### Nebraska's Matt Rhule Signs Extension, Quelling Penn State Speculation Matt Rhule, the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has officially signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Lincoln through the 2032 season. This decision effectively removes him from consideration for the head coaching position at Penn State, a role he was widely speculated to be a candidate for following the firing of James Franklin on October 12, 2025. The extension includes a significant buyout clause of $15 million, which further solidifies his commitment to Nebraska and deters other programs from pursuing him this season [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/latest_matt_rhule_news_should_end_penn_state_rumors/s1_13132_42987986][https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2025/10/30/nebraska-matt-ruhle-contract-extension/86986647007]. ### Overview of the Coaching Situation 1. **Contract Extension Details** - Rhule's new contract extends through 2032 and includes a $15 million buyout for this season, making it financially challenging for other schools to recruit him [https://www.essentiallysports.com/ncaa-college-football-news-jeff-brohm-penn-state-extremely-likely-to-appoint-four-seven-eight-m-hc-after-matt-rhule-signs-new-contract]. 2. **Impact on Penn State's Search** - With Rhule off the market, Penn State's athletic director, Pat Kraft, will need to consider other candidates for the head coaching position. Jeff Brohm has emerged as a new favorite for the role [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/jeff-brohm-favorite-penn-state-college-football-10967346]. 3. **Rhule's Connection to Penn State** - Rhule has a deep personal connection to Penn State, having played there as a walk-on linebacker and expressing his love for the university. However, he has chosen to remain with Nebraska, where he feels at home [https://www.yorknewstimes.com/sports/college/football/article_cc52bef3-ad30-562b-a098-75023b478a69.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Contract Terms**: - Extension Duration: Through 2032 - Buyout Clause: $15 million for the current season - Base Salary: No change, but includes escalators for College Football Playoff appearances [https://www.nbcsports.com/college-football/news/nebraska-extends-matt-rhules-contract-through-2032-adds-bonuses-for-cfp-appearances]. - **Coaching Market Dynamics**: - Rhule's extension has shifted the focus of Penn State's coaching search, with Brohm now being considered a leading candidate [https://www.outkick.com/sports/matt-rhule-nebraska-extension-penn-state-rumors]. ### Conclusion: Rhule's Commitment to Nebraska In summary, **Matt Rhule's decision to sign a contract extension with Nebraska not only secures his position with the Cornhuskers but also significantly alters the landscape of college football coaching searches, particularly for Penn State**. 1. **Rhule's extension through 2032 solidifies his commitment to Nebraska** [https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/football/sources-matt-rhule-has-signed-extension-with-nebraska-2025]. 2. **The $15 million buyout clause makes it unlikely for other programs to pursue him this season** [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/nebraska-extends-head-coach-matt-rhule-wake-penn-state-buzz]. 3. **Penn State must now pivot to other candidates, with Jeff Brohm emerging as a frontrunner** [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/jeff-brohm-favorite-penn-state-college-football-10967346]. This development marks a significant moment in college football, reflecting the complexities of coaching contracts and the emotional ties coaches have to their alma maters.