Matt Rhule“s coaching career reaches a pivotal moment as the Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to face UCLA this weekend. For Nebraska supporters, Saturday night presents a critical opportunity to gauge their team”s resolve. However, for Rhule, this trip to Los Angeles signifies much more than just another game in the Big Ten schedule.
In the early stages of his coaching career, Rhule honed his skills as an assistant coach at UCLA, a program he now faces in Pasadena over two decades later. As he steps onto the field as Nebraska”s head coach, Rhule carries with him the lessons learned during his transformative time on the West Coast.
Reflecting on his past during a media session on Monday, Rhule shared fond memories from his days at UCLA, discussing how those experiences have shaped his coaching philosophy. “I was a GA at UCLA,” Rhule recounted. “It was one of the best times Julie and I had — no kids, no money, we were so poor we couldn”t even afford to get the pilot light turned on in our house.” He reminisced about riding a motor scooter to campus and the bond he formed with his wife during those early days.
Rhule”s time at UCLA was marked by invaluable experiences, including completing his master”s degree and meeting influential figures like John Wooden. “I even got to meet John Wooden and just sit there and talk with him,” Rhule noted, highlighting how these moments contributed to his growth as both a person and a coach.
As Rhule returns to the Rose Bowl, this game represents a full-circle moment in his journey. “For me, going back to UCLA and going back to the Rose Bowl, it”ll be awesome,” he expressed. It is not just a conference matchup; it is a chance for Rhule to showcase the progress he and his team have made.
Nebraska”s roster also features six players from California, adding a personal touch to the game. “We have six guys going back home, which I think is really cool,” Rhule said, emphasizing the importance of recruiting talent from the region. Among those traveling back is freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, who steps into the starting role following Dylan Raiola“s season-ending injury. Lateef”s first collegiate start will unfold just an hour from his hometown of Compton, making this game particularly meaningful for him.
In addition to Lateef, several other players will also experience the thrill of playing in front of their home crowd. Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter, from Salinas, has emerged as Nebraska”s leading pass catcher this season, and he will look to maintain his momentum while performing for loved ones who have supported his journey. Defensively, Ceyair Wright and Andrew Marshall anchor a secondary that has gained recognition in the Big Ten. Wright, a former USC player, is well-acquainted with the Rose Bowl atmosphere, and Marshall has developed into a versatile asset for Nebraska”s defense.
Completing the group of California natives are linebacker Jacob Bower and defensive lineman Sua Lefotu, both eager to showcase their skills in front of local supporters. Each player aims to embody the toughness and unity that has characterized Nebraska”s defensive lineup this season.
For Rhule and his team, this journey to Pasadena transcends nostalgia; it is about demonstrating their development and resilience. The connections to California are a testament to Nebraska”s expanding reach and the culture they are cultivating. As the Huskers take the field, Rhule approaches this pivotal game not as the young assistant he once was, but as the architect of a team that is learning to rise and succeed.
With captain Dylan Raiola sidelined for the remainder of the season, Nebraska will harness that loss into a renewed sense of focus and urgency. The matchup against a talented but struggling UCLA team could serve as a crucial turning point for the Huskers” season. If the stakes of the game aren”t motivating enough, the energy generated by the returning California players will undoubtedly provide the spark needed for Nebraska to perform at their best.
