Pat McAfee Praises Matt Rhule and Nebraska Cornhuskers in WWE Monday Night Raw Appearance, Igniting Hype for 2025 Season
On May 5, 2025, the WWE universe collided with college football excitement during an electrifying episode of Monday Night Raw in Omaha, Nebraska. Among the many surprises that evening, one moment stood out—former NFL punter turned media personality Pat McAfee made a bold and enthusiastic statement regarding Nebraska Cornhuskers football, drawing attention not only from WWE fans but from the college football world as well.
During the show, Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule appeared in the crowd alongside star players Dylan Raiola, the highly touted quarterback recruit, and running back Emmett Johnson. Their presence alone brought a surge of local energy to the arena, but it was McAfee’s comments that truly lit the spark.
In a booming voice and characteristic style, McAfee declared Rhule a “college football icon,” signaling a shift in how Nebraska football is being perceived nationally. “It feels like they’re all the way back,” he said, capturing the optimism and momentum surrounding the program under Rhule’s leadership. His words weren’t just for show—they resonated deeply with a fan base hungry for a return to relevance after years of frustration.
Rhule, who took over as head coach in 2023, has methodically rebuilt the program’s culture and competitive edge. While the 2024 season ended with a 7–6 record, it marked significant progress. Most notably, the Cornhuskers earned a bid to the Pinstripe Bowl, where they claimed their first postseason victory since 2016. That win wasn’t just symbolic—it was a tangible milestone on the path to resurgence.
McAfee’s comments serve as more than just entertainment fodder; they reflect a growing national perception that Nebraska football is on the rise again. His platform, The Pat McAfee Show, and his association with WWE have made him a prominent voice in sports and pop culture. When he speaks, people listen. And his praise of Nebraska carried weight not just in the wrestling ring, but throughout the college football community.
Social media quickly lit up following the broadcast. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with pride, support, and renewed enthusiasm. Many highlighted how far the team had come in just a short time under Rhule. Others focused on the star power of Dylan Raiola, whose commitment to Nebraska was seen as a cornerstone moment in the program’s recruiting success.
The timing of the statement couldn’t be better. As the Cornhuskers gear up for the 2025 season, expectations are higher than they’ve been in years. With Raiola expected to take the reins of the offense and key playmakers like Johnson returning, the pieces are in place for Nebraska to take a major leap forward. Rhule’s coaching pedigree—proven at Temple and Baylor—has fans and analysts alike believing that the Cornhuskers can soon contend in the expanded Big Ten landscape.
McAfee’s endorsement, though informal, added a layer of cultural legitimacy to what insiders have been saying for months: Nebraska football is relevant again. His presence on Monday Night Raw, a platform watched by millions, brought Rhule and his players into the national spotlight in a way that traditional sports coverage rarely does.
For Nebraska fans, the combination of on-field progress, exciting young talent, and national recognition is a refreshing change of pace. While challenges remain, the energy surrounding the program has shifted dramatically.
If the reaction to McAfee’s comments is any indication, the 2025 season could be a turning point. Nebraska isn’t just trying to return to glory—it’s making believers out of fans, media figures, and now even wrestling commentators. As Pat McAfee declared under the bright lights of WWE Raw, the Cornhuskers might indeed be “all the way back.”
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