Nebraska
Staff Shakeup: Evan Cooper Out At Nebraska
On Friday evening, Matt Rhule’s operation took a huge hit when Nebraska defensive backs coach Evan Cooper decided to retire for personal reasons. What does this sudden departure mean for the Cornhuskers going forward? And what does his new replacement bring to Lincoln? Let’s take a look.
Developer of Talent
In addition to his duties in the secondary, Cooper was known as the primary talent evaluator for the Cornhuskers. On the defensive side of the football, he used his Florida connections to secure the commitments of linebacker Vincent Shavers, as well as edge rusher Willis McGahee IV. Furthermore, the defensive line made a significant jump under his watch. Highly touted prospects Cameron Lenhardt and Princewill Umanieilen brought explosiveness to Terrance Knighton’s defensive line as a freshman. On the offensive side of the ball, he would have similar success finding talent. He fought off the Miami Hurricanes to bring in freshman wideout Jacory Barney Jr. And during the season, Jaylen Lloyd became a big-play wide receiver. Under Garrett McGuire, transfers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor will have ample opportunities to show off. The offense will most likely not be affected. But his departure could affect the defense. Cooper’s leadership provided stability in the secondary. Without it, defensive coordinator Tony White may see a slump in production with his freshman players.
Stability on Defense
In Cooper’s first season as the defensive backs coach for Nebraska, several players in his position room experienced massive jumps in their play. This was evident when safety Omar Brown and cornerback Tommi Hill proved themselves throughout NU’s season after both had virtually unknown careers with the Big Red. As a JUCO safety in Lincoln, DeShon Singleton knew he could get early playing time. In five games with the Cornhuskers, he finished with 19 tackles and one pass breakup. However, he couldn’t continue through 2023. A knee injury on the opening play against Michigan dashed his chance of NU making a bowl game. In that regard, NU’s linebackers delivered in spades. Safety hybrid Issac Gifford nabbed an honorable All-Big-Ten mention at the end of 2023. And Omaha native John Bullock was a solid contributor after struggling in 2021 and 2022. Can they work together to deliver the Huskers their first winning season since 2016?
Read more about Issac Gifford’s decision to return to the Blackshirts in A Wild Week For The Nebraska Football Program
A New Face In Lincoln
On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the Cornhuskers are set to tab John Butler as their new secondary coach. His arrival in Lincoln will give the Blackshirts’ defense much-needed NFL experience. From 2014 to 2017, Butler served as the secondary coach for the Houston Texans under head coach Bill O’Brien. After he parted ways with the franchise, he joined head coach Sean McDermott and the Buffalo Bills in the 2018 season. During his time with the secondary, safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer became standout players. Also, cornerback Tre’Davious White would earn two Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2020. He had similar success as a college coach. At Minnesota, he would serve as the Gopher’s special teams coordinator and provide additional help with the linebackers. However, he wouldn’t have major success until he arrived in Happy Valley. In his time with the Nittany Lions, he helped coach the team to a 7-5 record. During that time, his defense would have 20 takeaways. Does Butler’s techniques work immediately? Or will an adjustment period have to take place during the season?
Can He Still Recruit?
How will Butler recruit the secondary positions in Lincoln? It’s something that Rhule and the rest of Nebraska’s coaching staff will have to address. The 51-year-old has been out of the college game since the 2013 season. In the decade since Division One football has undergone major change with the addition of the transfer portal and NIL. Can he adapt to this new system by flexing his recruiting muscles nationally? Or will he choose to establish a pipeline in the Philadelphia area? Butler is a Pennsylvania native, and the Huskers have had success in the state. In 2023, Rhule used his connections to bring Rahmir Stewart into the program. Could this happen again with NU’s 2025 recruiting class?
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
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The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
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