The transfer portal era has already changed college football in big ways. With NIL rules now changing rosters and entire seasons, coaches are scrambling to keep up. A proven quarterback no longer just costs a scholarship — it can run seven figures, depending on the bidding war.
For Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, this new landscape has been equal parts frustrating and eye-opening. As he tried to build a winning team, he found that the NIL marketplace can be cutthroat. But in Lincoln, it’s not just about scouting talent — now, it’s about outlasting the chaos of a college football economy where loyalty can be bought.
Matt Rhule Explains How Struggling Programs Are Outspending Contenders in the NIL Era
Nebraska HC Matt Rhule is not afraid to say things that coaches tend to whisper behind closed doors.
Recently, Rhule was on the “HuskerOnline” podcast, where the third-year Nebraska head coach shared a reality that’s reshaping how programs approach recruiting.
“The desperate team sets the market,” Rhule said, referencing a conversation with personnel staffer Troy Vincent.
As Rhule sees it, “Bad teams have more money.” But why is that the case? Unlike strong programs that have to spread resources across multiple top-tier talents, struggling teams throw bags at anyone who can turn the program around. That dynamic has created what Rhule calls a “chaotic economy” in the portal.
While Nebraska was active and aggressive in December to bring in talent, Rhule chose not to jump back into the spring portal rush. Was this because it wasn’t worth the chaos or because of the cost?
As Rhule puts it, “We didn’t see a lot of need—or we didn’t have a lot of resources left—to go out and get a bunch of guys.” Instead, Nebraska focused on locking down its current roster.
The Huskers have watched other programs fall into the trap of turning spring into a recruitment showcase for everyone else’s benefit, and Rhule wants no part of that. That being said, Nebraska’s offseason was not without chaos. 31 players left via the portal, with 12 landing at other Power Four programs.
Rhule’s squad has, however, rebuilt strategically. They have added 15 portal players ready to suit up for spring ball and will also have 13 early-enrollee freshmen from December’s class. Still, Rhule is under no illusions. He knows that other schools are targeting his roster, especially those lacking depth and direction.
“If you’re a good player on this team and you’ve produced, you’re going to get hit up in the portal every single time,” added Rhule. However, Rhule’s skepticism is not simply about money. It’s about the calendar.
“You’re going to show up somewhere June 1, be with coaches for three or four weeks, and then you’re on your own in July. Then you’re going to start in August.” That sounds like a recipe for disaster to Rhule.
The idea of plucking a savior from the portal in late spring and expecting them to lead by fall? Rhule’s not buying it. The way he sees it, true development and building chemistry take time. That’s why Rhule isn’t just chasing stats or chasing stars. He’s chasing fit, experience, and long-term value.
“There wasn’t a ton of depth in the portal,” he said flatly. Most guys left are either backups, injury replacements, or stopgaps. And all of that is a no-no at Nebraska. That mindset may not grab headlines, but it just might lead to wins. And that is what the Husker Nation is after.
And it is hard to debate that, considering Nebraska finally broke its losing streak last season, finishing 7-6. That is their first winning record since 2016.
With Year 3 of the Rhule era in the making, the stakes are high. Historically, Rhule turns things around fast. At Temple, he went from 2-10 to 10-4 in three years. At Baylor, it was 1-11 to 11-3. Naturally, fans in Lincoln are asking: Is this the Huskers’ year?
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