MINNEAPOLIS, July 24, 2025 — Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck didn’t hold back his assessment of Nebraska football, calling the Cornhuskers “one of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten” during Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday.
Fleck’s praise for Nebraska coach Matt Rhule comes as the Gophers prepare for their matchups against the Huskers.
- Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck called Nebraska “dangerous.”
- Fleck praised Matt Rhule’s systematic approach.
- Minnesota has won the last five games against Nebraska.
- Malachi Coleman transferred from Nebraska to Minnesota.
- The Gophers and Huskers will play Friday, Oct. 17.
Fleck, entering his ninth season leading the Gophers, expressed his admiration for what head coach Matt Rhule has accomplished since taking over the Nebraska program. Rhule is entering his third season at the helm in Lincoln.
“I know what Matt Rhule created at Temple. I know what he did at Baylor. I know what type of human being he is,” Fleck stated. “He’s awakening it, that’s for sure.”
Minnesota has held the advantage in recent matchups against Nebraska, winning five consecutive contests dating back to 2019. Their last victory over the Huskers was a narrow 13-10 win in Rhule’s debut game in August 2023. Nebraska’s most recent win against Minnesota was in 2018, a 53-28 victory.
Fleck elaborated on his respect for Rhule’s coaching philosophy. “He’s a special person. One thing I respect about him: he has a systematic approach to how he wants it done and what it looks like,” Fleck said. “Matt has a clear path of exactly what he wants.”
The Minnesota coach’s perspective on Nebraska’s program may be informed by the transfer of receiver Malachi Coleman, a Lincoln native, to the Gophers this offseason. Coleman, considered a top prospect, has already impressed Fleck.
“Malachi is a really good player. He’s a developmental player for us. He’s in the program for all the right reasons,” Fleck said in February. “One thing we love to do is develop wide receivers here. We’ve had a great track record of doing that. He’s got all the physical attributes. Now you just gotta be able to sharpen that and smooth that out.”
Fleck reiterated his confidence in Rhule’s vision for Nebraska. “We’re all as head coaches finding and striving for clarity. I think that’s one thing he always has. He has a clear vision of what he wants to do, what it looks like, what the expectations are, and how to get there,” Fleck commented. “He’s a process-oriented coach, and I think that’s going to pay off.”
The upcoming matchup between Nebraska and Minnesota is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in Minneapolis. The game was originally slated for a Saturday kick-off but was moved to a Friday night slot on FOX.
“One of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten is Nebraska.”@AKendeighKETV asked Minnesota head P.J. Fleck his thoughts on Matt Rhule and Nebraska. #Huskers @KETV pic.twitter.com/AAYE2vNiGU
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) July 23, 2025
