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Pick Six Podcast: Will Nebraska volleyball win a championship? Plus Nebraska and the transfer portal

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Pick Six Podcast: Will Nebraska volleyball win a championship? Plus Nebraska and the transfer portal


In the latest episode of the Pick Six Podcast, Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Tom Shatel talk Nebraska volleyball’s chances to win the national title, plus they take a look at the Huskers and the transfer portal and the Pinstripe Bowl.

Part 1: Nebraska volleyball in Final Four

The crew opens with Nebraska volleyball headed into the Final Four as the Huskers’ quest for a national championship continues.


The crew opens with Nebraska volleyball headed into the Final Four as the Huskers’ quest for a national championship continues.

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They talk how this team rises to the moment, especially in its Elite Eight win over Wisconsin, and are they a top 10 Husker volleyball team?

The three discuss the incredible sound effect done by the ABC broadcast during the Elite Eight match.

They talk the Penn State matchup and how that may be more difficult for the Huskers than any other matchup in the Final Four. 

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The crew talks the impact of Lexi Rodriguez, who was named a first-team All-American.

Part 2: Transfer portal’s impact on college football

The crew talks the impact — or rather, chaos — of the transfer portal and how it is affecting college football and Nebraska specifically.

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The crew talks the impact — or rather, chaos — of the transfer portal and how it is affecting college football.

They also break down the specific impact it is having on Nebraska’s program. 

The three also discuss potential fixes for the chaos.

Part 3: Nebraska in the Pinstripe Bowl

The crew talks Nebraska vs. Cincinnati in the Pinstripe Bowl and how Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher saying they will play ever single down.

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They talk Nebraska vs. Cincinnati in the Pinstripe Bowl and how Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher saying they will play ever single down.

They close out with their picks for the bowls games.

Just want to listen?

Listen to the full episode below:

Don’t want to miss an episode? Get the podcast on Apple Music, or check it out on Spotify. Also, find Sam, Tom and Evan on Twitter, plus leave us a comment on The World-Herald Facebook page.

Omaha Westside’s Christian Jones ranks among some of the best defensive recruits to come out of the state of Nebraska in recent years.

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Signee spotlight: Nebraska flipped Dawson Merritt, a priority Kansas City prospect, late

Kansas City outside linebacker Dawson Merritt is a major recruiting win for Nebraska that should pay off for years.

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Signee spotlight: Caden VerMaas projects as a good fit for Nebraska safety room

While he’d make a good slot receiver at Nebraska, Caden VerMaas seems to be a good fit for a safety who can fit in the run game and play over the top against Big Ten receivers.

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Signee spotlight: Cortez Mills' Signing Day flip gives Nebraska a 4-star wide receiver

One of the best receivers in Florida — which means he’s one of the best in the nation — Cortez Mills flipped from Oklahoma to Nebraska on Signing Day.

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Signee spotlight: After winding recruitment, Julian Marks lands at Nebraska

Versatile, explosive big men like Julian Marks are limited and valuable college football commodities. Now he’s headed to Nebraska.

Signee spotlight: Conor Booth, with over 100 high school TDs, brings explosive game to Nebraska

Wahoo Neumann’s Conor Booth is elusive, powerful and explosive with 100-plus touchdowns to his name in three varsity seasons. Now he’s bringing that talent to Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: With Pierce Mooberry, Nebraska adds arguably the state's best two-way player

The Huskers add arguably the state of Nebraska’s best two-way player Millard North’s Pierce Mooberry.

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Signee spotlight: A ferocious trench enforcer, Tyson Terry was key recruiting win for Nebraska

Omaha North’s Tyson Terry was a notable recruiting win for coach Matt Rhule when the big in-state target was looking elsewhere under the previous Nebraska regime.

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Signee spotlight: Isaiah Mozee is the son of a coach — now a Nebraska assistant — in the best ways

Plenty of receivers have flamed out at Nebraska but Isaiah Mozee, the son of a current Husker assistant, has the pedigree, ability and support to be an exception over multiple college seasons.

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Signee spotlight: Jamarion Parker adds new element to Nebraska's running back room

Nebraska signee Jamarion Parker is a home run hitter as a running back, a smooth, instinctive glider who reaches clear air and shoots to the end zone.

