Amie Just: Expect Matt Rhule to be a hit as scandal looms over Big Ten media days

There’s a common mood for coaches in their opening statements at conference media days.
Well, coaches who give opening statements.
They're all excited to see everyone. They're all happy to be there.
Excited to be here today. What a blessing it is to be here representing (insert university here.)
Great to see everyone. Hope you’ve had a wonderful summer.
Wow. Here we go. … Couldn’t be more excited. …. It’s great to be back in Lucas Oil.
Those examples were not made up. The first two come from Florida’s Billy Napier and Alabama’s Nick Saban from SEC media days this past week.
The third? Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald from last year.
I can guarantee whoever represents Northwestern, if there is anyone, at Big Ten media days this year will not be excited to be there. I’m presuming they’d rather get a molar extracted without local anesthetic.
The situation at Northwestern will dominate the event, regardless of how hard the conference tries to shift attention elsewhere — like to new Commissioner Tony Petitti or the three new coaches in the Big Ten West in Matt Rhule, Luke Fickell and Ryan Walters.
NU football practice, 4.11
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule answers questions during a news conference on April 11 at the Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
A quick refresher: Fitzgerald was fired on July 10 — three days after Northwestern initially placed him on an unpaid suspension for two weeks during the July dead period. His suspension and subsequent firing came after Northwestern concluded its investigation into allegations of hazing within the football program.
Since Fitzgerald’s firing, more allegations have surfaced — not just within the football program, but within the baseball program and now into the softball and volleyball programs. Multiple lawsuits have been filed.
Fitzgerald, through legal representation, has maintained that he did not know about the hazing. He has not denied the hazing occurred.
As it stands, Northwestern’s interim head coach David Braun is set to take the podium at 10:45 a.m. with players Bryce Gallagher Jr., Rod Heard II and Bryce Kirtz expected to speak at 2:15 p.m.
It wouldn’t surprise me if their appearances are pulled — especially with the legal imbroglio that Northwestern now finds itself in. Or, Braun could very well filibuster through his 15-minute podium appearance that airs on the Big Ten Network. But that only solves one media appearance. There’s also the 45-minute side table session.
Even if representatives from Northwestern decline to speak, that won’t vacate the enormous purple elephant from the room.
Petitti, who took over for former Commissioner Kevin Warren in May, will likely field several questions about the situation at Northwestern — as will the rest of the league’s coaches.
Other topics likely to be broached:
The new coaches
There are three new coaches in the Big Ten this year, all in the West. Rhule and Fickell were both hailed as home-run hires for Nebraska and Wisconsin, respectively, while Walters at Purdue raised a few eyebrows.
More on Rhule
I expect Rhule will do several things.
Give a lengthy opening statement.
That’s not a knock on Scott Frost (OK, maybe it is), but this is just in Rhule’s nature. He gives long opening statements. His opening statement at his introductory news conference was nearly 15 minutes. His opening statement for his first Big 12 media days as Baylor’s head coach was 500-odd words.
In his statement, he’ll likely bring up his Penn State background, too. And he won’t make any sweeping, bold declarations.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to me if Rhule becomes one of the new media darlings of the Big Ten. He’ll set a tone with his opening news conference and will be received well by both the national media and the other coaches in attendance.
Doing away with divisions
Farewell, East and West divisions. This will be the last year of divisions before they go to the wayside — just like the Legends and Leaders. I expect this to be a bigger conversation in 2024 when they are gone for good, but this will take up some chatter this year, too.
Further expansion
The Big Ten isn’t done expanding. We know this. We just aren’t sure precisely which teams will be eventually brought into the fold and when.
Will the Big Ten continue to raid the Pac-12? Will Notre Dame finally join in?
Gambling
The NCAA’s investigation into sports betting at Iowa and other non-Big Ten schools had been moved to the back burner in the minds of many lately.
However, it’s back front and center now.
Iowa defensive lineman Noah Shannon was going to take part in next week’s event, but he announced this week that he will not take part in media days because he is one of the players involved in the sports betting investigation.
