A big reason for the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ optimism is that in previous stops at Temple and Baylor, coach Matt Rhule’s teams had breakout seasons in his third year. The best news is that he is on a faster College Football Betting pace at Nebraska. The schedule seems favorable for momentum and bowl eligibility. Furthermore, a shot at the College Football Playoff is possible. Nebraska’s last bowl trip was in 2016 until that misery ended in 2024. Now, many believe that Nebraska could be this year’s Indiana, and that’s a good thing that could translate into profits on the board.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, August 28, 2025, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | -6½ -117 | 54½ -110 | -255 |  |
| Cincinnati U | +6½ -103 | 54½ -110 | +211 | |
| ||||
Nebraska Cornhuskers Team Overview
At the onset of the 2025 season, there is legitimate reason to believe that Matt Rhule is cracking the Big Red code. Gamblers and Nebraska Cornhusker fans are excited about a return to online wagering glory in the 2025 season.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the 2025 season with momentum and optimism. Matt Rhule wasted no time changing the narrative in 2024. Consider that he produced the first bowl game since 2016. Nebraska has had two of the most productive offseasons in college football.
Of course, the headliner was flipping 5-star QB recruit Dylan Raiola from the Georgia Bulldogs to Nebraska in 2024. Georgia is the best program in the sport. Thus, Nebraska earned serious bragging rights. Expectations have increased for Rhule’s program, and there is legitimate reason for optimism in 2025.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit, showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman year, completing 67% of his passes for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Correlate that after a full offseason under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, expectations are high for Raiola to elevate Nebraska’s passing game. Especially with new weapons like Transfer’s Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter. Nebraska bolstered its roster with high-impact transfers. These additions aim to address depth concerns and elevate both sides of the ball.
With defensive coordinator John Butler taking over full-time, the Blackshirts aim to maintain their 2024 strength. Despite losing key players like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. The defensive line and secondary, with veterans like Elijah Jeudy and DeShon Singleton, will be critical.
Special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler is tasked with improving a unit that ranked No. 86 in efficiency in 2024, with a new punter, long snapper, and a three-way kicking competition.
Cincinnati Bearcats Team Overview
Although Scott Satterfield improved during his second season as Cincinnati’s head coach, the Bearcats still missed a bowl game with a 5-7 record. Satterfield is now 8-16 through two years. Of great concern is that mark is Cincinnati’s worst two-season stretch since 2016-17. He’ll likely need to lead the Bearcats to at least a bowl game in 2025 to remain as the team’s head coach.
The College Football Betting hope is that a stout run defense and a new star running back can help take the team there. The Bearcats will need to find some viable wideouts for Brendan Sorsby to throw to. Additionally, they need to improve a pass-rush unit that was just 109th in PFF grade last year.
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Nebraska is the stronger program that is much further along.
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati SBG Best Bet: Nebraska Cornhuskers.