Signee spotlight: Shawn Hammerbeck is one of the Midwest’s best offensive line prospects

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: The top-ranked recruit in North Dakota, Kade Pietrzak heads to Nebraska

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Nebraska lands Malcolm Simpson, an athletic, high-upside defensive line prospect

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Jackson Carpenter stays home as a high-upside wide receiver for Nebraska

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Nebraska football sees Tanner Terch's potential as a playmaking defensive back

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

Signee spotlight: From New Zealand to Nebraska, offensive lineman Brian Tapu brings potential

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Quarterback TJ Lateef arrives at Nebraska ready to compete

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Bryson Webber is a standout cornerback prospect for Nebraska football

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Houston Kaahaaina-Torres heads to Nebraska to play for Donovan Raiola

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.

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Signee spotlight: Jeremiah Jones is a standout prospect for Nebraska football

The “Signee Spotlight” provides all the information you need on the Huskers’ 2025 class, including rankings, evaluations and a look at how they landed at Nebraska.



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Nebraska

Nebraska Governor wraps up trade mission to Israel

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Nebraska Governor wraps up trade mission to Israel


LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Gov. Jim Pillen concluded a four-day trade and solidarity mission to Israel on Thursday.

The state’s delegation promoted Nebraska’s beef exports to Israel, encouraged Nebraska-built defense technologies, initiated strategic partnerships between Nebraska and Israeli institutions and spoke with a number of companies already doing business in Nebraska.

During the mission, Gov. Pillen spoke with senior members of the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. The governor’s team also met with Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

In recent years, the Nebraska’s trade with Israel has increased. From 2010 to 2019, the value of Nebraska’s exports to Israel averaged $31 million per year. Since 2020, the state’s annual exports to Israel have averaged $51 million, reaching $54 million in 2024.

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“The existing trade relationship between Nebraska and Israel is tremendous, but it was also enormously impactful to bear witness to the alliance between our two countries and the gratitude the people of Israel have for America’s support for their frontline fight against violent Islamist extremism,” said Gov. Pillen. “America and Israel are in the same fight, and I was honored to see the fruits of our friendship.”

According to the governor’s office, Nebraska supplies more than 99% of U.S. beef exports to Israel that Israel imports. Fischel Ziegelheim, owner of WR Reserve Protein Group in Hastings, was a member of the state’s trade delegation. WR Reserve is a leading processor of Angus beef, and its plant in Hastings is one of the only U.S. facilities authorized to export kosher beef to Israel.

“When we met with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, he was impressed about Nebraska being the number one cattle producer in the United States,” said Gov. Pillen. “We’re excited that the WR Reserve plant is doubling in size and getting commitments from producers to meet kosher standards. It’s been great to have the Ziegelheims with us for the whole trip to make sure more Nebraska beef comes to Israel.”

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USC Trojans’ Three Keys To Victory For Bounce-Back Win Over Nebraska 

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USC Trojans’ Three Keys To Victory For Bounce-Back Win Over Nebraska 


The No. 23 USC Trojans are through with both bye weeks, and enter their five-game stretch starting with a road contest at Nebraska in week 10. 

The last time USC was on the gridiron they suffered their second loss over No. 12 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Now, back in the Big Ten competition, USC has a chance to cement themselves as Big Ten title and College Football Playoff contenders over the next five matchups. 

Entering a high stakes matchup, with both USC and Nebraska as two-loss teams, the need to pull out a win is crucial. If USC can stay consistent on both sides of the ball, effectively stop the run and score early, the Trojans can pull off another road, and conference, win. 

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Nebraska Cornhuskers Matt Rhule Jayden Maiava Quarterback Emmett Johnson Dylan Raiola Blackout CFP

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) drops back to throw the ball in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

USC has benefitted from efficient play on both sides of the ball, but against the Fighting Irish, USC lacked a balance. 

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When looking at the Trojans season so far, who lead the nation in offensive yards per game with 530, they have been nothing short of impressive on offense. Especially against a physical defense like the Cornhuskers, executing a well-balanced and efficient attack will be key to USC’s push to earn a road win. 

