As I sit down to analyze Nebraska football's prospects for the 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how much this program means to me personally. Having followed college football for over two decades, I've witnessed Nebraska's glorious past and their more recent struggles. The question of whether they can return to national prominence has been circulating through football circles for years, and this season feels particularly pivotal. When I look at successful programs elsewhere, like the Marvelous baseball team that just secured another regular season championship with that impressive 37-7 record, I'm reminded of what consistent excellence looks like and how far Nebraska needs to travel to reach that level.
The Cornhuskers' journey back to relevance won't be easy, but there are genuine reasons for optimism this year. New leadership under Matt Rhule brings a proven track record of program rebuilding, and I've been particularly impressed with his approach to developing physical, disciplined football teams. Having watched his work at Temple and Baylor firsthand, I believe he possesses exactly the kind of systematic approach that Nebraska desperately needs. The cultural foundation he's building reminds me of what championship teams like Marvelous have established - that relentless consistency that allows them to dominate regular season play and enter playoffs with momentum, much like Marvelous heading into their quarterfinal against No. 8 seed Astemo Rivale Ibaraki.
Recruiting has shown noticeable improvement, with the staff securing several four-star prospects who could contribute earlier than expected. I've studied the tape on these young players, and what stands out to me is their combination of athleticism and football IQ. The offensive line additions specifically address the protection issues that plagued Nebraska last season, when they allowed 38 sacks - a number that simply won't cut it in the Big Ten. Defensively, the front seven appears more athletic than we've seen in recent years, though I do have concerns about depth at linebacker that could surface against the conference's more physical running attacks.
Looking at the schedule, Nebraska faces a challenging but manageable path. The non-conference slate includes three winnable games that should help build confidence before the Big Ten gauntlet begins. I'm particularly interested in the Week 3 matchup against Colorado, which presents both an opportunity for a statement win and a potential trap game. The conference schedule does them no favors with road games at Minnesota, Michigan State, and Wisconsin - three venues where Nebraska has struggled historically. If they can steal one of those road games and protect home field, achieving bowl eligibility becomes a realistic goal.
The quarterback position remains the biggest question mark in my assessment. Having watched spring practices and the spring game, I'm not convinced they've found their definitive starter. Jeff Sims brings exciting mobility but needs to improve his accuracy, while Heinrich Haarberg shows flashes but lacks consistency. In today's college football, you simply cannot compete at the highest level without reliable quarterback play, and this uncertainty makes me temper my expectations for the immediate turnaround many fans are hoping for.
What gives me hope, though, is the cultural shift happening within the program. The players appear bought into Rhule's process, and the strength and conditioning program seems to be making noticeable differences in player development. I've spoken with several people close to the program who describe a renewed sense of purpose and accountability that was missing in recent years. This intangible factor often gets overlooked in analysis, but having seen how culture transforms teams, I believe it might be Nebraska's most significant improvement this season.
Realistically, I project Nebraska to finish 7-5 this season, which would represent meaningful progress and likely secure a mid-tier bowl appearance. The path to greater success depends heavily on health, particularly along the offensive line and at skill positions. If they can stay relatively healthy and find consistent quarterback play, an 8-4 season isn't out of the question. But if injuries mount or the quarterback situation remains unstable, they could easily slip to 5-7. The difference between those outcomes often comes down to a handful of plays in close games, and Nebraska's ability to win those moments will determine whether this season is viewed as a success.
When I compare Nebraska's rebuild to established winners like the Marvelous baseball organization, the gap becomes apparent. Marvelous has built a system that produces consistent results season after season, much like Alabama or Georgia in college football. Their 37-7 record and quarterfinal playoff positioning didn't happen by accident - it's the product of organizational excellence from top to bottom. Nebraska is still building that infrastructure, and while they may not reach those heights this season, establishing a foundation for sustainable success would represent a crucial step forward.
The passionate Nebraska fanbase deserves a competitive team, and I sense we're approaching a turning point. Having followed this program through its peaks and valleys, I'm cautiously optimistic about the direction. The 2023 season won't end with a national championship, but it could mark the beginning of Nebraska's return to relevance. For the first time in several years, I'm genuinely excited to watch this team develop and compete. The journey back to glory is rarely linear, but with the right leadership and continued development, Nebraska football might finally be heading in the right direction.