Expect coach Kirk Ferentz to be asked several questions about this.
TV contract
There are still hangups with the Big Ten’s new TV contract — namely NBC. ESPN reported months ago that “these deals aren’t done,” even though the Big Ten announced it as such.
There are many questions still lingering.
Will the Big Ten force schools like Michigan, Penn State and Ohio State to play night games in November? What about making promises the league couldn’t deliver on, like giving the Big Ten title game to NBC in 2026 before realizing they couldn’t actually do that?
Will more news come out at media days? We’ll see.
NIL
A bill with bipartisan sponsorship aiming to regulate name, image and likeness and other aspects of college sports was unveiled on Thursday by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.)
NIL has been a hot-button issue since being introduced a few years ago, but this latest proposed legislation will likely receive some attention in Indy next week.
Meet Nebraska football's 2024 recruiting class
CARTER NELSON
🌟🌟🌟🌟
High school: Ainsworth.
The specs: Tight end, 6-4, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: Nelson's talent is undeniable. His ability to catch, run for and even throw touchdowns all while playing defense is an incredible representation of Nelson's all-around athleticism. As a talented track and field athlete with strong measurables, Nelson's explosiveness has been trained by several years of high jumping. He's also quick and elusive in the open field, and has the steady hands that are expected out of a tight end.
PRESTON TAUMUA
— 247Sports (@247Sports) July 17, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Waipahu, Hawaii.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-4, 315 pounds.
Takeaway: Husker fans remember fondly Nebraska’s ability to recruit the state in the 1990s. Donovan Raiola’s brother, Dominic, was the best of those Hawaiian recruits, although Toniu Fonoti was close. If Taumua, who played most of his prep career at Aiea High School, is anywhere near that good, Nebraska will be pleased. At Aiea, he played in a spread offense with plenty of pass sets. He can move his feet laterally, drive blockers away from run holes and move with agility in space. He looks a little like current Husker Henry Lutovsky only more polished; he could easily play center or guard, but might get a look, too, at tackle.
MARIO BUFORD
Go Big Red🌽🌽 pic.twitter.com/U30muqh2xC
— Mario Buford (@riogocrazy) June 9, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: DeSoto, Texas.
The specs: Cornerback, 5-11, 165 pounds.
Takeaway: The majority of Buford’s Hudl highlight film shows him as an off-the-ball corner, playing ten yards back and accelerating toward a receiver when the ball is thrown. Buford makes the transition from backpedal to pursuit quite well, and, as his 12 pass breakups suggest, has a nice habit of dislodging the ball when he arrives. He’s got the aggression to play press corner, too, but his skillset reminds of the Bootle brothers, Dicaprio and Dwight.
ROGER GRADNEY
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Garwood, Texas.
The specs: Athlete, 6-1, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: Gradney was NU's first commit in the 2024 class and describes himself as a "utility" player who loves special teams and plays both receiver and defensive back. He's expected to start his Husker career at corner or safety.
DAE'VONN HALL
Bleeding red for life🎈 @HuskerFBNation pic.twitter.com/rFOlA7KWeb
— Dae’vonn Hall (@DaevonnHall) June 23, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-1, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Hall is smooth route runner who can blow by opposing corners and draw attention from safeties. He’s not quite former Bellevue West receiver Zavier Betts — who may be the most talented prep receiver to come out of Nebraska in decades — but he compares favorably to every receiver NU signed in the 2023 class. He’s as skilled as any of them, and perhaps the most polished.
JACORY BARNEY
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Miami.
The specs: Athlete, 6-0, 160 pounds.
Takeaway: While Barney isn’t the top-rated prospect in the class – that’s Ainsworth tight end Carter Nelson – offers to Miami and Texas A&M usually win out over what a Midwestern Big Ten school provides. This is not a guarantee of Barney’s success – NU’s Miami-area haul in 2020 didn’t pan out – but it underlines Rhule’s ability to get Nebraska in a recruiting battle and beat teams that have geographical advantages to landing the prospect. Much like Willis McGahee IV, Barney’s commit is a head-turner to other talent in the Miami area and additional proof that receivers coach Garret McGuire can land blue-chip players. In terms of his wideout abilities, he’s good in traffic, and that translates to what he does after the catch, too. Barney is a slippery receiver out of the slot, and fits nicely into Nebraska’s plans.