As for the defense, the Trojans have proved they can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback to breakdown offensive production. Most notably against the Michigan Wolverines, when USC upset the Wolverines 31-13 in Los Angeles. 

The Trojans defense held the Wolverines to just 109 rushing yards, their lowest of the season, and 20 passing yards from Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to 207. 

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Nebraska Cornhuskers Matt Rhule Jayden Maiava Quarterback Emmett Johnson Dylan Raiola Blackout CFP

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Braylan Shelby (10) celebrates with defensive end Kameryn Crawford (1) after bringing down Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Since quarterback Jayden Maiava has taken the reins as USC’s starting quarterback, the leadership and talent, surrounded by wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, has helped coach Lincoln Riley’s offense flourish.

Riley commented on what Maiava brings to the Trojans program, highlighting what he does every time he steps onto the field. 

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“Every time the guy’s touched the field for us as a USC Trojan we’ve had a chance to win the game. He always gives us a chance to win. That’s one of the things I really love about him as a player. And again, he’s just continuing to improve as time goes on,” Riley said on Trojans Live.

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Nebraska Cornhuskers Matt Rhule Jayden Maiava Quarterback Emmett Johnson Dylan Raiola Blackout CFP

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Jahkeem Stewart (4) reacts after a defensive play against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Trojans were weak in one area in their week 8 loss — stopping the run. Now heading into another road contest, USC faces another talented running back in Nebraska tailback Emmett Johnson. 

Johnson, the junior running back from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been one of the Cornhuskers’ secret weapons on offense. Through eight games, Johnson has rushed for 837 yards on 146 carries and nine touchdowns. 

MORE: This USC X-Factor Could Change Everything Against Nebraska

MORE: Weather Concerns Mount For USC Trojans at Nebraska

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MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting Next Potential Travis Hunter In Elite Five-Star Prospect

Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn spoke to the media following Wednesday’s practice, and when asked about what stands out about Johnson, his answer delivered what USC needs to focus on come game time. 

“Tackling in space is going to be huge this week. Even if it’s a six-yard gain, he’s breaking four or five tackles. It seems like (he) will hold on to the ball a little bit longer,” Lynn said after Wednesday’s practice.

With another chance to stop the run, the Trojans defense will be a huge factor into a competitive performance. 

USC Trojans Lincoln Riley Nebraska Cornhuskers Matt Rhule Jayden Maiava Quarterback Emmett Johnson Dylan Raiola Blackout CFP

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8) celebrates after scoring against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images / Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

For USC’s loaded offensive unit paired with a strong and physical Nebraska defense, the need to score when USC has the ball will be vital to taking off early. 

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The week 10 matchup holds a lot of notable elements that gets the Cornhuskers excited to host a ranked opponent – coach Matt Rhule’s contract extension, blackout uniform and an all black stadium design. 

What Nebraska does hold is a wild record against ranked opponents, with the Cornhuskers on a 28-game losing streak against top 25 teams, with their last ranked win coming from 2016 over No. 22 Oregon. USC coming into town gives Nebraska another chance to change that narrative. 

The Nebraska defense has been exceptional through eight games, especially when stopping the run against their opponents. The Cornhuskers rank second in the Big Ten with rushing yards allowed with 127, right behind the No. 6 Oregon Ducks who average 124. 

If Maiava and the USC offense can run a strong attack from their pass and run games, they can wear down the Nebraska defense early and take advantage of an early run. 



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With Report of Rhule Signing Contract Extension, Nebraska Does the Right Thing

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With Report of Rhule Signing Contract Extension, Nebraska Does the Right Thing


Nebraska had to make a move and give head coach Matt Rhule a new contract or risk losing more than their coach.

Rhule reportedly signed a three-year contract extension that will keep the coach in Lincoln beyond 2030. An official announcement is expected Thursday.

If the Huskers wanted Rhule to run the program, this is what they had to do. The Huskers are getting more than the ol’ ball coach. They have essentially made the right move to keep their roster intact. Because if Rhule went to Penn State, no one knows what would have happened to the Huskers’ roster.

Or star sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola.

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Or his brother Dayton, a 2026 Nebraska commit.

Rhule was a natural fit for Penn State. He is an alum and former walk-on linebacker. No wonder he was rumored to be the top candidate to replace James Franklin, who was fired Oct. 12.

