Rhule, a New York native, played for the Nittany Lions from 1994-97, helping the team to a 41-8 record, a Big Ten title, and three bowl victories. His coaching journey began at Penn State as a volunteer assistant and has since included successful rebuilding stints at Temple and Baylor. At Temple, Rhule turned a two-win program into a conference champion, and at Baylor, he engineered an 11-win season just two years after inheriting a one-win team.
Since taking over at Nebraska in 2023, Rhule has steadily improved the Cornhuskers, guiding them to their first bowl win in eight years with a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl in 2024. Nebraska finished 7-6 in 2024, achieved its highest ranking since 2016, and posted an unbeaten non-conference record for the first time since 2005. Rhule’s teams are known for consistent progress, and he is one of only 12 active FBS coaches to lead three different programs to bowl appearances.
Despite his credentials as a program builder, there is debate whether Rhule is the right fit for Penn State at this moment. The Nittany Lions are not seeking a complete rebuild, but rather a coach who can deliver immediate results and compete for championships. Rhule’s record against top-ranked opponents is a concern—he is just 2-23 against ranked teams and 0-11 against AP Top 10 opponents across his tenures at Temple, Baylor, and Nebraska.
Financially, Rhule is under contract at Nebraska through at least 2025, earning over $8 million annually, and would owe a $5 million buyout if he left before December 31. Nebraska fans and analysts, including Coach Matt Rhule himself, note that Rhule has established strong recruiting, player development, and a culture of improvement in Lincoln.
For Penn State, hiring Rhule would mean investing in a coach with deep program ties and a proven ability to build competitive teams. However, the urgency in State College is to win now, not just to rebuild. As the coaching search intensifies, Rhule’s decision—whether to remain with the Nebraska Cornhuskers or return to his alma mater—will be closely watched across college football.
For more on Matt Rhule’s coaching history and Nebraska’s program trajectory, visit the official Huskers profile and follow updates from Penn State Nittany Lions.