQdWr
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) October 13, 2025
It’s difficult to see why Rhule would want to put an end to his successful season with the Cornhuskers. He’s indeed an alumnus of the Nittany Lions, but Nebraska has a legitimate path to the College Football Playoff this year. They’re currently 5-1 and No. 25 in the nation.
Regardless, he’s the favorite by the oddsmakers to become James Franklin’s replacement at Penn State, with odds of +250 according to Sports Illustrated.
What Does Matt Rhule Say About the Penn State Job Following James Franklin’s Dismissal?
While initially Rhule shut down the rumors and emphasized his desire to stay at Nebraska, more recent comments this week have been far more indecisive about his intentions. Pete Nakos reported on Monday the following remarks by Rhule regarding a potential move to Penn State:
“I love Penn State. … It’s my Alma mater. … I love Pat Kraft.
Matt Rhule on Penn State job: “I love Penn State. … It’s my Alana mater. … I love Pat Kraft.
“ … Troy [Dannen] and I are in constant communication. … I wanted to rebuild Nebraska football.”https://t.co/0up1SW5huK https://t.co/TS8gzVfdOB
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 13, 2025
“ … Troy [Dannen] and I are in constant communication. … I wanted to rebuild Nebraska football.”
Authorities in Nebraska must be starting to feel a chill on their necks, as these answers seem to open the door to the potential move to Happy Valley to replace James Franklin.
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