Why Nebraska’s Night Game vs. USC Could Change Everything for Matt Rhule’s Huskers

After splitting back-to-back road games, Nebraska now returns home for a crucial two-week stretch that could define its season. Following a matchup against a surging Northwestern team, the Huskers will host the USC Trojans under the lights at Memorial Stadium, a nationally spotlighted game the Big Ten officially announced earlier this week.

With coverage provided by NBC, the 6:30 PM CDT kickoff should give Husker Nation one of the most electric atmospheres in recent memory, perhaps even rivaling last fall’s showdown with Colorado. With that in mind, here’s what the decision means for the Big Red, from on-field implications to recruiting impact, and a quick look at the team Nebraska will welcome to Lincoln just two weeks from now.

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— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 20, 2025

Despite falling out of the AP Top 25 after a decisive loss to a now 5–2 Minnesota squad receiving votes, the Nebraska “N” still carries weight in the college football world. The Big Ten’s decision to give the Huskers a primetime slot proves just that. Now, it’s up to Matt Rhule to have his team ready for its biggest stage of the 2025 campaign.

While Nebraska can’t afford to overlook a more daunting than ever Northwestern team that blanked Purdue last weekend, the matchup against USC is everything the Huskers could’ve asked for, and more. The 6:30 p.m. kickoff gives fans time to be, let’s say, fully hydrated before the lights come on, but it also delivers a massive opportunity on the recruiting trail.

As one of the most nationally visible games of the week, Nebraska will have another chance to shake off its “big game” struggles, this time against a 5–2 USC team coming off a bye week after a double-digit loss to Notre Dame. From the spotlight to the sidelines, the stakes couldn’t be much higher in Lincoln come Nov 1.

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule with recruiting target Bryson Brown | Bryson brown (X)

Not only does this game give Nebraska the chance to string together back-to-back home wins, but it also shapes up to be one of the biggest recruiting weekends of the year. With a 6:30 p.m. kickoff, top prospects from around the country will have extra time to travel and experience Lincoln under the lights, something few programs can match when Memorial Stadium is at full roar.

Several recruiting outlets project that more than 50 high-profile recruits could be in attendance, giving Nebraska a golden opportunity to showcase everything Rhule has been building in his three years at the helm.

Make no mistake, this isn’t just another game. Under the lights, in front of a national audience, Nebraska has the chance to show recruits that the future of Big Ten football runs through Lincoln. And a strong performance here could pay dividends for years to come.

Jayden Maiava passes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The 5-2 (3-1 Big Ten) Trojans are led by star quarterback Jayden Maiava, who currently leads the conference in passing yards at 2,180 on the year. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, known for his explosive offensive schemes, USC is averaging more than 42 points per game through seven contests, making it one of the most dangerous offensive units in all of college football. With over 530 yards of total offense per game, the Trojans will pose a significant challenge for the Blackshirts on defense.

With that in mind, here’s a quick statistical comparison of the two teams as they prepare to collide under the lights in Lincoln just under two weeks from now.

NU vs USC Stat Comparison. | Trevor Tarr

When looking at USC’s offensive numbers, it’s easy to see why the Trojans have averaged north of 42 points per game this season. They hold an advantage over Nebraska in both rushing and passing averages, making them one of, if not the, most balanced offenses the Huskers will face all year. Averaging 530 total yards per game, USC gains nearly 114 more yards per contest than Nebraska to this point in the season, which raises understandable concern for a Blackshirts defense that’s shown flashes but also inconsistency this fall.

Defensively, however, the Trojans are almost as vulnerable on that side of the ball as they are dangerous on offense, a trend common among Lincoln Riley-coached teams. Prior to their matchup with Northwestern, Nebraska has allowed nearly 86 fewer yards per game than USC, giving the Huskers a clear edge in at least one phase. Still, the Trojans have proven capable of bending without breaking; just two weeks ago, they held a Michigan team that dropped 30 points on Nebraska to only 13 in a decisive win.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a second-quarter pass against Michigan on Sept. 20, 2025. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

If the Huskers are able to shore up their offensive line ahead of their biggest game of the year, this one has all the makings of a shootout, and potentially one of the best quarterback duels in the Big Ten this season. With both offenses proving to be the strength of their respective teams, this matchup could come down to which unit makes the final stop, or who has the ball last. While I won’t give gambling advice, let’s just say the over looks awfully tempting.

Ultimately, this game still sits nearly two weeks away, but the implications for Nebraska couldn’t be any clearer. A primetime stage at home, against a national power, with recruits filling the stands, this is exactly the kind of environment Rhule has been building toward since his arrival in Lincoln. Win, and Nebraska reasserts itself as a legitimate Big Ten contender. Lose, and the road to that next step gets even steeper.

Either way, Husker fans will pack Memorial Stadium under the lights, the country will be watching, and Nebraska will have yet another chance to prove that Big Red is finally ready for the moment. For those at home, get your popcorn ready, and for those heading to the game, remember to wear black.

Nebraska Football 2025 Schedule

Aug. 28 Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
Sep. 6 Nebraska 68, Akron 0
Sep. 13 Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7
Sep. 20 Michigan 30, Nebraska 27
Oct. 4 Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27
Oct. 11 Nebraska 34, Maryland 31
Oct. 17 Minnesota 24, Nebraska 6
Oct. 25 vs. Northwestern 11 a.m. FS1
Nov. 1 vs. USC 6:30 p.m. NBC
Nov. 8 at UCLA TBA
Nov. 22 at Penn State TBA
Nov. 28 (Black Friday) vs. Iowa 11 a.m. CBS

Home games are bolded. All times central.

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