Big Red Junkies

Matt Rhule says the magic formula is 40 sacks and 20 takeaways. So can Nebraska actually pull it off in 2025? In this episode, the Junkies dive into what it'll take for Nebraska to reach that all-important “40/20” defensive mark—40 sacks and 20 takeaways. This is the goal Rhule laid out when he first got to Lincoln, and hitting it has historically meant double-digit wins for teams across the country. We break down what it would take to get there: John Butler's attacking style and what it means for the pass rush How Nebraska's defensive depth at JACK, EDGE, and DB could create chaos Why opponents playing from behind may boost our takeaway numbers What chunk games like Akron and HCU will mean for piling up stats Why 40/20 might be the minimum if Nebraska wants to win 11 games You'll also hear our takes on Rhule's tone, the confidence in the defensive line, and what this means for the Big Ten race in 2025. #NebraskaFootball #Huskers #MattRhule #Blackshirts #CollegeFootball #BigTen #GBR #HuskerDefense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Raiola is walking into Lincoln with little to no Heisman hype — can he actually sling it for 3,400+ yards in this season? The Junkies break down a bold stat line prediction for Dylan Raiola's freshman season — and whether he can reach 3,400 passing yards in 2025. If he does, it would be the second-highest total in Nebraska history. They dive into how realistic that number is based on Nebraska's offensive scheme, Raiola's talent, the O-line situation, and the weapons surrounding him.Matt Rhule's game management style, Dana Holgorsen's long-term plans, and the strength of Nebraska's running game all come into play in the over/under discussion. Expect hot takes, stat math, and plenty of disagreement on whether Raiola's arm will carry Nebraska to the Big Ten title game. Do you think Dylan Raiola clears 3,400 yards in 2025? Drop your over/under pick in the comments — no fence-sitting allowed, Husker Nation. #NebraskaFootball #Huskers #DylanRaiola #MattRhule #BigTen #HuskerNation #CollegeFootball #HuskerPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Nebraska finally break through in 2025—or are we setting ourselves up for heartbreak again? We're breaking it ALL down, game by game. Elijah Herbel from Average Joe Sports Show joins the Big Red Junkies to deliver a no-BS preview of Nebraska's full 2025 football schedule. We go through every matchup and give our raw, unfiltered takes—what scares us, where we can dominate, and what Matt Rhule absolutely HAS to get right in Year 2. We're talking: Cincinnati at Arrowhead and Dylan Raiola's debut spotlight Is Michigan at home actually winnable this year? Why Michigan State and Minnesota feel like trap games The November schedule that could make or break Rhule's narrative Over/unders on wins, breakout players, sacks, and special teams improvements This is THE episode for any Husker fan who wants honest talk, bold predictions, and zero corporate fluff.

It's Husker fantasy draft time, and things got real spicy right out the gate. In this special offseason episode of Big Red Junkies, BJ, Jed, and Matt hold a Nebraska Football–only fantasy draft—but with a twist. Instead of touchdowns and yards, players earn points based on their PFF game grades, with a 10-snap minimum. From Dylan Raiola going No. 1 overall to sleeper picks like Elijah Judy, Kai Wallin, and KeShon Singleton, this draft dives deep into who's about to pop off in 2025. We talk: Why Dylan Raiola might not be the best fantasy pick The sneaky transfer WR with top-5 SEC grades

