The Nebraska football team’s schedule reveal on Thursday brought some clarity, but not joy, for Husker fans. The announcement of kickoff times for several games this fall included a Friday night tilt against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, which already had fans grumbling about the short week following a game against the Maryland Terrapins. But it’s the September 20 matchup against the Michigan Wolverines that’s really stirring the pot. The 2:30 p.m. start time has left fans on both sides baffled and outraged, especially given the stature of both programs and the potential for a marquee game.
Nebraska and Michigan, two of college football’s most storied programs, are expected to take significant steps forward in 2025. The Wolverines, coming off a national championship in 2023, are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024, while the Huskers, under Matt Rhule, are aiming for a breakthrough after a 7-6 season. A prime-time slot seemed like a no-brainer for this clash, given the history and the anticipation. Instead, CBS slotted it for a midday kickoff, a decision that’s confounded fans. “Does CBS think the Nebraska football vs Michigan Wolverines will be as one-sided as the other afternoon games?” is the question on everyone’s mind. The other games in that 2:30 p.m. CBS slot—Oregon vs. Oklahoma State, Penn State vs. Nevada, and USC vs. Purdue—aren’t expected to be competitive, with the latter two likely blowouts. It’s hard not to wonder if CBS sees the Nebraska-Michigan game as the only one worth watching in that window, but even then, the timing feels off.
For Husker and Wolverine fans, this is a missed opportunity. A night game would have amplified the atmosphere, drawn a larger audience, and highlighted the significance of the matchup. Instead, it’s tucked away in the afternoon, a time slot that feels underwhelming for a game with this much potential. The outrage is palpable, with fans questioning the Big Ten’s TV priorities and CBS’s decision-making. It’s a reminder of how much weight these scheduling decisions carry, especially for programs with rich traditions like Nebraska and Michigan. Stay tuned, because this story’s got legs, and the backlash could influence future scheduling. For now, though, it’s a bitter pill for fans to swallow, and the 2:30 p.m. kickoff is a thorn in their side. The game’s still set to be a thriller, but the timing? That’s a different story.
