Nebraska football has been on a search for their next head coach after firing Scott Frost earlier this season. Names such as Deion Sanders, Matt Rhule and Coastal Carolina’s Jamey Chadwell are just a few of the candidates linked to the Cornhuskers’ job.

The latest rumors from Mitch Sherman of The Athletic suggest that a leader has emerged from the pack of 11-plus candidates. According to Sherman, Rhule and Nebraska football have “had talks” about the head coach job opening.

“It’s safe to consider Matt Rhule at or near the top of the Huskers’ list of targets. Alberts and Rhule have talked.”

Sherman says that Matt Rhule and Nebraska football athletic director Trev Alberts have spoken about the head coaching vacancy. Not only that, but Rhule is “at or near the top” of the university’s wish list.