The Big Ten preseason predictions are out—and we've got some things to say. In this episode, the Big Red Junkies go all-in on Nebraska's 2025 outlook: the disrespect from national media, the brutal schedule setup, and the real expectations for Matt Rhule in year three. We break down Nebraska's standing in the new-look B1G, react to where the Huskers landed in the Cleveland.com media poll, and give our unfiltered takes on what success actually looks like this season. Plus: Is 8 wins the baseline for Rhule to prove this rebuild is working? Which games must Nebraska win to stay relevant by November? Why the Big Ten might be the deepest—and most unforgiving—it's ever been Let's talk about it. Drop your take in the comments: How many wins is enough for you in 2025? #GBR #Huskers #NebraskaFootball #BigTen #MattRhule #CollegeFootball #HuskerNation #HuskerPodcast #B1G2025 #GoBigRed #NebraskaCornhuskers #B1GFootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should Nebraska spend nearly a BILLION dollars renovating Memorial Stadium—or just build a brand new one? The Big Red Junkies aren't pulling punches in this episode. BJ, Jed, and Matt dive headfirst into the latest stadium update chaos, breaking down Troy Dannen's comments, the ghost of Trev Alberts' Texas A&M disaster, and the absurd price tag now rumored to be as high as $700 million to $1 billion. And for what—lipstick on a 100-year-old pig? The guys argue hard for starting fresh: a new stadium across from Pinnacle Bank Arena, with modern amenities that reflect where college football is headed—not stuck in 1923. They also tackle:Why nostalgia shouldn't block progressThe fake comparison to billion-dollar NFL stadiumsThe hidden cost of "piecemeal" upgrades over timeGrass field update (spoiler: it's dead)The quiet crumbling of the NCAA's power structureAnd yeah… they want cornstalks in the end zones too. Drop your take below: Should Nebraska build a brand new stadium, or keep pouring cash into Memorial? #NebraskaFootball #Huskers #MemorialStadium #CollegeFootball #BigTenFootball #NCAA #HuskerNation #StadiumRenovation #FireTakes #BigRedJunkies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Huskers have just 12 commits for 2026. Is Matt Rhule asleep at the wheel—or five steps ahead of the game? In this episode of the Big Red Junkies, BJ, Jed, and Matt dive into what looks like a shockingly small recruiting class for Nebraska Football in 2026. But don't panic. The crew breaks down why this shift might be more about strategy than desperation. We hit on: Why the class might stay under 16 total commits Whether roster limits or a full cupboard of young talent is driving the small size How Matt Rhule is killing it at retaining players (no mass exodus like other programs) The new reality of recruiting through the transfer portal Why events like Nebraska's Adidas 7-on-7 tournament are low-key recruiting gold How long-term relationship building (like with Williams Nwaneri) is reshaping Husker targets What the staff gets right that past regimes never did—adaptation and branding And we couldn't help but rant about the flood of Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas gear in Omaha. Husker Nation's youth movement needs a damn spark—and Rhule might be the one to reignite it.