DANIEL KAELIN
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Quarterback, 6-2, 200 pounds.
Takeaway: Kaelin has been working on his quarterback skills for a long time – and it shows. He threw 36 touchdowns for a reason. Kaelin has terrific footwork for a prep quarterback, firing as he hits his back foot. He's good in a dropback, or a half-rollout, or in stepping into pressure and up in the pocket. He drives balls up the seam and consistently hits on deep corner routes. He can step to his left and create room to throw deep back to the right. Kaelin in general knows how to put space between himself and a pass rusher in a way that reduces the violence of the hit. He will arrive as Nebraska's most complete high school passer in some time.
WILLIS MCGAHEE IV
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
The specs: Linebacker, 6-1, 225 pounds.
Takeaway: A pass rusher moving back one level of the defense: McGahee, the son of the former Hurricanes and NFL running back, spent a good chunk of his time at Miami Palmetto High School as a smaller edge rusher taking on larger tackles in Florida Class 6A. At Columbus High School, he'll move to linebacker, where the job will involve shedding blocks and find ballcarriers. McGahee plays with an impressive aggression and should help NU in its 3-3-5 defense. Like current Husker Cam Lenhardt, it remains to be seen if he fits more at the first level of the defense or the second one.
ISAIAH MCMORRIS
Stayin Home! #GBR pic.twitter.com/Hi3n1y99Tq
— Isaiah McMorris (@IsaiahMcMorris3) June 23, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Bellevue West.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-0, 170 pounds.
Takeaway: McMorris' path to NU was a slow burn, spending his first two years of high school at Millard North. After leaving a run-heavy offense where his skillset was under-utilized, McMorris fit Bellevue West's spread style like a glove. The proof of that was his incredible 97-catch, 1,300-yard season that resulted in Power Five offers from around the country. McMorris is a slot wide receiver who excels at out-maneuvering defenders on screens and other quick passes. He shifts his body weight extremely well on the fly, resulting in a speed that's difficult to match.
KEWAN LACY
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Lancaster, Texas.
The specs: Running back, 6-0, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: You might have heard this one before — Nebraska got a commit that also runs track and field, with top marks in sprinting events. Track and field times have repeatedly led Matt Rhule and his NU coaching staff to future commits, and Lacy is no exception. A sub-10.8-second 100-meter dash time represented Lacy's top speed during his spring track season, and it's not all the three-star recruit brings to the table. He's also a tough runner between the tackles and has strong legs that are difficult to bring down. Just don't let Lacy hit the open field, though — because there's no catching up to him once he's gone.
IAN FLYNT
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Katy, Texas.
The specs: Tight end, 6-4, 245 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska OC Marcus Satterfield loves tight ends for their versatility and the matchup problems they pose for defenses. He sees roles for bigger, thicker guys who can play in-line tight end, shorter guys who can serve as fullback and taller, leaner guys who can work in the slot. Consider Flynt in that first category. He caught 10 passes last season and flashed the ability to block almost like a tackle would, mauling smaller linebackers. Flynt, like current NU tight end Chase Androff and former tight end Travis Vokolek, is a better athlete than stats would suggest. There’s a reason he had offers from teams as diverse as Washington State, Purdue and Kansas.
CARLON JONES
I will be taking my talents to Nebraska!! Go Big Red! @Coach_Knighton @Omeezi_ @CoachMattRhule lets change the narrative #GBR turn me up!! pic.twitter.com/Duifntqkst
— carlonjones6⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@carlonjones11) June 29, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Bay City, Texas.
The specs: Defensive lineman, 6-3, 270 pounds.
