Greg McElroy is a realist when it comes to the expectations at Nebraska in 2023. While the program might be on the come-up, the Huskers still need to establish a culture under 1st-year coach Matt Rhule.

During a segment on the “Always College Football” podcast, McElroy previewed the impending season for the B1G West program, stating that it’s best to throw out the 4-8 season and start fresh. The former quarterback mentioned that for Rhule to be successful in Year 1, it all begins with gaining the players’ respect.

“He’s going to rule with an iron fist,” McElroy said. “That should, hopefully, help Nebraska become a little bit more consistent here in the years to come.”

McElroy is high on Rhule’s potential in Lincoln. While his time in the NFL never flourished, Rhule is a proven winner in college football. He’s been credited for his ability to stabilize programs that have been through struggles in the past. At Temple, he led the Owls from a 1-11 record to an AAC title in 4 years. At Baylor, he transformed the program’s public image following the allegations against Art Briles and took the Bears to an 11-3 record in 2019.

While fans expect immediate success, McElroy is looking more so at the big picture. While another 4-8 record on paper is disappointing, it’s about establishing a sustainable culture. And while McElroy would offer his sympathy to a fan base that’s been looking for stability since the Bo Pelini era, everything is about building for long-term success.

“The success or failure of Nebraska’s program will not be defined early on by wins and losses,” McElroy said. “It will be defined by the guys that they can identify and that they can build from that point forward.”