Cincinnati vs Nebraska, Week 1, 8-28-25 | Photo Gallery

In a battle of the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences, the Nebraska Cornhuskers outlasted the Cincinnati Bearcats 20-17. The contest, played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, featured a massive crowd of 72,884 fans. Many of those in attendance were cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The Cornhuskers -led by head coach Matt Rhule- were looking to improve upon a seven-win 2024 campaign. They faced off against a Cincinnati squad that was riding a five-game losing streak. Could Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby go toe-to-toe with Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola?

From the start, both offensive units were intent on establishing the run. Minneapolis, Minnesota native Emmett Johnson concluded his sophomore campaign with 70 or more rushing yards in three straight games. He shined on Thursday night with a physical, one-cut running style. Johnson accumulated 108 tough yards on 25 carries. His longest carry went for just 16 yards.

Sorsby -a former Indiana Hoosier- displayed a level of field speed that was tough for Nebraska to handle. In fact, he actually rushed for more yards (96) on 13 carries than he put up throwing the ball (69 yards).

This, however, was in large contrast to Raiola’s effort. He completed 33-of-42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The sophomore’s three-yard touchdown toss to Kentucky transfer Dane Key put the Cornhuskers up by 10 points in the final stanza.

FINAL CHANCES

In addition, both defenses were salty throughout the game.

Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday registered 12 tackles, one quarterback sack and one tackle for loss. On the other side, Nebraska senior safety DeShon Singleton led an inspired defensive effort with seven tackles and a half-tackle for loss.

After a one-yard touchdown run by Sorsby cut the lead to three points, Cincinnati forced a punt from Nebraska.

As a result, it led to one final chance for Cincinnati.

Sorsby took the offense down to the Nebraska 33-yard line with just under a minute remaining. However, Cornhuskers senior defensive back Malcolm Hertzog‘s twisting interception in the end zone with 39 seconds left secured the team’s Week One victory.

We review some of the game’s images in our photo gallery.

Nebraska team captain and senior CB Ceyair Wright prepares to take on Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell in the season opener. Caldwell -a 6'5, 215-pound Lindenwood transfer- finished with six touchdown receptions in 2025.

Nebraska's 21st-ranked defense nationally -led by DC Rob Aurich- presented a number of looks for Cincinnati's offense throughout the contest.

Nebraska placekicker Kyle Cunanan (No. 91 pictured vs. Cincinnati in Week 1) missed just three field goals this past season. for the Cornush

Cincinnati punter Max Fletcher -a ProKick Australia product- earned first-team All-Big 12 honors (45.8 yd/avg). His net average of 42 yards per punt ranked 18th nationally.

Cincinnati first-team All-Big 12 LB Jake Golday (No. 11 pictured) gets off the block of Nebraska center Justin Evans to make a tackle on running back Emmett Johnson.

2025 Big Ten RB of the Year Emmett Johnson (No. 21 pictured lowering shoulder into No. 36 Xavier Williams) finished his final campaign with 1,451 rushing yards and 12 TDs. He also caught 46 passes for 370 yards and three scores.

With two minutes remaining, the Cincinnati Bearcats trailed the Cornhuskers by just three points in front of a packed GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola gets the crowd hyped at the end of the game. Prior to a season-ending broken fibula, Raiola passed for exactly 2,000 yards (72.6%), 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. Raiola entered the transfer portal at the end of the season.

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Corey Chavous

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