Nebraska had to take this scenario to heart: No Rhule, no star sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola. That could have happened. And, then what? In the new world of college football, players change programs all the time.

Like it or not, in the modern world of big-time college football, this is the price of doing business. And the price has increased over the years and it has nothing to do with inflation.

Now, the price contains quite a few zeros in the paycheck.

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Nebraska did right by Rhule but it also did right by its program. With the lack of clarity from Rhule, and the lack of public comment from NU on the Penn State head-coaching opening, the speculation machine kept churning. But, as expected, plenty was going on behind the scenes.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule talks with defensive back Ceyair Wright.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule talks with defensive back Ceyair Wright. / Kenny Larabee, KLIN

We were less than three weeks into the Penn State job search, which was early in the process with the season still in progress. But it felt like an eternity. And with each passing day, it felt noticeably longer.

What Rhule didn’t say these past few weeks spoke volumes. He didn’t come out and shriek: No, I’m not a candidate at Penn State! I want to remain at Nebraska, 100 percent! He did say on  “The Pat McAfee Show” that Nebraska isn’t a “jumping-off job.”

Ultimately, Nebraska couldn’t afford to lose Dylan Raiola and his brother, and it couldn’t afford to lose the many quality players on the roster.

Nebraska has a wealth of enviable talent on the roster — along both lines, the receiving corps, the players that comprise the No. 2-ranked pass defense in the nation, special-teams players. And the talented linebackers. With so much player movement already in the sport, other teams likely were working on a wish list of Huskers.

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That’s what Nebraska paid for by giving Rhule a new contract. That’s the price of doing business.

Five-star Dylan Raiola had a complicated recruitment. He first committed to Ohio State in May, 2022, changed his mind and committed to Georgia, his home-state school, in May, 2023. In December, 2023, Raiola signed with Nebraska. Dylan has started every Huskers’ game since he’s been in Lincoln.

The Rhule-to-Penn-State scenario set up like a table full of dominoes.

If Rhule wound up at Penn State, no one knows who would have followed him. Some of the current players? The Raiolas? Even though their father is a former Huskers All-America center? And their uncle is the current offensive line coach at Nebraska?

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has led the Huskers to a 6-2 season.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has led the Huskers to a 6-2 season. / Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

What about the recruits?

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Current recruits really would have been up in the air had Rhule left. Rhule was the head coach when they were recruited. Opponents would have tried to exploit the Huskers’ coaching situation.

Reportedly, teams already are trying to poach LSU players and recruits after the recent Brian Kelly firing. All schools with coaching turnover face the same dilemma.

Dylan Raiola has established himself as a franchise quarterback — still with room to improve and grow — with at least one more full season to play at Nebraska and maybe two more. With Dylan running the show, the Huskers are 6-2, with an enormous game Saturday against 23rd-ranked USC.

What would have happened to Donovan Raiola, Dylan and Dayton’s uncle, who is in his fourth season in Lincoln? Would Rhule brought along Donovan Raiola and all or some of his Nebraska coaching staff to Penn State?

This potentially would have been a messy situation for the Dylan to navigate. Follow Rhule to Penn State? Especially if his uncle went, too? Would Dylan remain at Nebraska if his uncle stayed at Nebraska? Would a new Nebraska coach  have retained his uncle? What would that have meant to Dayton Raiola’s commitment and recruitment?

These were more than casual questions on a rainy day, or more than fodder for sports-talk radio. You better believe these were questions that were kicked around the Nebraska athletics offices.

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When Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was mentioned as a possible Franklin successor, the Hoosiers took less than a week to lock him up with an eight-year, $11.6 million deal.

The new deal brought clarity to Cignetti and his family, the Hoosiers’ players, recruits and fans. In Cignetti’s two years at Indiana, the Hoosiers have become a powerhouse. IU stepped up and paid handsomely for that glory.

So, the Huskers stepped up, too. It was the right move and if they wanted to retain Rhule, their only move. Nebraska couldn’t continue the uncertainty with the current roster or the recruits.

With Rhule in the fold, the Huskers remain intact. He has established his program in Lincoln.

The Penn State scenario was too costly for Nebraska to consider.

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Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.





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