Cincinnati’s Season Opener Ends in 20-17 Defeat at Arrowhead Stadium

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 29, 2025) - The Cincinnati Bearcats opened their 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 20-17 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Key Moments and Turning Points Nebraska struck first with a 52-yard field goal by Kyle Cunanan late in the opening quarter, but Cincinnati answered on a 45-yard drive capped by senior kicker Stephen Rusnak’s field goal to level the score at 3-3 heading into the second quarter. A pivotal fumble by receiver Caleb Goodie near midfield, forced by Nebraska linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. and recovered by the Huskers, set up a 24-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola to Nyziah Hunter with 11 seconds remaining before halftime, pushing Nebraska ahead 13-3.

In the second half, Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby powered Cincinnati back into contention. His first rushing touchdown-a 1-yard dive-narrowed the deficit to 13-10 early in the third quarter. A fourth-down touchdown scramble of 2 yards brought the Bearcats within three, 20-17, with 7:15 left in the game. However, a last-ditch drive ended when Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog Jr. intercepted Sorsby’s pass in the end zone with 34 seconds remaining, sealing the Cornhuskers’ victory.

Statistical Highlights

• Brendan Sorsby: 13-of-25 passing for 69 yards, 96 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns.
• Dylan Raiola: 33-of-42 passing for 243 yards, 2 touchdowns.
• Emmett Johnson (Nebraska): 108 rushing yards, second 100-yard game of his career.
• Turnover battle: Nebraska forced 2 turnovers and committed none; Cincinnati was 0-for-1 on turnovers forced.

Implications and Next Steps The loss drops Cincinnati to 0-1 to begin head coach Scott Satterfield’s third season, while Nebraska improves to 1-0, claiming its first season-opening win over a Power Four opponent since 2003. The Bearcats will look to rebound next Saturday against Bowling Green at Nippert Stadium.