Nebraska Cornhuskers fans are praying 2025 is the year they can say they’re back. Whether that happens or not depends largely on whether QB Dylan Raiola can take that next step.
That begins with a season-opening matchup against the Cincinnati Bearcats played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
However, my Nebraska vs. Cincinnati predictions explain why the Huskers had better not overlook Brendan Sorsby & Co., even if they are favored by a touchdown.
Check out my college football picks for this intriguing Week 1 Power 4 matchup on Thursday, August 28.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati prediction
Nebraska vs Cincinnati best bet: Brendan Sorsby Over 215.5 passing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
Year 3 has been the time Matt Rhule’s teams have taken a big leap forward in the past. At Temple, he went 10-4. At Baylor, it was 11-3. And the fans in Lincoln hope that trend continues in 2025.
If it does, it means that QB Dylan Raiola took a leap forward in his development. Raiola threw for 2,819 yards in his freshman season, but just 13 touchdowns, and led the Big Ten with 11 interceptions.
Rhule is supporting Raiola by reloading in the transfer portal, and expectations for the Nebraska Cornhuskers are high this season. But they can’t be caught overlooking this experienced Cincinnati Bearcats team.
It is also Scott Satterfield’s third season with Cincinnati, which returns 18 starters, including QB Brendan Sorsby.
Sorsby is one of the more underrated QBs in the Big 12. He threw for 2,813 yards with 18 touchdowns while adding another 447 yards and nine scores on the ground. Future NFL tight end Joe Royer also returns to give Sorsby a reliable playmaker.
They’ll be attacking a Cornhuskers team that has a new defensive coordinator, has to replace two stud defensive tackles, and has four new starters in the secondary.
Sorsby has a passing yard prop sitting at 215.5. He averaged 220.9 vs. FBS opponents last season. With this matchup, I love him to go Over at Arrowhead on Thursday night.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati same-game parlay
Cincinnati will also have to replace top running back Corey Kiner, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, but made a good move to bring in experienced RB Tawee Walker. The 24-year-old has rushed for 1,377 yards and 17 TDs over his last two seasons at Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
Overall, this Bearcats team is underrated. They have more experience playing together than Nebraska, and I like them to keep this one close.
Bet this Nebraska vs. Cincinnati SGP now at FanDuel!
Our deep-ball SGP: Walker draws first blood
- To take this SDP from logical to lotto ticket, let's just move Walker from an anytime TD to be the first TD scorer of the game.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati game predictions
Nebraska vs Cincinnati moneyline prediction
Cincinnati will be better than people expect this season, and I like them to keep this game close. However, I do believe that Nebraska has the more talented overall roster and will earn a one-score win.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati spread prediction
Cincinnati will be able to keep this game close because of Sorsby’s playmaking ability, which should have an edge against a Nebraska defense that is working in a lot of new parts. I also expect the Cornhusker to lean on Emmett Johnson and the running game in this one.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati Over/Under prediction
I have a slight lean to the Under in this matchup. Both of the teams like to run the football, and I expect both to be successful in that regard. And running the ball means a moving clock and shortening the game.
Nebraska vs Cincinnati odds
- Spread: Nebraska -6.5 | Cincinnati +6.5
- Moneyline: Nebraska -240 | Cincinnati +200
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 | Under 53.5
Nebraska vs Cincinnati trend to know
Cincinnati has covered the 1H Spread in 7 of their last 11 games for +2.20 Units and a 17% ROI. Find more college football betting trends for Nebraska vs Cincinnati.
How to watch Nebraska vs Cincinnati
| Location | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
| Date | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
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