Matt Rhule’s defiant stand against tampering with a better culture was a resounding success. Chief Borders was the only notable Husker to hit the transfer portal. Now Nebraska turns its attention to the College Football Betting season ahead. During spring camp, Matt Rhule commented on how tight end Thomas Fidone has been the target of tampering attempts. But Fidone was never a threat to leave Nebraska. Fidone has repeatedly made it clear that he is a committed Husker. Indeed, Fidone has no interest in leaving. Especially with Nebraska, it is poised for a breakout season in 2024.
2024 College Football National Championship Future Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Georgia Bulldogs | +325 |
| Ohio State Buckeyes | +450 |
| Texas Longhorns | +800 |
| Oregon Ducks | +1000 |
| Ole Miss Rebels | +1400 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | +1100 |
| LSU Tigers | +1200 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | +2500 |
| Michigan Wolverines | +1400 |
| Penn State Nittany Lions | +2200 |
| Clemson Tigers | +2500 |
| Florida State Seminoles | +1800 |
| Tennessee Volunteers | +4000 |
| Texas A&M Aggies | +3300 |
| USC Trojans | +3300 |
| Missouri Tigers | +4000 |
| Oklahoma Sooners | +4000 |
| All Other Teams | +5000 or higher |
Go Big Red to Bowl Game – At the Least?
Namely, Thomas Fidone grew up in a family of Husker fans and is living the dream. Following the spring game, Rhule showered Fidone with online betting praise.
Except for freshman phenom quarterback Dylan Raiola, no player on the Huskers is facing higher expectations than Fidone. Last season, Fidone ranked second in receptions for Nebraska. Still, he went through the growing pains of on-the-job training. Also, remember that Fidone was coming off two ACL tears that slowed down his development.
Fidone is investing time and effort to become great. Rhule said that Fidone wants to become the best tight end in the world. College Football Betting scouts see Fidone as a freak physical specimen who has the potential to emerge as a dominant tight end. Many observers are putting Fidone in the mold of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce. And with Raiola heading to KC to work with Patrick Mahomes, the comparisons are impossible to avoid.
On the other hand, Malachi Coleman threw a scare at the Big Red Faithful this week with a seemingly cryptic X-post about “new beginnings.” That post led to worries about Coleman entering the portal. As it turned out, the post was all about nothing. Subsequently, Coleman sent a post claiming that his “new beginnings” were all about the future of Nebraska football.
Coleman was the crown jewel of Matt Rhule’s first recruiting class. Rhule worked hard to earn Coleman’s commitment. Previously, Coleman de-committed when interim head coach Mickey Joseph was not retained after the 2022 season.
Due to an injury, Coleman missed spring practice, keeping him out of the spring game. Coleman saw limited action as a freshman last year. Still, he averaged 17.4 yards per catch on eight receptions. That average is indicative of his speed and big play potential. Especially considering the QB room’s instability for Nebraska last year. It is expected that Coleman will emerge as a playmaking threat for Raiola.
Often overlooked is an experienced offensive line that could become a key asset for the Huskers. Nebraska showed improvement last year. However, the Big Red expects an even greater presence in 2024. With the hopes of Husker nation pinned on Raiola, a line that can protect the freshman phenom is essential for Nebraska’s success. Correlate that the Huskers starting O-line has nearly three years per player of starting experience. Nebraska linemen frequently say they came back to the Big Red for “unfinished business.”
"BACKKKKKK!!!" These guys are awesome today https://t.co/cmnXDO6CtI
— Matt Rhule (@CoachMattRhule) May 4, 2024