The College Football World Is In Agreement On 2025’s ‘Dark Horse’ Team originally appeared on The Spun.
The 2025 college football season is almost here and predictions are rolling in.
While the usual suspects are expected to compete at the top — the Ohio States, Texas Longhorns and Penn States of the world — there’s always room for a dark horse to make some noise in the CFB field.
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And when it comes to this year’s program that’s flying under the radar, many feel its a program out of the B1G that is entering Year 3 under its new head coach and has a rich history of success — and that would be Matt Rhule and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – NOVEMBER 23: Dylan Raiola #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers passes against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)Steven Branscombe/Getty Images
The Huskers own a 12-13 record over Rhule’s first two seasons in Lincoln, but have steadily improved and appear ready to make another leap in ’25.
Between former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, some new weapons on the outside and a schedule that bodes well for making the College Football Playoff, Nebraska certainly looks the part when it comes to potentially surprising some people this fall — and typically in his third year is when Matt Rhule’s rebuilds tend to pop.
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Big Red opens the season with three very winnable games against Cincinnati, Akron and UConn, and most of their tougher matchups outside of Nov. 22 against Penn State come at the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium.
College football fans agree
“Idk why more people aren’t talking about Nebraska this year,” a user pointed out. “3 of their 4 hardest games are at home and I see them as 10-0 going into Beaver Stadium. Biggest sleeper in the country.”
“Dylan Raiola won’t have to carry Nebraska on his own,” Steven Sipple wrote. “With Holgorsen simplifying the offense, new weapons at WR/TE, and an O-line finally looking formidable, the pressure is easing. That’s how a young QB finds his rhythm—and sparks a revival.”
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“Nebraska as a dark horse CFP contender? We’ll take it,” a fan said.
“NEBRASKA IS OFFICIALLY A DARK HORSE TEAM FOR THE CFB PLAYOFFS! THE BLACK SHIRTS ARE BACK!” another person exclaimed.
“My dark horse playoff team from the B1G is Illinois,” another person shared. “I also think Nebraska, and Minnesota might end someone’s playoff hopes.”
Will this be the year the Huskers finally post back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the Bo Pelini era? We’ll get our first chance to see it nine days from now at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 28.
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The College Football World Is In Agreement On 2025’s ‘Dark Horse’ Team first appeared on The Spun on Aug 19, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