We can all agree, Nebraska Football hasn't been the same since T.O. left, nearly 3 decades ago. It started alright with Frank Solich, but Bill Callahan, Bo Pelini, Mike Riley and Scott Frost drove our proud and once dominant program into near oblivion. The Jury is still out on Matt Rhule, but things are looking more positive than they have since the 90's. We're debating. #huskers #gbr #nfl #americanfootball #football #collegefootball #podcast #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Question marks abound, for Terry Braden and Phil Snow. We're diving into what we expect and are excited to see. #gbr #nfl #collegefootball #huskers #podcast #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball #cfb #kansascitychiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People seem to think this is a STACKED ROOM for the Huskers. We're diving into what we expect and are excited to see. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it Heisman or BUST? Do we have an RB2 or RB3? This is one of the lightest rooms on the team. We're diving into what we expect and are excited to see. #gbr #nfl #collegefootball #huskers #podcast #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball #cfb #kansascitychiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Huskers O-Line may be the most talented we've seen in decades. Coach Raiola has been given the power and the support to make a huge leap this season. We're diving into what we expect and are excited to see. #gbr #nfl #collegefootball #huskers #podcast #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball #cfb #kansascitychiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Husker DC John Butler has the full backing of Matt Rhule. These two prosition groups are fully loaded, and ready to make big leaps headed into 2025. We're breaking down depth charts and expectations. #gbr #nfl #collegefootball #huskers #podcast #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball #cfb #kansascitychiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Husker Football was allllll business this spring. Matt Rhule seems like a new man, and the team isn't far off that pace. We're discussing all the major storylines from spring and the offseason in general. #gbr #nfl #collegefootball #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball #podcast #americanfootballteam #huskers #collegefootballteam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Huskers need the DR to be surgical in year two. 10% off your first month of therapy with https://betterhelp.com/bigredjunkies #sponsored We're breaking down the numbers on past 4-5 Star QBs in Power 4 and under Dana Holgorsen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska has some great incoming players, but some of the guys we're returning are what is so exciting for 2025. Here's who we are fired up about in the transfer class, in 25'. #gbr #huskers #nfl #raiola #cfb #football #americanfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska has some great incoming players, but some of the guys we're returning are what is so exciting for 2025. Here's who we are fired up about on Defense, in 25'. #gbr #huskers #nfl #raiola #cfb #football #americanfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska has some great incoming players, but some of the guys we're returning are what is so exciting for 2025. Here's who we are fired up about on Offense, in 25'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The moment Matt Rhule steps in front of a mic, you know something interesting is about to happen. How is he always ahead of stuff? Does returning production matter? Jed and BJ discuss. #gbr #huskers #nebraska #cfb #nfl #football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corey Campbell is owed a great debt of gratitude for the way Husker players presented themselves at the Combine last week. It's a great feeling to see Nebraska boys generating the buzz of oos and ahhhs. Jed and BJ are breaking it down. #gbr #nebraska #huskers #nfl #nflcombine #draft #draftstock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had no clue the Husker's Special Teams had been SO AWFUL.... Mike Ekler may be more important than we originally thought. Jed broke the numbers down, and it's time to talk about it. #nfl #gbr #americanfootball #football #collegefootball #podcast #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nebraska program as a whole, fans and all, have pushed their chips all in. It's time the WINS start to fall. We are looking for more of what is happening to translate to the field. #huskers #gbr #football #nfl #cfb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska Football is in good hands, and the future continues to look up regardless of the hurdle. The evolution of Matt Rhule is bringing Husker football back from the dead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Notre Dame VS Ohio St is where we ended up. But, how did we get here? The playoff has been a tremendous experiment and topic of heavy scrutiny. We like it, and we're discussing why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska Football is making moves, and Matt Rhule is the captain steering the ship. Are we headed in the right direction? We're grading his production from a CEO, Coach and Recruiter standpoint. The Huskers are in pretty good shape. #nfl #gbr #americanfootball #football #collegefootball #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #huskersfootball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony White Was Tony White as GOOD as We Thought? Did the Defense live up to expectations in 2024? We disagree on a lot here, but most of it stems from expectations vs reality. The guys are breaking it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have Elijah Herbel in to RECAP and GRADE the 2024 Offense. We don't agree on much, but we do think 24' stunk and 25' will be better. #nfl #gbr #americanfootball #football #nebraskasports #collegefootball #gbrgarge #nebraskafootball #podcast #huskers #nebraska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola DELIVERED in NYC. Matt and BJ are breaking it down. #huskers #gbr #nebraska #football #americanfootballteam #collegefootballteam #nebraskasports #nebraskacornhuskers #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule and Bill O'Brian are proven program builders, and they get to test the status of those builds in Yankees Stadium post Christmas! It's exciting to see both teams have very little hold out for teh bowl game, and we're breaking down what we expect to be a tight game. #gbr #nfl #americanfootball #football #collegefootball #nebraskasports #podcast #nebraska #bostoncollege  @bceagles   @bostoncollege   @Huskers  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There has been so much activity surround the Nebraska Cornhuskers, this week. It's hard to keep up, but we're trying. We're talking what the portal means today. What we expect to see, and have seen so far. We also take a glance at the 2025 schedule that was just released on Thursday. #nfl #gbr #americanfootball #football #nebraskasports #collegefootball #americanfootballteam #americanfootballteam #podcast #collegefootballteam #nebraska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule is evolving almost as quickly as the College Football landscape, and it's all to the benefit of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The sky is falling.... until it's not. Today, it's not. He's hired ADULTS who are taking control of both sides of the ball, and he's growing into the GM/HC that is needed for today's version of the job. We're giving our takes on