Matt Rhule Shares Transfer Portal Guidance with Nebraska Players and College Football Community
As the spring transfer portal window opens from April 16–25, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule offered candid advice to his team—and to players across college football—about navigating the process wisely.
Speaking during spring practice media availability, Rhule emphasized the importance of making informed decisions, especially with over 2,100 FBS scholarship players having already entered the portal since the 2024 season ended.
“Sometimes players make the mistake of entering the portal looking for a better situation,” Rhule said. “Unless you’re not going to play or aren’t part of the 105-man roster, then yes, it makes sense to explore other opportunities.”
He urged players to base their choices on honest information rather than promises from outsiders. “If we’ve been transparent with you from the start, then trust what we tell you. Too many people out there will say whatever sounds better. Just make sure you’re listening to the right voices,” Rhule said.
His comments weren’t limited to the Cornhuskers. Rhule called out a broader trend in college football, where outside influences—parents, coaches, and others—push players to seek new opportunities prematurely.
“If you’re really an NFL-caliber player, you’ll create your own success by improving where you are,” he said. “Don’t come back later saying, ‘They promised I’d start,’ when that doesn’t pan out.”
Regarding his own team, Rhule explained that Nebraska has tried to be clear about roster spots since the last transfer window in December. Players were told where they stood in relation to the 105-man roster to help them make informed choices.
He believes the program offers a strong developmental environment. “If you stay here for four years—training, eating right, developing—you’re going to get better. Jumping ship for quicker playing time without the same resources doesn’t always add up,” he said.
Still, Rhule is supportive of players who genuinely feel it’s time to move on, including his own son, Bryant, a freshman at Nebraska. “If he wasn’t happy, my wife and I would help him find the right place. That’s how I feel about all our players. But don’t leave just because someone’s promising more money or opportunity—it’s not always real.”
He also voiced support for a potential “grandfather clause” under the House settlement, which would allow previously rostered players to remain eligible under the 105-man cap, despite concerns from other conferences.
Although Rhule admitted it’s tough to see players leave, he’s proud of those who’ve found success elsewhere, citing Mason Jones at Lindenwood, and Ryker Evans and Dae’vonn Hall at UNK.
“At the end of the day, I just want them playing football, enrolled in school, and happy,” Rhule said.
Leave a Reply