Nebraska’s Decision to Cancel Tennessee Series Sparks Controversy
There was a time when Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and his Cornhuskers aimed to be a dominant force in college football. Fans had high hopes, especially with quarterback Dylan Raiola drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes due to his distinctive style—his “broccoli” hair and Oakley glasses only adding to the buzz. However, those expectations have not materialized on the field.
Now, instead of instilling fear in opponents, Nebraska appears to be on the defensive. One of the biggest challenges for Rhule’s program is coming from Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers. Amid Nebraska’s ongoing struggles, Rhule’s team is now making headlines for reportedly paying Tennessee a hefty sum—$1 million—to back out of a scheduled series against them.
Are the Cornhuskers Avoiding a Tough Matchup?
Nebraska is already facing difficulties after a disappointing 7-6 season, and the situation is only becoming more complicated. The team is losing key players, with defensive lineman Ty Robinson, cornerback Tommi Hill, tight end Thomas Fidone, and wide receiver Isaiah Neyor all heading to the NFL Combine. Additionally, starters Nash Hutmacher and Jimari Butler have moved on, leaving the team with more holes to fill.
With the program in transition, Nebraska’s decision to cancel its scheduled games against Tennessee has raised eyebrows. On the Crain & Company podcast, analyst Jake Crain suggested that the move could be seen as a sign of weakness. He argued that, from an outside perspective, it appears as though Nebraska is backing away from the challenge of facing a resurgent Tennessee team.
Crain pointed out that Nebraska has not played Tennessee since the 2016 Music City Bowl, a game the Volunteers won 38-24. Under Heupel, Tennessee has transformed into a powerhouse, reaching the College Football Playoff and proving itself as a legitimate contender in the SEC. Meanwhile, Rhule is still working to rebuild Nebraska’s program and has yet to bring them to the same level of national relevance.
The Cost of Cancellation
Nebraska was initially set to play Tennessee in a home-and-home series in 2026 and 2027. The agreement, originally signed in 2006 and rescheduled in 2013, was expected to bring a marquee Big Ten vs. SEC matchup to college football fans. However, Nebraska has now decided to opt out, with the university citing renovations to Memorial Stadium as a key reason for the cancellation.
As a result, the Cornhuskers will pay $500,000 per game, totaling $1 million, to exit the agreement. Tennessee’s athletic director, Danny White, expressed disappointment in Nebraska’s decision, as the Volunteers had their non-conference schedule planned out through 2030. Now, Tennessee will need to find a new opponent to fill the gap.
While some former Nebraska players and analysts have defended the decision, calling it a strategic move rather than an act of fear, others argue that it reflects poorly on Rhule’s program. Co-host Blain Crain suggested that Rhule may be frustrated because, while Heupel has successfully elevated Tennessee into the playoff picture, Nebraska remains in rebuild mode.
The decision to cancel the series could have long-term implications for Nebraska. While Rhule and the program may believe it was a necessary move, critics see it as a missed opportunity to prove themselves against one of the top teams in college football. Whether this choice helps or hinders the Cornhuskers in the future remains to be seen.