House Rhules Podcast — Season 1 Finale: "The First Annual House Rhules Season Finale Wrapped Up With a Bow!"
Host: Matt Rhule
Co-Host: Anthony “the Cuz” Gargano
Date: December 18, 2025
Episode: 17
Episode Overview
In the season one finale of "House Rhules," Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule and co-host Anthony “the Cuz” Gargano reflect on a landmark first season of the podcast, discuss key developments within Nebraska football, and dig deep into themes of leadership, culture, and personal growth. The pair celebrate milestones, look with clear-eyed optimism at areas in need of improvement, hand out their end-of-season superlatives to players, and share engaging personal stories—culminating in a lively fan Q&A and community highlights.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Three Buckets of a Team: A Philosophy of Growth
- Matt Rhule introduces the metaphor of players being in "three buckets" on any team:
- Bucket 1: Established, successful players (e.g., Deshaun Singleton).
- Bucket 2: Players on the cusp of breakthrough (“keep doubling down, trust the process” — see Emmett Johnson’s story).
- Bucket 3: Players unlikely to see significant playing time, still valued for their role.
- Quote: “My whole thing is if you’re in bucket two, double down, sprint, trust the process, and get yourself to established success.” (00:00 / 18:30)
- Rhule notes that, at Nebraska, he still considers himself in bucket two—highlighting a mentality of continuing to chase growth and success.
- Quote: “I’ve been national coach of the year. I’ve been an NFL head coach. I took this job, but right now at Nebraska, I’m in bucket two.” (00:00 / 18:30)
2. Season Milestones & Podcast Impact
- House Rhules celebrates 1.4 million YouTube views, 100,000+ podcast downloads, and 12,900 subscribers for its debut season. (01:39)
- The hosts note feedback from listeners nationwide, including those outside sports, and the show's ability to spark important conversations (mental health, vulnerability).
- Quote (Rhule): "The whole intention of this was to talk about football, but also maybe try to do a couple good things along the way." (02:44)
- Quote (Cuz): "...it brings the world into your lap, and it's an interesting world." (03:24)
3. Leadership, Parenting, and Hard Lessons
- Parenting Anecdote: “The Cuz” recounts making his son shovel snow—despite the upcoming thaw—capturing the importance of learning responsibility and sometimes “learning the hard way.” (04:30 – 06:09)
- Rhule Reflects: “Sometimes you have to learn the hard way.” (06:09)
4. Nebraska Football: Progress, Challenges, and Looking Ahead
- Quarterback Situation:
- Dylan departs for a reset; TJ steps up as the potential new leader.
- Quote: “I don’t think there’s a guy in this building who doesn’t believe that TJ is a winner as a starting quarterback.” (06:32)
- Most Proud Achievements: (08:05)
- Back-to-back bowl games (first since 2013–2014).
- Re-establishment of a dominant rushing attack (highlighting Emmett Johnson, Big Ten Running Back of the Year).
- Dramatic improvements on special teams.
- Needs Improvement:
- Return to dominant defense; specifically, last in the country in red zone defense.
- Offensive line—too many sacks allowed.
- Quote: “We’re 100th—we’re last in the country in red zone defense. That’s not something we’ve ever been a part of.” (09:47)
5. The New Reality: Building Through Development and the Portal
- NFL analogy: Build base through the draft/development, accent with portal/recruitment (free agency analogy). (11:23)
- Quote: “We made the decision when we got here not to just strip the team down. I just didn’t think that was the Nebraska way.” (11:43)
- Portal is not about volume—it’s about impact players.
- Rhule highlights institutional changes (revenue sharing, competitiveness for talent).
6. Challenges and Mindset After a Tough Season Finish
- Rhule notes the frustration of ending on losses but sees it as fuel for change and growth.
- Quote: “That end of the season has made me really, really hungry. Not that we weren’t before, but it just stokes the fire a little bit more to get it done.” (14:32)
7. Player Superlatives and Program Culture
- "Tape Shall Set You Free" Awards segment:
- Biggest Improvement: Emmett Johnson (17:44)
- Toughest Dude: Henry Lutovsky (21:00)
- “He looked like Rocky after they fought Clubber Lang … He’s just a real guy.”
- Best Practice Squad Guy: Roman Mangini (21:56)
- Teammate of the Year: Marquis Buford (22:50)
- Future Coach Award: Jalen Gramstad (24:06)
- Rhule’s message about staying and grinding where you are, as well as building legacy and value, recurs throughout.
- Quote: “The dream never gives up on you, but we sometimes give up on our dreams.” (18:30)
8. College Football Playoff Picks: Rhule as Analyst
(Predictions Start at 25:13)
- Alabama over Oklahoma.
