In the days following its excruciating loss to Iowa to close the regular season, Nebraska saw a significant shakeup to its staff and roster. Defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton left for the same positions at Florida State. Special Teams coach Ed Foley and receivers coach Garret McGuire were relieved of their duties. The three most experienced defensive linemen able to return in 2025 chose to instead seek lucrative transfer deals at southern schools. All of this tumult left fans of the program a bit uneasy.
Yet head coach Matt Rhule was almost defiant in his vision for what was ahead.
“Everything that’s happening right now is by design,” he said at his signing day press conference, “my history has always been to be 6-6 in the second year, and get to a bowl game. Then in the third year make a jump…and we’ll make a jump.”
He then spent the winter months securing the pieces necessary for such a leap.
The most important step may have been re-signing offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, one of the most successful playcallers of the last twenty years, to fully take over an offense he parachuted in to triage in November. To help sharpen the Husker passing attack, Holgorsen brought in his trusted receiver coach Daikiel Shorts who spent the last season at Kentucky.
On defense, Rhule made secondary coach John Butler the permanent coordinator before the bowl game. In the five years preceding his hire at Nebraska, Butler led one of the top defensive backfields in the NFL in Buffalo. His college coordinator experience is limited to just one year at Penn State in 2013, so Rhule showed prudence in bringing on two other defensive staff members with coordinator experience. New secondary coach Addison Williams led UCF’s defense last season. Phil Snow, who will serve as a defensive consigliere for Butler, was Rhule’s longtime defensive coordinator at each of his previous stops. The one young hire was defensive line coach Terry Bradden, who worked with future Hall-of-Famer Chris Jones and the Chiefs defensive front for the last seven seasons.
Special Teams will now be led by Nebraska native and former Husker linebacker coach Mike Ekeler, who oversaw the nation’s best special teams unit for the last four years at Tennessee.
Rhule’s staff also signed the second-ranked transfer portal class in the Big Ten according to 247 sports. The 17-player haul bolsters the roster with an impressive combination of physical traits, experience, and production. Returns on the group are already positive with 14 of the transfers filling the two-deep of this week’s depth chart. And perhaps most impressive, according to Rhule, is that each has not just assimilated into the culture he’s worked hard to build over the past two seasons, but have enhanced it.
Over the last nine months, the ground appears to have been laid for a classic Matt Rhule year-three bounce. Yet it’s been a quarter of a century since the program has seen the altitude of double-digit win seasons he produced at Temple and Baylor. After years rolling in mud, Husker fans are ready to taste the sky.
Perhaps this is the team to take them there.
It is no secret that Dana Holgorsen is one of the most brilliant offensive minds in modern college football. In his years as a head coach and offensive coordinator, his teams have ranked in the top 25 of total offense fourteen times and reached the top 10 eight times. He’s had eight quarterbacks pass for over 4,000 yards in a season and nine throw for 30 or more touchdowns. He’s coached six running backs with 1,000 yard rushing seasons and, incredibly, twenty receivers with seasons of 1,000 yards!
But is there a secret to his success?
Contractually, he may have to tell you it’s Red Bull, but if the eccentric play-caller’s proficient offenses rely on any single driving force, it has clearly been disclosed through a mantra expressed by players and coaches alike during training camp.
“Coach Holgorsen says it all the time: routine plays done routinely” said tight end coach Marcus Satterfield.
“When you see the magic behind it, it’s pretty cool. Because it’s all just routine plays,” added coach Rhule, “He says it all the time…he really means it. Just make routine plays. Just make this play over and over again and then, guess what, you’re going to spin out and go make a special play out of a routine play.”
“Just routine play after routine play…Just focused on taking what the defense gives you.” explained Holgorsen, “If you do that consistently, those routines plays turn into big plays with good players. And I think we have good players that can turn routine plays into big plays.”
Those kinds of big plays have been anything but routine in Lincoln lately. Nebraska’s offense has ranked near the bottom of the country in both yards and points the last two seasons. So if thinking small can help the Big Red make a habit of moving the chains, Husker fans will never find monotony more exciting.
The ceiling for the 2025 Nebraska Cornhuskers team rests on the arms of its star sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola. He showed flashes of brilliance last season as he completed 67% of his passes for 2,819 yards, the most by a true freshman in the Big Ten since 2013. But a mid-season slump that saw him throw just two touchdowns and six interceptions coincided with the team losing four straight games.
A big jump for him would likely mean a big jump in the win column.
He’s done his part this offseason by completing three improvement goals. He reshaped his body to increase mobility and endurance, utilized his rolodex of NFL greats to learn how to perform better in clutch moments, and fully stepped into his role as team leader.
