Matt Rhule Signs Contract Extension with Nebraska, Dashing Penn State Coaching Speculations
Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule secures a two-year extension, sidestepping rumors linked to the Penn State job.
Matt Rhule has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Nebraska that now secures his position with the Cornhuskers through 2032, as reported by sources to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Richard Johnson. Nebraska publicly announced the extension on Thursday with a video titled, “Home.”
Home. pic.twitter.com/dqZLFvgzIK
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 30, 2025
Rhule was anticipated to be a leading candidate for the Penn State head coach position, having played linebacker for the Nittany Lions from 1994-1997. Instead, he joins Indiana’s Curt Cignetti in signing extensions, effectively removing themselves from consideration for the vacancy at State College. His new contract reportedly does not increase his pay but adds two years to his current deal, with a $15 million buyout on his end if he were to leave before the 2026 season.
What Rhule’s extension means for Nebraska
Nebraska has shown a 18-15 overall record since Rhule’s arrival in Lincoln, demonstrating a clear progression with a 6-2 standing this season. They’ve already matched their Big Ten win total from the previous three years with three victories.
Rhule aims to restore Nebraska to its elite standing in college football, yet both he and the program need to prove their capabilities at the highest level. The upcoming game against No. 23 USC presents an opportunity to secure their first win over a ranked opponent under Rhule.
The impact of Rhule’s extension on Penn State
After the firing of James Franklin, Matt Rhule and Curt Cignetti were the top candidates for the Penn State role. With both now locked in with extensions, Penn State faces uncertainty in its coaching search.
Texas A&M Coach Mike Elko emerges as a primary target, but his undefeated squad ranked No. 3 would make it challenging for Penn State to proceed with any offer. Elko, having ties with Pennsylvania from his time as a safety at Penn, would need a strong reason to choose Penn State over Texas A&M’s appeal.
Should Elko not be attainable, other names like Clark Lea from Vanderbilt and Matt Campbell from Iowa State might come into play, adding to the complexity of the search amid a wider coaching carousel.