- Texas A&M over Miami.
- Ole Miss to beat Tulane.
- Oregon picked over James Madison.
- Rhule provides analysis, noting scheduling, coaching transitions, matchups.
9. Leadership and Coaching Insights
- Importance of transparency as a leader; admitting when you don’t have all answers is powerful.
- Quote: “There’s real power sometimes in being like, ‘Hey guys, I don’t know what to do right now...’” (61:13)
- Coaching philosophy: Develop every player, not just stars.
- “Your job’s to help the players get better. It’s not to help the guys who are going to play in the game get better, it’s to help...if you have a kid who’s not going to play in a game for you this year but you’re still coaching them, if you’re a coach, get him better.” (59:31)
10. Community Story: Muchachos Restaurant and Giving Back
(35:19)
- Nick Maestas, owner of Muchachos in Lincoln, shares his “Snapadilla” initiative: free food for those struggling with food insecurity, community pantry, and a Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in need.
- Over 450 meals and $4,500 served—a vivid example of community action.
- Quote (Nick): “We want to be a restaurant that brings everybody together, and what better way than with food at our table?” (36:19)
11. Inside Nebraska Football — Equipment & Traditions (with Jay Terry)
(42:34)
- Jay Terry reflects on 300 games as Nebraska’s equipment manager since 2002; shares behind-the-scenes stories (from alternate jerseys to dealing with past coaches like Bo Pelini), and how important support staff are to building a team.
- Quote: “It’s been a lot of years. My first year was 2002 with football. I started full time at the university in 1997. But 2002 was my first football season … So kind of full circle.” (42:45)
- Stories about iconic uniforms, alternate jerseys, and working with student equipment managers.
12. Anything But Football — Mailbag Q&A
(52:19)
- Development vs. Portal: Balance building internally with aggressive, impact-driven portal recruitment.
- Favorite Christmas Treat:
- Rhule: Italian chocolate cookies, pizzelles, and “red and green M&Ms. It’s the same thing, just different dye.” (54:39)
- Cuz: Chocolate chip cookies (“there’s nothing better than walking in, the house smells like that”). (55:07)
- Advice for Aspiring Coaches: Start at a small school/level, fall in love with helping players develop, and work your way up through relentless effort and passion. (56:02 – 58:09)
- Leadership Lesson Unlearned: Importance of openly admitting uncertainty as a leader; being collaborative and transparent. (61:13)
- Podcast Fan Song: Rhule enjoys the "Never Doubt" podcast song written about him (“It’s pretty catchy … can someone send that to me so I can play it for my daughters?”) (63:11)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Roster Development:
“It can’t be everybody, but they have to be impact players.” (53:02) - On Buckets Philosophy:
“You have to decide which bucket you’re in...If you’re in bucket two, double down, sprint, trust the process.” (18:30) - On the Podcast’s Broader Mission:
“We’re not here to divide anyone...we’re here to bring up the good things that are out there.” (03:53) - On End-of-Season Frustration:
“That end of the season has made me really, really hungry.” (14:32) - On Community Leadership:
“Food insecurity is still a very, very real thing in our community. And so we will find a way to continue feeding people...” — Nick Maestas (37:23) - On Leadership Transparency:
“Sometimes, there’s real power in being like, ‘Hey, guys, I don’t know what to do right now’...” (61:13)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Buckets Philosophy: 00:00, 18:30
- Podcast Recap & Mission: 01:39–03:53
- Parenting/Responsibility Story: 04:30–06:09
- Season Achievements & Improvement: 08:05–11:23
- Portal vs. Development: 11:23–12:46, 52:43–54:05
- Emmett Johnson’s Story: 17:44, 18:08–18:30
- Season Awards Segment: 17:24–24:49
- College Football Playoff Picks: 25:13–31:10
- Muchachos Community Story: 35:19–39:39
- Equipment Manager Jay Terry Interview: 42:34–51:03
- Fan Mailbag Q&A: 52:19–64:24
- Leadership/Coaching Lessons: 59:31–62:47
Tone and Style
- Conversational, candid, and sometimes humorous—especially during personal and parenting anecdotes.
- Inspirational and deeply reflective when discussing leadership, adversity, and team culture.
- Authentic appreciation for community, staff, and the broader Nebraska family throughout.
Final Thoughts
The first season finale of House Rhules is more than a sports wrap-up; it's a masterclass in leadership, perseverance, and community engagement. Rhule’s transparent self-reflection and commitment to both football and broader life lessons offer value to listeners far beyond Husker Nation. The positive energy and hunger for improvement set a compelling foundation for what’s to come—both on the field and for the future of the podcast.
[End of summary.]