“What I’ve seen from him, his maturity, he now embraces when he’s frustrated,” said Rhule at Big Ten Media Days, “He puts it on himself. He says, ‘I’ll fix this.’ I think our team is going to play for Dylan.”
If Dylan was unable to play for the team, the top backup is true freshman TJ Lateef who, in a bit of a surprise, beat out senior Jaylyn Gramstad for the second spot. That said, preserving Lateef’s redshirt is likely a priority, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gramstad be the first backup to enter the game if only needed for a series or two.
Other rostered QB’s: #17 Luke Longval, Jr.; #11 Bode Soukup RFr.; #16 Marcos Davila RFr.
After a brief flirtation with the transfer portal, running back Emmett Johnson returns for his first season as the main guy at running back. Expect to see heavy usage for the junior from Minneapolis. In the four games Holgorson spent as offensive coordinator, Johnson caught 24 of his 39 passes on the season and rushed for 307 of his 591 yards. The OC clearly likes the dual-threat potential Johnson provides, and the back has added a noticeable amount of mass to withstand the extra hits he’ll see this year.
Behind Johnson is a lot of inexperience. Mekhi Nelson used a praiseworthy camp to earn the top backup spot. He is the biggest home-run threat of the group. Behind Nelson is true freshman Isaiah Mozee, a converted wide receiver who the Huskers flipped from an Oregon commitment last fall. The position is natural for him as he played it for much of his high school career. At the bottom of the four-man depth chart is Kwinten Ives, a big, powerful back who in line to be second string before an injury held him out of the first few weeks of fall camp. All four backs are likely to find a role at some point in the season, as could a few of the names who didn’t make the initial depth chart.
Other rostered RBs: #25 Kenneth Williams, So.; #45 Izaac Dickey, RFr.; #32 Trent Uhlir, RFr.; #30 Vincent Genatone, Jr.; #23 Conor Booth, Fr.; #24 Jamarion Parker, Fr.
The offensive line has, without question, been the talk of fall camp. Coaches expect this to be the deepest, strongest group Nebraska has put on the field in years. A testament to that depth is the fact that transfer Elijah Pritchett, a 12-game starter at Alabama last season and a projected first-round draft pick by ESPN, remains in a three-way battle for the starting left tackle spot with Turner Corcoran and Gunnar Gottula. At the other side Teddy Prochazka has battled back from previous injuries to seemingly claim the top spot at right tackle over second-year Utah Transfer Tyler Knaak. Don’t be surprised, however, if one of the left tackles slides over to the right side if determined to be one of the best five lineman.
On the inside, Justin Evans moves over to his natural position of center from guard where he started for most of the last two seasons. He’ll be flanked to his left by team captain Henry Lutovsky and to the right by transfer Rocco Spindler, who started in last year’s National Championship game for Notre Dame.
This group may truly be the strength of this year’s Nebraska team, and–if that proves to be true–this should be a very fun season.
Other rostered OL: #74 Brock Knutson, So.; #78 Jacob Brandl, So.; #70 Nolan Fennessy, RFr.; #72 Gibson Pyle, RFr.; #68 Preston Taumua RFr.; #79 Shawn Hammerbeck, Fr.; #67 Houston Ka’aha’aina-Torres, Fr.; #56 JuJu Marks, Fr.; #63 Brian Tapu, Fr.
Tight End is another position where Nebraska coaches are very confident even despite losing Thomas Fidone to the NFL and Nate Boerkircher to Texas A&M. Atop the depth chart is the most well rounded player, Junior Luke Lindenmeyer. The staff has been high on his pro potential since they arrived, and Holgorsen began featuring him in the offense after arriving last November.
After Lindenmeyer are two players who are arguably the best athletes on the team. The first is converted quarterback Henrich Haarberg, who has taken to pass catching quite naturally. His ability to line up all over the field should cause defensive coordinators headaches. The big question with senior from Kearney is if he can hold up as an in-line blocker to stay on the field during running plays. Behind Haarberg is sophomore Carter Nelson. The former prized recruit is returning from off-season hip surgery and should get opportunities to show that he has the highest ceiling of any player on the offensive side of the ball.
Unfortunately, an injury on the first day of practice will keep former LSU transfer Mac Markway out for the season for the second straight year. The absence of his massive frame might limit the potential of this group as blockers, but look for younger players like Eric Ingwerson and Cayden Echternach to seize specialized roles.
Other rostered TEs: #48 Cayden Echternach, So.; #82 Eric Ingwerson, RFr.; #48 Danny King, RFr.; #87 Mac Markway, So.
