Matt Rhule expecting huge turnout from Husker fans at Arrowhead

LINCOLN, Neb. — Although the Huskers are playing the Bearcats at a neutral site, their head coach expects Big Red Nation to turn Arrowhead Stadium into a sea of red.

Anticipation is through the roof for Matt Rhule’s third year with Nebraska, and battling Cincinnati under the Thursday night lights is an ideal way to kickoff the 2025 season in his eyes. After all, it’s a ton of exposure being a prime time slot on national television, a matchup against a Big 12 team and will take place at an iconic NFL venue. Not to mention Kansas City is only a three hour drive from campus for Husker fans, and Rhule knows they travel as well as anyone.

“I don’t even consider it a neutral site, I just think it’s Arrowhead,” Rhule said. “Arrowhead seems like part of our DNA, our footprint, so this feels like a home game-light.”

The Kansas City Chiefs already have a lot of red to their stadium, but there’ll be so much scarlet and cream in the building that it’s going to really seem like Cincinnati is the road team. To make matters worse, Bearcat fans only purchased around 6,000 tickets for this contest, and the rest went to the Huskers. That means Arrowhead Stadium is going to be like a house of nails for Cincinnati.

Rhule is confident Nebraska fans will be loud, the atmosphere will be electric and plans on utilizing the 12th man in what should be a great game.

“I expect to have the same home game intensity, if not even more because we’re more excited as a fan base to see this team for the first time,” he said. “Obviously we’re playing a team like Cincinnati, and when you have a chance to play another Power Four team, I know that’s exciting.”

There are rumors swirling around that some celebrities will be in attendance. Everyone knows about quarterback Dylan Raiola’s relationship with three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes, and the iconic gunslinger may show up in support. His teammate Travis Kelce is a Cincinnati alum, who happens to be engaged to the most recognizable woman on earth in Taylor Swift. Nothing is official, but just the buzz about celebrities being inside Arrowhead is adding another element to the game.

Regardless of who’s on the sidelines or in the press box, Rhule just wants to take advantage of the spotlight. The last time Nebraska opened up the season on a Thursday night under Rhule, was a loss at Minnesota. Rhule definitely wants to change the narrative this time around, and understands that it’s going to take a big effort from Husker fans to accomplish that feat.

A win over the Bearcats can propel the Huskers’ season, and if they give an impressive performance, an appearance in next week’s AP Poll is very possible. Still, Nebraska has to take care of business on the gridiron, and Big Red Nation will definitely be a factor for Cincinnati. Rhule doesn’t want to disappoint, and is eager to show the nation what his 2025 squad is all about.

“I like playing a Power Four team to start, I think it makes your camp much more intentional.”