Follow along as The Daily Nebraskan’s sports senior staff makes their predictions for every Nebraska football game this fall.

A rolling tally will be kept throughout 2025, with the best record crowned at the end of the season.

Anthony Rubek, senior sports editor: Nebraska 31, Cincinnati 20

Heading into the 2025 season with even more hype than usual, Nebraska should take care of business in front of a rowdy Arrowhead Stadium.

The Husker offense is set to take a giant leap in its first full season under offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. Dylan Raiola has a revolving door full of new and improved weapons, as well as Nebraska’s best offensive line on paper in years.

While the Bearcats feature top-end talent on both sides of the ball, the Huskers have the depth to account for it. The Blackshirt secondary will be tested early, but the group consisting of four single-digit players and highly touted transfer Andrew Marshall should limit the damage.

The atmosphere on Thursday will be even more electric than a game at Memorial Stadium. After a long offseason, the Huskers prove why they are worthy of the lofty expectations and win by two scores.

Ben Beecham, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 27, Cincinnati 14 

Nebraska is much better on paper, but the Bearcats have some undeniable top-end talent.

Jeff Caldwell is making his debut with Cincinnati, a year after being a finalist for the Walter Peyton Award last season, the FCS’s Heisman equivalent. Dontay Corleone is set to be one of the best nose tackles in the country and Joe Royer is one of the top tight ends on a lot of NFL draft boards.

However, Matt Rhule’s year-three squad is top-to-bottom better than the Bearcats.

Holgorsen used to be one of the best offensive-minded head coaches in the country and should bring an elite game script to open up the game. Raiola and his new toys will be successful in their opening showcase.

John Butler has said that they will blitz more this season. The Blackshirts need to crash the pocket to stop Brendan Sorsby from escaping. With Vincent Shavers and Williams Nwaneri wreaking havoc, the defense will produce a lot of pressure.

Cincinnati has the tools to strike first, but the Huskers are built to win. 

Alex Berry, assistant sports editor: Nebraska 27, Cincinnati 17

The highly anticipated game in Kansas City is finally here and both teams are ready to roar. The Nebraska faithful are expected to take over Arrowhead, giving the Huskers a major advantage.

With Raiola entering his second season under Holgersen’s offense, the offense should be able to post a minimum of three touchdowns. With Corleone manning the Cincinnati defensive line, expect the passing game to open up. Holgorsen will utilize Johnson with checkdown and screen passes. 

The special teams unit looks the best it’s been for a long time. Rhule will have more trust in his sophomore kicker Kyle Cunanon to get points on the board, resulting in multiple field goals made. A big momentum shift will come when freshman punter Archie Wilson booms a punt inside the five-yard line.

Brenden Sorsby may break out some big runs with his dual-threat ability, but not enough to get in the endzone more than Nebraska.

The sea of red in Arrowhead will propel the Huskers to a week one win, limiting the Bearcats to under 400 yards of total offense.

Bobby Schneider, senior sports reporter: Nebraska 38, Cincinnati 24

It’s time to see if the year-three jump under head coach Matt Rhule has legitimacy. Cincinnati presents significant challenges with Sorsby under center and Corleone on the D-line, yet Nebraska has more overall depth. 

The Blackshirts likely flaunt their high-end athleticism with multiple Jack linebackers causing havoc. It might be a shootout with Sorsby’s dual-threat ability, but the Huskers force a momentum-shifting turnover. 

With a full offseason of installation, offensive coordinator Holgorsen brings an electric spark that’s been lacking in Lincoln. Quarterback Dylan Raiola enchants the Husker fanbase, showcasing his offseason leap. Wideouts Dane Key and Jacory Barney Jr. put up 50-plus receiving yards apiece. 

Nebraska’s offensive line will wear down on the Bearcats in the second half and take care of business 38-24. 

sports@dailynebraskan.com