No position on the team was as revamped through offseason acquisitions as the wide receiving corps. Kentucky transfer Dane Key was the biggest prize Nebraska landed in the portal. The rangy senior ranks 5th in career receptions for the Wildcats with 126, and the Huskers had to fight a battle with Georgia to land the recruit. Since arriving Key has earned a single digit number, a symbol of a player’s toughness, and was elected a team captain. Chances are high that he will be Raiola’s go-to target.
Another big-time portal win was the addition of Nyziah Hunter from Cal. The sophomore had a huge season for the Bears last year, hauling in 40 passes for 578 yards and 5 touchdowns. His ability to make contested catches make him a terrific asset in a Big Ten conference known for physical cornerback play.
Not to be forgotten is returning sophomore Jacory Barney. The Miami area native was Nebraska’s most electric offensive weapon in 2024, recording 55 receptions, a season record for a true freshman–an incredible feat for a player who had never been a full-time receiver during his high school career. His energy and toughness might be unrivaled within the rest of the locker room, and it would not be surprising to see him outpace the newcomers in production.
Janiran Bonner is another returning player that his proven a valuable weapon, not just as a receiving threat, but as a blocker and ball-carrier as well. He and Barney may have diametric body types and skill sets, but will both be valuable pieces in the slot position this fall.
Behind this top group are a number of young players whose roles this year should serve as launching pad for exciting futures. Quinn Clark and Keelan Smith are tall, athletic redshirt freshmen whose fathers (Ken & Neil) both starred at NU in the 80’s. The duo made a number of big plays in this year’s open practice. A pair of true freshman may also see the field. A polished route-runner, Cortez Mills is another Miami area kid who was the Husker’s top offensive signee out of high school in last year’s class. Likely needing more time to hone his craft is fellow freshman Jeremiah Jones, who at 6-4 225 may already be the most physically imposing receiver on the roster.
Other rostered WRs: #11 Demitrius Bell, So.; #26 Roman Mangini, Jr.; #81 Hayes Miller, So.; #84 DJ Singleton, RFr.; #88 Jackson Carpenter, Fr.
On the surface, Nebraska defense was again statistically excellent last year in Rhule’s second season. Yet outside of the incredible play of Ty Robinson and John Bullock, there was some subtle on-field regression. The tackling wasn’t quite as crisp, miscommunication in the secondary led to some big plays, and opponents occasionally found success on the ground.
But the three areas that truly kept the group from being elite were the same as the previous season. The inability to get off the field on third down. An middling rate of forcing turnovers. And inconsistency in rushing the passer, which is likely a reason for the first two issues.
Improving in these areas are a stated goal of new coordinator John Butler and associate head coach Phil Snow, and if the bowl game is any indication, they’ll be much more aggressive in sending pass rushers and mixing coverages.
Rhule has called Butler, whose NFL pedigree is unquestioned, one of the best football minds he has ever been around. Whether he can maintain or raise the standard the Blackshirts have set the last two years will depend on whether that schematic brilliance can be instilled into players in a way that lets them play fast and free. Some pro coaches with a reputation for high football IQ have struggled to impart that knowledge into their players. Others, like Bo Pelini, were able to make a huge, instant impact.
If the 2025 Blackshirts can create the same level of chaos as Pelini’s 2003 group, this team could be special.
The biggest question mark on the team going into the season revolves around the defensive line. The group will be breaking in all new starters with players who, although having high potential, lack experience. The player with the most game action under his belt is Senior Elijah Jeudy, who the staff hope will make a jump this year to replace the departing run-stuffer Nash Hutmacher.
Other players with three years in the program are defensive end Cam Lenhardt and fellow nose tackle Riley Van Poppel. Lenhardt looks to rebound from a sophomore campaign that dipped a bit from his breakout year as a freshman. Van Poppel redshirted last season in his second year to prepare to make a splash this season. It’s notable that he’s the lone single digit wearer along the line.
The two lineman with the highest pro potential are likely redshirt freshman transfer Williams Nwaneri and sophomore Keona Davis. Both are the types of players you want walking off the bus first heading into the stadium. Davis was able to whet his feet last year, playing as a reserve in each game. Former defensive line coach Terrance Knighton called him the next Suh. Nwaneri comes from Missouri where he transferred after redshirting despite joining the Tigers as the sixth ranked recruit in the country according to 247sports. His ascent to the top of the depth chart is a good sign for the upside of this position group.
Another pair of newcomers should also be in the rotational mix. Jaylen George, a transfer from East Tennessee State has rocketed up the depth chart despite missing all of spring and half of fall camp due to offseason surgery. Kade Piietrzak is a true freshman from North Dakota who quickly turned heads with his size and power.
