The 2025 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl features the Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-5) against the No. 15 Utah Utes (10-2) in a Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup. Nebraska returns to bowl play under third-year coach Matt Rhule, aiming to build momentum after a middling season marked by close losses. Utah, in its second Big 12 year under Kyle Whittingham, enters as heavy favorites following a strong campaign, though opt-outs on the offensive line could create vulnerabilities. This neutral-site game revives a dormant series, with Nebraska holding historical dominance but facing a modern Utah program that’s risen to prominence. Expect a defensive battle, as Utah’s physicality clashes with Nebraska’s improving run game.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This 65,000-seat domed venue, home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, offers a state-of-the-art indoor environment, eliminating weather impacts and providing a high-energy atmosphere for bowl games since 2021.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT). The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Injury Report and Opt-Outs
Bowl attrition is moderate, with Utah hit harder by opt-outs on the offensive line, potentially exposing QB Cam Rising to Nebraska’s pass rush. Nebraska deals with key absences in the backfield and coaching staff changes, but their roster shows better cohesion.
- Nebraska Cornhuskers:
- Out/Opt-Out: RB Emmett Johnson (declared for 2026 NFL Draft; leading rusher).
- Questionable/Full Participant: QB TJ Lateef (undisclosed; full participant in recent practices).
- Multiple coaches dismissed, impacting preparation, but no major additional player opt-outs reported beyond Johnson.
Nebraska’s run game takes a hit without Johnson, shifting focus to backups like Gabe Ervin Jr. and QB Dylan Raiola’s mobility.
- Utah Utes:
- Out/Opt-Out: RT Spencer Fano (NFL Draft; All-Big 12 caliber).
- Out/Opt-Out: LT Caleb Lomu (NFL Draft; key protector).
- Potential additional opt-outs from trackers, but core like QB Cam Rising and RB Micah Bernard expected to play.
Utah’s O-line depth is tested, which could hinder their balanced attack against Nebraska’s front seven.
Overall, Utah’s absences loom larger, but Nebraska’s coaching flux adds uncertainty.
Key Player Matchups
Utah’s experience gives them edges, but Nebraska’s defense could exploit opt-outs. Pivotal battles include:
- Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola vs. Utah Secondary: Raiola (2,500+ passing yards, 18 TDs) has shown growth but faces Utah’s top-20 pass defense (allowing 189 yards/game). Without full O-line protection for Utah, Raiola could find WRs like Isaiah Neyor for chunk plays.
- Utah QB Cam Rising vs. Nebraska Pass Rush: Rising (2,800+ yards, 24 TDs) is a veteran dual-threat, but with Fano and Lomu out, he’ll test Nebraska’s front (19 sacks this season). Nebraska DEs like Nash Hutmacher could pressure Rising into mistakes.
- Nebraska Rushing Attack vs. Utah Run Defense: Without Johnson, Nebraska leans on Ervin (limited production) against Utah’s stout front (allowing 3.8 yards/carry). This matchup favors Utah controlling the line.
- Utah RB Micah Bernard vs. Nebraska Front Seven: Bernard (1,000+ yards) could exploit Nebraska’s average run D (4.2 yards/carry allowed) if the thinned O-line holds.
Nebraska needs turnovers to stay in it, while Utah’s balance should prevail.
Recent Team Forms
- Nebraska Cornhuskers: 7-5 overall (4-5 Big Ten), with a mixed bag: Wins over Colorado (28-10), Rutgers (14-7), and Purdue, but losses to Ohio State (21-17) and Iowa. They averaged 25.8 points in wins but struggled offensively in defeats. Form (last five): W-L-W-L-W.
- Utah Utes: 10-2 overall (7-2 Big 12), dominant with wins over Arizona State (42-10), BYU (24-21), and Colorado (53-7), losses to Arizona and TCU. They scored 47 points average in wins. Form (last five): W-W-W-L-W.
Conference vs. Conference
Big Ten vs. Big 12: The Big Ten has dominated 2025-26 bowls at 11-6 overall, including strong showings against the Big 12. Historically, the Big Ten leads all-time series 60-56, emphasizing physical play over the Big 12’s speed.
Betting Trends
- Nebraska: 5-2 ATS in last 7 December games, but 1-10 SU as underdogs in last 11; 2-6-1 ATS last 9 overall.
- Utah: 10-4 ATS last 14, 5-0 SU last 5; over in 4 of last 5.
- General: Utah 5-1 ATS at home/neutral; Nebraska 1-4 ATS as neutral underdogs.
Historical Betting Results
No recent head-to-head betting data since 1992. In Las Vegas Bowl history, favorites cover 6-4 ATS last 10; under hits in 7 of 10 with totals under 51. Big Ten underdogs vs. Big 12: 3-2 ATS in recent bowls.
Game Odds
Nebraska Cornhuskers 50.5
Utah Utes – 14
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, December 30, 2025
