Matt Rhule reveals Nebraska sent in helmet communication equipment amid Big 12 review

The new in helmet communication has come under scrutiny amid the Big 12 requesting teams return their system amid security concerns. Now, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule shared that the Cornhuskers also sent in their in-helmet communication equipment for review.

Rhule added that it’s not unique to Nebraska that they’re sending in their equipment. This comes in the first season that coaches are allowed to communicate to players in their helmets before plays. Preventing sign stealing was, initially, a major reason why these communication techniques were allowed.

“It’s every conference,” Matt Rhule said. “We had to send ours back. We had to have ours upgraded last night.”

Shortly following the news the Big 12 was requesting the security systems be returned, it was also reported that the SEC sent a memo to member schools that they could return equipment for an update, though it was not required.

As for Nebraska, Matt Rhule shared that the Cornhuskers have already gotten their equipment returned to them. With that, everything should be fine moving forward.

“I think ours are done. It’s the first I heard of it yesterday,” Rhule said. “I got a call from a coach saying there’s some sort of issue. I wasn’t involved in it. Susan [Elza] and those guys, Jay [Terry], were involved in getting it upgraded. So, hopefully, everything is secure.”

Notably, Matt Rhule also added that while Nebraska hasn’t noticed any issues, he also doesn’t believe someone would share that information if they were doing something they weren’t supposed to be.

“I would think if someone was listening to what we were saying, they probably wouldn’t tell us,” Rhule laughed. “So, it’s the first I heard of it yesterday. I know teams have known about it. Some teams have known about it. We didn’t. I don’t really know much more other than that. Hopefully, nothing happened, you know, non-integrous.”

In the Big 12’s situation, the conference wanted the equipment so it could be “encrypted” before this weekend’s games. That way, the technological concerns that the conference’s in helmet communications have had can be addressed and there’s some certainty that everything is being handled properly.

Big 12 completes review of helmet communication

Following its review of the in-helmet communication, the Big 12 found that no tech was actually compromised despite the concerns.

“Following the industry-wide concerns surrounding helmet communications, the Big 12 conducted a review of conference games and helmet communications processes to address any issues member institutions raised regarding this matter,” the Big 12 said in a statement.

“The review showed that at no point was any Big 12 competition compromised. All Big 12 helmet communications programs now have the encryption update from GSC, and schools may use either CoachComm or GSC for coach-to-player communication at their discretion.”