Nebraska Football: 5 Easily Kept 2023 New Year's Resolutions for the Cornhuskers

When the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, the Nebraska football program finds itself like many of us. Plenty of room to grow, goals set, and energy to get it all done. Unlike many of us, the nutrient-dense meals stick around longer and gym memberships aren't optional.

Let's have a look at some resolutions the Cornhuskers can easily keep to ensure they're set up for success come late August 2023.

All Gas No Brakes

Matt Rhule has not only been about doing things properly since Day One but also doing so at an almost unprecedented pace. His recruiting strategy shifted into overdrive less than a month before wrapping up an impressive Early Signing Day transition haul. At the core of the class are confidence and an ability to leave trails of flame from Point A to Point B.

Look to Chicago Bears running back Trestan Ebner, New England Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton, and Dolphins cornerback Kalon Barnes for Rhule's finished product. His freshly signed crop offers a plethora of speed in the likes of Malachi Coleman, Jaylen Lloyd, and Brice Turner.

2023 will have its share of teachable moments for the Huskers, but thanks to simple physics, they'll move quickly from one to the next.

Slay Social Media

Anyone familiar with Husker Twitter has seen one cryptic Rhule tweet after another. They bring out a variety of responses, but that's the point. Fans, media, players, and recruits continue to buzz about what Nebraska football is developing, which keeps any potential growth trending. Not to mention the proliferation of the new #24Ours hashtag.

An expanded crew devoted entirely to social development wouldn't be shocking as the Huskers continue a calculated bleed into your news feeds.

Embrace The Rocky Ride of the Transfer Portal and NIL

The good news is players are getting paid. That's one of the few benefits of the unregulated system. One that sees potential additions to the roster throwing coaches across multiple staffs into bidding wars for their services. Of course, this isn't sustainable and, like any game, this one needs rules.

Until that happens, Nebraska can play it effectively. With a war chest fed by boosters and the Big Ten, enhanced facilities, upcoming stadium renovations, and more, their deck continues to stack. As a result, the Huskers are already seeing a swift injection of talent, which shows no sign of letting up.

Rhule already offers potential Huskers a fair bit, from NIL deals to national exposure and coaching necessary for NFL hopefuls. Of course, this momentum gets bolstered should the Huskers churn out multiple draft picks with reliability. The lack of oversight gives resource-heavy programs like Nebraska an extended head start.

With their resources, an overall slowdown of funds to players helps keep the competition at arm's length. As long as those programs win, that is.

Make the Spring Game a True Experience

Nebraska's Red-White games are more or less like any other spring scrimmage. Families show up for a chance to see their favorite players and enjoy an afternoon in Memorial Stadium. But what if it was more than that?

Yes, this is the last opportunity for official workouts until fall, but fan outreach can take place here as well.

A Madden tournament between kids and coaching staff members played on the stadium's big screen. Four lucky fans each get to call one trick play per quarter. How about an offshoot of the Dr. Pepper Halftime Football Chest Launch?

Is it silly? Absolutely. But silly is fun. Much like social media growth, it keeps Nebraska football in news cycle headlines and helps build relationships with younger fans. The ones Rhule needs to help grow up wanting to be part of something special in their own backyard. Memories the program has control over can last a lifetime and are well worth the minor investment.

Plant the Bowl Game Seeds Early and Often

To be fair, this started during Nebraska's victory against Iowa. One win over the Hawkeyes doesn't mean the Huskers are playoff-bound in 2023, but a fantastic — and attainable — goal is to finally see the postseason again.

Any bowl will do. The Huskers badly need to get used to making that 365-day grind. And additional practices which come courtesy of a bowl trip only help promote a long-term goal of actually showing up in an expanded College Football Playoff.

— Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@Bcav402). To contact him, click here.