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Nebraska Edges Cincinnati on Raiola’s 4th-Down Strike in Arrowhead Opener

Rhule cast the win as an early Year 3 marker, emphasizing trust in his sophomore quarterback on the decisive call.

Aug 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates with wide receiver Dane Key (6) after a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
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Aug 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7) celebrates with linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. (9) and defensive back Marques Buford Jr. (3) after an interception against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule and athletic director Troy Dannen walk off the field after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Nebraska topped Cincinnati 20-17 at Arrowhead Stadium, sealed by Malcolm Hartzog Jr.’s end-zone interception with 34 seconds remaining.
  • Dylan Raiola went 33-of-42 for 243 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers, including a 4th-and-2 RPO touchdown to Dane Key that put Nebraska ahead for good.
  • Emmett Johnson carried 25 times for 108 yards and added seven receptions, while Key and Nyziah Hunter provided the touchdown catches.
  • Matt Rhule praised a late-game sack by Raiola as a veteran decision that protected clock strategy in the final minutes.
  • Rhule said Nebraska fans bought roughly 92–95% of the tickets and credited their noise for Cincinnati false starts, then urged a “big jump” after tempo issues surfaced in the second half.