Takeaway: Jones appears to be an ideal prospect for Nebraska’s defensive system. The 6-foot-3 player has the size and strength to play on the interior of the line — and he also has the agility to slide over to the outside without missing a beat. Jones may not be a dominant pass rusher, but he possesses many skills that coaches look for in interior defensive linemen. He closes space in interior gaps well, fights through blocks and reads plays well, all traits that will help in stuffing runs and keeping gap integrity.
GIBSON PYLE
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Houston, Texas.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-4½, 285 pounds.
Takeaway: At Klein Cain, he plays tackle, but he likely projects to an interior line spot. His excellent junior tape shows a lineman with good upper body strength to turn and bury defenders, decent mobility on pulling plays and a nastiness that plays up to — and just past — the whistle. On film, he doesn’t appear to carry much bad weight, either. He may stay a sturdy three-star prospect, but Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola likely loves what he got.
EVAN TAYLOR
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C.
The specs: Athlete, 6-3, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Also a talented wide receiver for his high school team, the door may be open for a future position change if needed. Nebraska coaches moved several players to new positions during spring camp, while other recruits such as Mason Goldman and Jason Maciejczak arrived on campus with a dual offensive/defensive line distinction. That won't be the case for Taylor, who is expected to fit into the secondary. But with speed and experience at wideout, who knows what the future will hold for him.
KEELAN SMITH
— Keelan Smith (@KeelanSmith2024) May 5, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Liberty, Mo.
The specs: Tight end, 6-3, 205 pounds.
Takeaway: This is no common Smith family. Keelan Smith's father, Neil Smith, is a former Husker who put together a 13-year NFL career that included over 100 sacks. That familial relationship may have gotten Keelan Smith on Nebraska’s radar — but his athleticism is what secured Smith’s spot in Nebraska’s 2024 class. Smith’s high school offense at Liberty North showcased his talents in a way few high schools can. The mostly spread-style offense led to the big, dynamic pass-catching target getting his fair share of opportunities. Playing as more of a wide receiver than a tight end, Smith hauled in 50 catches for 850 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior — routinely torching opposing coverage.
ASHTON MURPHY
— Ashton Murphy (@AshtonMurphy24) April 12, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Elkhorn South.
The specs: Offensive tackle/defensive lineman, 6-5, 240 pounds.
Takeaway: If Nebraska cleaned up with in-state offensive linemen last year, Murphy, recruited by NU defensive line coach Terrance Knighton, will play on the other side of the ball. It's more evidence that Nebraska's new coaching staff believes, strongly, that it can recruit local guys to play on the line of scrimmage. History tells us that's true on offense and relatively true on defense. Evidence includes the recent career of Garrett Nelson and Colton Feist, or even a guy like Ross Dzuris, who was NU's best pass rusher in 2016.
BRAYLEN PRUDE
Braylen Prude
Prude
Committed.#GBR
— Braylen Prude + (@BraylenPrude7) June 18, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Pearland, Texas.
The specs: Linebacker, 6-4, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: NU coach Matt Rhule believes in development and in recruiting Texas, and Prude’s commit combines the two ideas. Prude has a great frame for safety, linebacker or rover, and he’s clearly an under-the-radar prospect who showed up as a Houston Christian University satellite camp, impressed Husker defensive backs coach Evan Cooper, got an offer, took a visit, and is now in the class. He has only a handful of stats and highlights from his previous school, Missouri City (Texas) Fort Bend Hightower, so Nebraska’s comfortable making a projection.
LANDEN DAVIDSON
Nebraska I’m HOME‼️🔴⚫️ #GBR pic.twitter.com/ogahUgIbF0
— Landen Davidson (@DavidsonLanden) June 20, 2023
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Broomfield, Colo.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-4, 310 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola likes to train his linemen for multiple positions, and Davidson is a player who will be well-suited for that training regimen. At 6-foot-4 and just over 300 pounds, Davidson appears set for a future at guard. His physical, large frame will be a strong fit for Nebraska's rushing attack, and playing along the interior will help him increase mobility in pass protection. Depending on how quickly he develops, Davidson could perhaps move to tackle in the future. For now, though, he appears set to be a powerful member of NU's interior offensive line in years to come.
