The Nebraska coach remarks that college football is currently in a state of chaos.
Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, like many other Power conference head coaches, is dealing with conversations around the transfer portal, including concerns about tampering and rival programs contacting his players. Last spring, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin described the transfer portal as a “free-for-all,” a sentiment echoed by many others in the college football community.
Rhule emphasized the importance of supporting his players amidst these challenges. He highlighted the loyalty and support provided by the coaching staff, contrasting it with potential promises from other programs. Rhule expressed his approach to coaching as akin to guiding a younger brother, offering tough love and advice while also listening and supporting them through the process.
“Sometimes they offer you so much money, you’ve got to leave. Coaches complain about it. My assistant coaches do the same thing to me – ‘hey, coach, I got this offer to go there.’ I just want them all to be successful. It’s a sad state. I’ll just say that. It’s a sad state. But it is what it is. And you know what? A lot of people want to come here too. A lot of people want to stay here. Roster numbers are certainly not going to be our issue in terms of having enough good players.”
Bell, a redshirt freshman who showed promise on the scout team last season, sustained a lower body injury during Nebraska’s final scrimmage.
Despite the injury setback, Nebraska took a measured approach in the transfer portal, adding only six new players alongside its 2024 freshman class. With seven departures, including two quarterbacks, Coach Rhule emphasized the program’s ongoing pursuit of talent, provided the prospective player aligns with their criteria and strengthens the team.
Rhule noted that several players received interest from other teams regarding potential entry into the transfer portal. He specifically mentioned tight end Thomas Fidone as one of Nebraska’s top players attracting outside attention following the spring game.
“Every team in the country is trying to get him to leave and go there,” Rhule remarked. “But he’s a Nebraska Cornhusker through and through.”
Fidone, a highly regarded prospect rated as a four-star recruit, held the distinction of being the No. 1 tight end in the 2021 class. Despite facing adversity with two ACL injuries in his initial seasons at Nebraska, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete showcased resilience by participating in all 12 games, earning eight starts during his sophomore campaign in 2023.