Nebraska football records 15 one-score defeats during Matt Rhule's tenure
Nebraska has lost 15 games by one point or less since Matt Rhule became head coach, accounting for the majority of his defeats and highlighting recurring late-game issues.
Nebraska's football program has recorded 15 one-score losses since Matt Rhule took over as head coach, a pattern that represents more than two-thirds of the team's defeats under his leadership. The streak includes losses to ranked opponents such as Michigan, Ohio State, USC, and Indiana, often after the Huskers held leads into the fourth quarter.
The most recent defeat, a 17-10 loss to Washington on September 20, 2025, marked the team's third consecutive loss in which Nebraska led in the final quarter. Analysts note that the Huskers' defense frequently yields significant yardage and touchdowns late in games, while the offense has struggled to sustain drives in the closing periods.
During Rhule's four seasons, the team has turned promising starts—such as a 5-0 record in 2024—into modest final records, finishing 6-6 in the regular season. The pattern of late-game collapses has been highlighted in a ranking that lists each one-score loss, noting key moments such as turnovers, missed field goals, and defensive lapses that contributed to the outcomes.
"Nebraska's defense allowed Oregon to run 37 plays in the fourth quarter, resulting in a go-ahead touchdown with 28 seconds left," a game summary noted.
"In the loss to Indiana, a 39-yard touchdown run gave Nebraska a 17-6 lead, but the Hoosiers responded with an 80-yard drive on the next possession," the report added.
The compilation underscores recurring issues in fourth-quarter execution on both sides of the ball and suggests that addressing these late-game factors will be critical for improving the program's performance.