P.J. Fleck Drops Surprise Warning About Big Ten’s Dark Horse Team—Is Your Favorite on the List?

And if anyone understands how tough it is to turn a program around, it’s Fleck. He’s lived it.

So when he calls Nebraska “dangerous,” it’s not about hype — it’s about recognizing a formula that works. One that looks a lot like the one he used to build Minnesota.“He’s a special person and one thing I respect about him is he has a systematic approach of how he wants it done and what it looks like,” Fleck said. “I think as every coach, you can have that. But you also need the proof that it works because there’s a lot of hard days and hard times that come up and test how much you want it as a head coach.”Fleck knows what it takes to rise in this conference and if he sees Nebraska coming, the rest of the Big Ten should probably start paying attention too.Minnesota’s been steady under PJ Fleck, building toward something sustainable since he arrived in 2017. But even with that success, there’s one Big Ten team that’s starting to catch his attention — and maybe even make him a little uneasy.Fleck’s not just throwing out compliments for the sake of it. He’s seen what’s happening in Lincoln, and he knows how quickly things can shift when the right coach is in place. After years of falling short, Nebraska finally put together a winning season — their first since 2016 — and there’s real momentum behind it now.What stood out most to Fleck was Rhule’s clarity and conviction — something he says not every coach possesses.Fleck went on to commend Rhule’s disciplined and detailed coaching style — one he believes is built to last.“One of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten is Nebraska because I know what Matt Rhule created at Temple,” Fleck said. “I know what he did at Baylor and the type of human being he is. He’s awakening it, that’s for sure.”Turns out, he’s keeping a close eye on Matt Rhule’s Nebraska Cornhuskers.📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp “Matt has a clear path of exactly what he wants. We’re all as head coaches finding and striking for clarity and I think that’s one thing he clearly has,” he continued. “He has a clear vision of what he wants to do and what it looks like. What the expectations are and how to get there. It’s a process-oriented coach and I think that’s gonna pay off.”Since PJ Fleck took the reins at Minnesota back in 2017, he’s been crafting more than just a decent football program—he’s been building a culture designed to last. Steadiness and sustainability have become Minnesota’s new hallmarks under his watch. But here’s the kicker: there’s a rising power in the Big Ten shaking things up enough to get Fleck’s full attention—and yes, maybe even a touch of nervous respect. That team? Nebraska, led by Matt Rhule. Fleck doesn’t toss around praise lightly, especially when it comes to a rival conference squad, but the Cornhuskers’ steady ascent and Rhule’s meticulous, process-oriented coaching approach are impossible to ignore. Fleck’s insights reveal that Nebraska’s not just a team on the upswing—they’re dangerous, armed with a blueprint resembling the one he used to transform the Gophers. As Nebraska’s momentum grows, the rest of the Big Ten would be wise to pay heed—there’s a new contender making waves, and Fleck’s watching closely. LEARN MOREThat’s what makes his words carry weight. He’s lived the grind. He’s fought through the rebuild and now, as one of the Big Ten’s most respected voices, he doesn’t hand out compliments just to be nice.