Nebraska vs. Michigan State: Players to Watch

After a nail-bitnail-biting loss against Michigan in Week 4, Nebraska is coming off a bye week with a 3-1 record and now prepares to host Michigan State, looking to improve to 4-1. After falling short against the Wolverines, the Huskers want to remain in contention for a Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff berth, and to do so they’ll need to take care in the coming weeks, as season-ending matchups against Penn State and Iowa could end up being the most important games of the season.

Defensive coordinator John Butler will be tasked with slowing down a Michigan State offense that is averaging 37 points per game, led by third-year quarterback Aidan Chiles, who has nearly 900 passing yards, over 150 rushing yards, 11 total touchdowns, and a 68% completion rate through four games. Chiles’s four passing touchdowns and rushing touchdown against USC showcased his ability to impact the game through the air and on the ground, forcing Nebraska’s defense to think twice before blitzing or dropping back into coverage.

Dylan Raiola

Quarterback Dylan Raiola is coming off another impressive showing, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns for the second time this season. Raiola ranks in the top 10 nationally in passing touchdowns and completion percentage. His sophomore leap has given third-year head coach Matt Rhule the comfort to rely on him more than before, as his improved decision-making, lack of turnovers, and ability to extend plays have solidified Raiola as one of top young quarterbacks in college football.

Jacory Barney Jr.

Just 156 yards shy of surpassing his freshman year totals, sophomore wideout Jacory Barney Jr. has been sensational, leading the Huskers in receptions and receiving touchdowns. During the loss against Michigan, Barney hauled in six passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his elusiveness and physicality against a top-25 team. If Michigan State wants to stay in the game, containing Barney will play a vital role as he enters the game with two 100-yard performances and three total touchdowns.

Dylan Raiola finds Jacorey Barney Jr. on the Hail Mary before halftime to tie it up. What a wild play. pic.twitter.com/HMWZralbML
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 20, 2025

Emmett Johnson

Nebraska’s touchdown leader, running back Emmett Johnson, remains a focal point in Dana Holgorsen's offense with over 460 scrimmage yards through four games. Johnson has been phenomenal for this revamped Nebraska offense, contributing both as a receiver and runner while extending plays after contact. His versatility has helped elevate Nebraska into one of the nation’s highest-scoring offenses. After finishing with 65 rushing yards against Michigan, Johnson is poised for a bounce-back game against a Spartan defense that has allowed 28 points per game this season.

Defense

On defense, the linebacker duo of Dasan McCullough and Andrew Marshall has set the tone for Nebraska, combining for over 24 total tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections. Nebraska’s secondary has continued to make strides this season establishing themselves as one of the best units in the Big Ten, allowing just 75 passing yards per game. Freshman standouts Rex Guthrie and Donovan Jones have played a big role on defense, but while still unproven, John Butler’s defense will need to neutralize a hot Michigan State offense if Nebraska hopes to improve to a 4-1 record.

The Huskers will look to bounce back against a tough and physical Michigan State team; a win Saturday against the Spartans would give Matt Rhule his second 4-1 start as Nebraska’s head coach. The Huskers will need to take care of business against the Spartans before facing an undefeated Maryland team if they want to crack into the AP top 25.

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