George Kittle has never been afraid to defend his home state, but this week he became even more passionate when former NFL linebacker and host of Bussin’ With the Boys Will Compton commented on the yearly Black Friday match between Iowa and Nebraska. Kittle quickly turned what had begun as typical rivalry banter into some of his own digital haymakers, all in good humor but with just enough heat to make the matchup feel a little more intense.
As is often the case, it started with Compton poking the bear. Around this time of year, guys from Nebraska usually do that, and Compton proudly plays the part. He delivered a well-known jab, casting doubt on Iowa’s approach, entertainment value, and the Hawkeyes’ unending obsession with winning games 13–10. Slow offense, punt-fest football, and a fan base that views field-position battles as Fourth of July fireworks are all common sources of humor for Nebraska supporters. Little would not have it.
With an enthusiasm only a native son can muster, the former Iowa tight end and 49ers star jumped right into the conversation. He was making light of Iowa’s recent dominance in the rivalry one moment and responding sharply the next. Compton’s loyalty to the Huskers is undeniable, but Kittle made sure to highlight the one statistic that usually resolves these arguments: victories. Additionally, he delivered his rebuttals with that signature Kittle enthusiasm, which is typically saved for celebrating a pancake block or trucking linebackers. You could practically see him smiling behind the keyboard, poised to deliver the next joke.
The problem with this matchup is that. The emotions tell a different story than what the record books say. In the Midwest, Black Friday football is more than just a game—it’s a personality test. At the Thanksgiving table, it’s a source of pride. It’s the kind of rivalry where supporters on both teams can memorize the results of the previous ten years, but they still maintain that momentum is in their favor.
To his credit, Compton refused to back down. Leaning into the bit has become his career, and he responded with counterpunches about future recruiting, offensive innovation, and the ubiquitous “just wait until next year.” Depending on who you ask, typical Husker optimism is equal parts loyalty and delusion.
But what makes this conversation so fun is the back and forth. In reality, neither man is insane. As athletes frequently do long after graduating from college, they are simply carrying the torch for their respective fan bases. It serves as a reminder that rivalries don’t go away with time or distance. They accompany you everywhere you go—into the league, the media, and every area of the sports world where someone has the audacity to bring up Iowa or Nebraska.
If anything, Kittle’s fierce defense gives an already tense matchup a little more energy. The game finds drama every season, regardless of records or expectations. It can be a snowy defensive slugfest at times. It can occasionally be a late turnover. Sometimes it’s just two online fan bases going crazy.
George Kittle and Will Compton are trading jabs like it’s a heavyweight promotion in prime time this year. And to be honest? More of that is needed in college football. Because it adds a little humor to a rivalry that thrives on passion, pride, and a lot of noise when one of the NFL’s most likable stars takes time to bat for his Hawkeyes and a fan-favorite podcaster responds with Husker bravado. It can’t wait for Black Friday to arrive.
