Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is doubling down on his confidence in true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, insisting his team believes the young signal-caller is ready to lead the Huskers against Penn State despite the Nittany Lions’ disappointing 4-6 record.
Speaking on Sports Nightly Wednesday, Rhule dismissed the notion that Penn State’s losing record defines the challenge ahead. “It’s a roster littered with four- and five-star athletes.
A team that went to the national semifinals last year,” Rhule said. “They seem like they’ve figured it out and put it all together.”
Rhule praised Lateef’s poise in his first start against UCLA, noting how the freshman handled the distractions of playing in his hometown. “I think he’s done a great job in practice and I think our whole team senses he’ll be ready to go. He’ll play through the highs and lows of the game and give us a chance to win.”
The coach also highlighted the pride of his offensive line and receivers, while pointing to running back Emmett Johnson’s toughness as a reflection of the team’s physical identity. “It’s the 11th game of the year, and guys are still striking him, thudding him. He’s that tough, he’s that physical,” Rhule said.
Special teams, led by coordinator Mike Ekeler, remain a critical focus, especially against Penn State’s reputation for blocking kicks. Rhule credited Ekeler’s teaching style for developing future contributors on both sides of the ball.
Returning to face his alma mater, Rhule likened the moment to “bringing home the girl you fell in love with to show off to your parents.” Yet sentimentality won’t overshadow his mission. “I care about getting another win. Doing whatever we can to get another win.”
The Huskers, buoyed by Rhule’s unwavering faith in Lateef, now face a Penn State squad that may be battered in the standings but remains dangerous with veteran backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. For Nebraska, the clash is more than just another game — it’s a test of whether a freshman quarterback can truly carry the weight of a program against one of college football’s most talent-rich rosters.