Joel Klatt reveals what a successful season would be for Nebraska in 2024

Joel Klatt is extremely high on what Nebraska can be in its second season under Matt Rhule. Despite the fact that the Cornhuskers have not even been to a bowl game since 2016, the FOX Sports analyst believes they could be in contention for a College Football Playoff spot.

He explained his reasoning on a recent episode of The Joel Klatt Show, citing a number of close losses for Nebraska in 2023. Although the Huskers finished 5-7, they were within a touchdown or less in more than 70% of the games they dropped.

He also praised the talent that Nebraska brings back on defense and has high hopes for how true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola can transform the offense.

“When you dive into what Nebraska was a year ago, they were a team that, in some ways similar to Colorado, lost games that they shouldn’t have lost,” Klatt said. “The turnover situation was brutal. They should’ve won eight games last year. That defense is a top 15 defense and they bring everybody back. Tony White did a great job with them.

“I think their quarterback play is going to get much better with Dylan Raiola. I believe he’s gonna be the starter. Even as a true freshman, I think the turnovers are going to go way down from the quarterback position. So because of that, I think that we get to November and they’re playing meaningful games in terms of a playoff scenario.”

Raiola seems like a program-changer after flipping his commitment from Georgia this offseason. He ranks as the No. 21 quarterback and No. 3 player in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He was named the starter for the opening week against UTEP and has Cornhuskers fans excited for what’s in store. Klatt also mentioned that Nebraska has a favorable schedule as outside of Ohio State, it doesn’t really face any of the premier teams in the conference.

“The way their schedule sets up, I believe that in November, Nebraska is playing really consequential games towards a College Football Playoff berth,” Klatt said. “I think they’re that good this year. They could be 7-0 heading into Columbus depending on that game against the Buffs. They could be 8-1 going into their final three games.

“If they’re 8-1 going into their final three in November, then they’re going to go to USC, they’re home against Wisconsin and then they go to Iowa. Guess what? At 8-1, they’re right in the thick of the playoff discussion. So for me, Nebraska’s definition of success is nine wins. Depending on who they beat and when, they are right there in terms of the College Football Playoff discussion.”

That’s a high standard to live up to for a program that hasn’t had much success of late, but it’s clear things could quickly change this season.