One of the biggest coaching dominoes involving the Penn State Nittany Lions just fell: Matt Rhule is staying at Nebraska.
Matt Rhule Staying at Nebraska
Home. pic.twitter.com/dqZLFvgzIK
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 30, 2025
Nebraska football keeps its coach.
Rhule and Nebraska have agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2032 season. Rhule’s base salary remains the same, but the new deal includes salary incentives for making the College Football Playoff.
If Rhule were to get poached by another school, the extension increases the buyout from $5 million to $15 million.
While Rhule could still leave for another school, this extension essentially ends all of that speculation.
“The University of Nebraska, the city of Lincoln and the state of Nebraska are special. It is a place our family is proud to call home,” Rhule said in a statement. “We have outstanding leadership from Dr. Gold and Troy Dannen, and I appreciate the support and confidence they have shown in our staff. Our focus remains on building Nebraska Football into a perennial championship contender.”
Per ESPN, Rhule’s base salary for each year increases by $1 million for a CFP appearance.
Rhule’s average annual salary this season is $8.5 million. After the deal, it’s increased to $11.7 million, making him one of the sport’s highest-paid coaches. Rhule’s additional two years are at $12.5 million.
Rhule has been linked as a top candidate for the coaching vacancy at his alma mater, Penn State. With the contract extension, Rhule bypasses the chance to coach in Happy Valley to remain in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In his third season, Rhule has guided the Cornhuskers to a 6-2 record, one of their best starts in years. Rhule is 18-15 since becoming the head coach of Nebraska before the 2023 season.
While the CFP is unlikely, Nebraska can play in a top bowl game if it finishes the season with at least nine wins. Nebraska’s final four games: vs. USC, at UCLA, at Penn State, and vs. Iowa.
Where Does Penn State Go From Here?
With Nebraska extending Matt Rhule’s contract, Louisville’s Jeff Brohm is new favorite, at 40%, to be Penn State’s next coach via @Kalshi. Ohio State OC Brian Hartline is next at 29%, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz (17%) & Iowa State’s Matt Campbell (14%) pic.twitter.com/YdoIVF4Liv
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) October 30, 2025
With Rhule out, Penn State must look elsewhere for its next head coach to replace James Franklin.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin is still a pipe dream because if he does leave, it would be for LSU or Florida.
Kalshi currently has Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm as the favorite to coach the Nittany Lions, followed by Ohio State’s Brian Hartline and Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz.
Iowa State’s Matt Campbell feels like a realistic option for the Nittany Lions. Campbell is a good recruiter and well-respected in college football. He’s also capable of doing more with less, as evidenced by his success at Iowa State.
