You can't stop us, we are anonymous

Playing around with Athlon's anonymous coach quotes again, a classic offseason pastime.

Courtesy Nebraska Athletics

I misspoke earlier this week. In Monday’s newsletter I wrote that coaching staff ratings are my favorite summer release on the college football calendar. I still like those plenty, but if I’m being completely honest, my favorite by a nose is the collection of anonymous coach quotes Steven Godfrey¹ compiles for Athlon Sports.

Here’s how much I’m entertained by this feature: They’re all available online, but I still drive somewhere to get it. This usually takes about three tries before I actually find the magazine, but gotta have it because…I guess…I have all the others back to 2008. It isn’t logical or efficient, but it’s necessary.

The surprising thing about Nebraska’s collection of peer reviews in 2025 is they’re all positive. If you read last year’s (multi-year) roundup, you’ll know that hasn’t often been the case of late. Entering Matt Rhule’s third season, however, at least a few Big Ten coaches like what they’re seeing from the Huskers.

Let’s highlight a few of those with Yearbook-style superlatives, then we’ll play a game with the 10 power-conference teams on NU’s schedule.²