Other rostered DL: #58 Mason Goldman, So.; #99 Dylan Parrott, Jr., #98 Conor Connealy, So.; #69 Landen Davidson, RFr.; #55 Ethan Duda, RFr., #57 Ashton Murphy, RFr.; #49 Malcolm Simpson, Fr.; #71 Tyson Terry, Fr.; #95 Gabe Moore, So.
The linebacker room holds a collection of athletes with an intriguing mix of youth and experience. No one is older than Javin Wright who is back for his seventh year after injuries and blood clots have placed roadblocks on his early career. He is Nebraska’s best backer in coverage. He’s joined at the other inside spot by another veteran, Georgia Southern transfer Marques Watson Trent. The reigning Sun Belt player of the year was a tackling machine despite his small stature. He actually played against Nebraska as a freshman in Scott Frost’s last game. The jack position also is headed by a senior, Oklahoma transfer Dasan McCullough. The Kansas City native has played on all three levels of defense during his career, and came to Nebraska hoping to find a home as a pass rusher.
The rest of the jack linebackers should be strong pass rushers as well. Jordan Ochoa has shot up the depth chart after first seeing action in the bowl game last season. Willis McGahee IV received limited snaps last season, but caused havoc when he played, stripping the quarterback in three separate games.
His Miami counterpart Vincent Shavers turned heads with his physical play in the Pinstripe bowl last December and should be one of the best blitzers on this year’s team. Jacob Bower’s rise from walk-on to scholarship athlete was one of the stories of the spring. And Dawson Merritt, the highest rated player of last year’s recruiting class and a former Alabama commit, was able to work himself onto the first depth chart.
Other rostered linebackers: #47 Gage Stenger, Jr.; #59 Rahmir Stewart, So.; #22 Maverick Noonan, So.; #43 Michael Booker III, Sr.; #42 Derek Wacker, RFr.; #45 Roger Gradney, So.; #46 Connor Schutt, RFr.; #50 Christian Jones, Fr.; #56 Pierce Mooberry, Fr.; #41 Tanner Terch, Fr.
The Husker defensive backs are the most experienced starting units on the team. DeShon Singleton, Marques Buford, and Ceyair Wright are senior captains and hold single digit jerseys along with fellow senior Malcom Hartzog. They will be joined in the starting lineup by cornerback Andrew Marshall a transfer from Idaho. The staff has praised his professionalism and should make a good partner for Ceyair Wright, whose play filling in for injured Tommi Hill last year was one of the bright spots of the season.
Donovan Jones is considered the top backup at corner and is looking to follow up his terrific play in the bowl game. Fellow corner Jeremiah Charles is undersized but may be the best athlete on the team, and Amare Sanders was a huge recruiting win for the Huskers two years ago. Southern Illinois transfer Jamir Conn has received high praise while vaulting into the two deep at nickel shortly after being cleared to practice after a spring injury.
Legacy athlete Caleb Benning and Colorado native Rex Guthrie may be the future at safety, and will likely see snaps this fall.
Other rostered DBs: #26 Brice Turner, So.; #31 Mario Buford, So.; #23 Blye Hill, So.; #29 Braylen Prude, RFr.; #18 Larry Tarver Jr., RFr.; #34 Preston Okafor, RFr.; #19 Kahmir Prescott, RFr.; #36 Rowdy Bauer, RFr.; #38 Thomas D’Onofrio, RFr.; #48 Caden Vermaas, Fr.; #39 Bryson Webber, Fr.; #12 Justyn Rhett, So.
Coach Ekeler completed a complete overhaul of the skill positions on special teams. New Hampshire transfer Keven Gallic comes in to fix the long snapping position after a disastrous 2024 for the Huskers. The kicking job has been won by a transfer as well in sophomore Kyle Cunanan from Cal.
The most interesting player on special teams, however, is certainly punter Archie Wilson from Australia. He is a rugby style punter, meaning he rolls out to the hash marks before kicking, and he is unique in that he can kick with either foot. Rhule claims he is an effective runner and passer as well; so punts at Nebraska have potentially never been so interesting.
Jacory Barney and Andrew Marshall will split punt return duties with a stated goal of leading the nation in punt return attempts. It should be a major change from recent years when the Huskers rarely did anything but fair catch punts. Ekeler’s units at Tennessee routinely led the nation in punt return yardage, so his track record suggests they should be effective.
Other rostered ST players: #94 Aidan Flege, Sr. (long snapper);
If the special teams can become average, let alone a strength, one doesn’t have to squint too hard to see where it might translate into more wins. Between improved play in that area, Dana Holgorsen calling plays, and the hope that Nebraska’s defense remains one of the league’s best; a Matt Rhule third-year jump might just be possible.