DONOVAN JONES
🌟🌟🌟
High school: Omaha North.
The specs: Athlete, 6-1, 185 pounds.
Takeaway: To those who doubt the effectiveness of June football camps, look no further than Jones. Heading into the summer, the uncommitted senior was still searching for his first Division I offer. Jones participated in the Lindenwood (Mo.) University mega camp in the first week of June, where he earned FCS offers from Lindenwood and South Dakota State. Things were even sweeter when both Wyoming and Nebraska extended offers after NU's Friday Night Lights camp. Players who flash athleticism, speed and potential tend to stand out at these summer camps — and Jones' success is the proof.
Jones fits the mold of what Nebraska is looking for in a defensive back recruit. The senior is dynamic and versatile enough to play any spot in the secondary, something he's already done for Omaha North. Working mostly as a safety, Jones came down with two interceptions and defended seven passes during his junior year. Physically, he seems like a fit at free safety, though cornerback could also be Jones' future position.
JAKE PETERS
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The specs: Offensive lineman, 6-3, 265 pounds.
Takeaway: Peters looks fantastic on his Hudl highlight film for Cedar Falls, which advanced to the second round of the Iowa 5A state football playoffs. He shows a dominant drive-blocking style, climbs with ease to the second and third levels of a defense and moves more — much more — like a 270-pound tight end. Height and girth may be important in college football, but Peters’ athleticism — he's also a standout basketball player — is a major plus. Nebraska shouldn’t have too much problem putting 20 pounds on his frame. If he maintains the quickness, NU got a steal.
QUINN CLARK
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Bozeman, Mont.
The specs: Wide receiver, 6-5, 190 pounds.
Takeaway: A few crisp, well-run routes at a Matt Rhule football camp was all it took for Clark to earn a Nebraska offer. Clark's performance in front of NU coaches at a June 11 camp showed the potential he has to offer as a lanky outside wide receiver.
REX GUTHRIE
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
The specs: Safety, 6-1, 200 pounds.
Takeaway: Nebraska has prioritized adding versatile athletes who are capable of playing multiple spots, especially in the secondary. Guthrie has the skills and physical makeup of a safety, though his ideal position would likely be as a nickel or rover. Plus, speed doesn't hurt when Nebraska is evaluating recruits — and Guthrie ran a 100-meter dash in 11.01 seconds this spring. Those traits add up to another athletic defensive back whose in-person skills landed him on NU's radar.
CALLEN BARTA
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Topeka, Kan.
The specs: Safety, 6-2, 180 pounds.
Takeaway: Years ago, under Mike Riley, Nebraska tried disruptive the California-powers-that-be by hotly pursuing highly-rated prospects on the West Coast. Matt Rhule has usurped the slow-play plans of Big Ten and Big 12 schools by offering players like Barta, Jake Peters, Braylen Prude, and Roger Gradney on evaluation and developmental potential. Is Barta — with seven interceptions over two seasons — good enough to play at Kansas? Surely. But KU has a board and will work through it regardless of Barta’s MVP turn at an Under Armour camp. Nebraska is willing to adjust any timeline without concern for how an offer “looks.” It’s going to mess with recruiting service evaluations for sure. What does Rhule know that a service doesn’t? Plenty. He and his staff are paid millions to know, too.
KAMDYN KOCH
Kamdyn Koch
Koch
🌟🌟🌟
Hometown: Westminster, Md.
The specs: Punter, 6-3, 195 pounds.
Takeaway: The Nebraska football team has found its punter of the future — and he's well-aware of what it means to be a Husker. Koch, the son of former Husker Sam Koch, had sent film and game tape over to Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley in previous months, leading to an invite to one of Matt Rhule’s football camps. Naturally, Koch learned a thing or two from working out and training with his dad. He also credits Kirk Maggio, his trainer, for helping him develop consistency within his kicks. Nebraska coaches saw that strong technique and execution and were impressed enough to extend a scholarship — a coveted prize for a specialist.