the defensive hires, and sprinkling in a little more on the offensive changes over the last month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nebraska Football is in good hands with Matt Rhule. He knows what it takes to right the ship, and he's doing it. Tony White leaving isn't the end of the world. Holgorsen staying may be opening the door to a whole new world. We're breaking it down. #nfl #gbr #americanfootball #nebraskasports #collegefootball #football #americanfootballteam #podcast #huskers #nebraska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule has a lot to figure out this offseason, but we are bowl bound. Iowa wasn't what we expected, but the game went exactly how they would have wanted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmet Johnson and Dylan Raiola are NO DOUBT benefactors of the Dana Holgorsen take-over! As is Nebraska's record and Matt Rhule's tenure. This was a big day. A cathartic day. A day for the state. We were there and we're talking about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule and Dana Holgorsen may be polar opposites, and that may be exactly what we need. Can Nebraska finally shake the bowl drought? Is Wisconsin going to be able to score? Will we crap the bed again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Raiola is healthy, but can he get on track under new OC Dana Holgorsen? USC is rolling out a new QB. No one knows what to expect, and the hype heading into a game between two teams not yet bowl eligible is gaining momentum.  @USCTMB   @USCTrojans1972  #gbr #trojans #huskers #nebraskasports #nebraska #cfb #cbf25 #ncaa #madden #nfl #draft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule and Nebraska Football had an interesting bye week, to say the least. Satterfield is out, and Holgerson is in. Some interesting insights and predictions about if the next three games will look any difference. #gbr #huskers #nebraskasports #nebraska #holgorson #podcast #cfb #cfb25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Matt Rhule are losing the faith of the Husker faithful.... or are they? Should they? We discuss what we think is going on, and where our heads are at as the head ball coach faces some tough decisions headed into a much needed bye week. #huskers #gbr #nebraska #cfb #cfb25 #nfl #draft Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule will have the Nebraska Cornhuskers bowl bound, this season. Will it be this weekend? We're breaking that down. #huskers #gbr #nebraska #football #cfb #cfb25 #bowlbound Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Blackshirts are FOR REAL, but there's NO MORAL VICTORIES... The more talented team won on Saturday, but there is hope for the rest of our season. #gbr #nfl #americanfootball #podcast #collegefootball #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #chiefs #NebraskaFootball #OhioStateFootball #CollegeFootball #RivalryGame #Podcast #SportsAnalysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Raiola must be SUPERMAN if we stand a chance, and the BLACKSHIRTS have to play like Blackshirts. The weaknesses is all on the Nebraska side of the field, this weekend. WHO WILL STEP UP, AND MAKE THIS A GAME? #gbr #nfl #americanfootball #podcast #collegefootball #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #chiefs #NebraskaFootball #OhioStateFootball #CollegeFootball #RivalryGame #Podcast #SportsAnalysis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule is calling the DR. Dylan Raiola is going to have a field day, in what could be the most perfect football weather he's ever played in. The weaknesses of both defenses are perfect for the opposing offense, the question is WHO WILL EXPLOIT THEM BETTER? #gbr #nfl #americanfootball #podcast #collegefootball #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #chiefs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is this a Matt Rhule year 2 or year 3? Are we really going to take a step forward? Well, we're preview the last 6 games on the regular season schedule. Find out what we think! #gbr #americanfootball #nfl #collegefootball #podcast #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #huskers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Raiola is at the top of everyone's MVP list, but who else deserves honors? And, who's surprisingly let us down? All that packed into this bonus bye week episode. #gbr #nfl #huskers #nebraska #ncaa #cfb #cfb25 #nfldraft #football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Rhule and Dylan Raiola are exceeding expectations in year two of the Rhule Era, at Nebraska. It's fun to watch. It's easy to root for, and we are looking back at exactly what went right and what we can work on, from the first half of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Huskers and Dylan Raiola head into the bye 5-1! Visit our partner https://trymintmobile.com/bigredjunkies It wasn't flashy, but it was a one-score B1G win! Matt Rhule has to be pleased with what he's seeing. Visit our partner https://trymintmobile.com/bigredjunkies to get 3 months of premium wireless for $15 a month. $45 upfront payment required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customers on first 3-month plan only. Taxes & fees extra. Speeds slower above 40GB on Unlimited. See https://trymintmobile.com/bigredjunkies for more details. #gbr #americanfootball #nfl #gbrgarge #collegefootball #chiefs #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #huskersfootball #nebraska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony White and Matt Rhule have us back on track, and we're looking to roll thru the Scarlet Knights, back home in Lincoln. It's going to feel like August in October, and we expect a brawl. We break down what we liked about Purdue and what we expect this Saturday. Visit our partner https://trymintmobile.com/bigredjunkies to get 3 months of premium wireless for$15 a month. $45 upfront payment required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customerson first 3-month plan only. Taxes & fees extra. Speeds slower above 40GB onUnlimited. See https://trymintmobile.com/bigredjunkies for more details. #gbr #americanfootball #nfl #gbrgarge #collegefootball #chiefs #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #huskersfootball #nebraska

Refs be damned, the Huskers get it done, in West Lafayette. For those of you concerned Tony White wasn't "him"... he showed he was still that dude. Dylan Raiola continues to impress all of us and Coach Matt Rhule. Dub: 28-10 #gbr #americanfootball #nfl #gbrgarge #collegefootball #podcast #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #football #huskersfootball #nebraska

Matt Rhule and Tony White have spoken strongly of the culture, the "CHIP" and the drive to get back on track. Do they get it done against a down Purdue team, who's given up more than 700 yards on the ground, the last two games? We find out Saturday morning. #gbr #collegefootball #nfl #gbrgarge #americanfootball #chiefs #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #kansascitychiefs #huskersfootball

This one goes on the Defense and special teams... That's about it. #gbr #collegefootball #nfl #gbrgarge #americanfootball #podcast #nebraskasports #nebraskafootball #kansascitychiefs #huskersfootball

Dylan Raiola leads the Huskers into a battle of the UNBEATEN in PRIMETIME, RANKED in Lincoln, NE. It seems the Cornhuskers are on the track to being "back". The husker fanbase needs to get with the times. We are also recapping some of the N. IA game. #gbr #nebraskafootball #nfl #collegefootball #podcast #nebraskasports #americanfootball #huskersfootball #illinois