One of the top headlines leading up to the season has had to do with transfers into the wide receiver room. With the additions of Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor, whoever is at starting quarterback will have Big Ten bodies to throw to. Looking at their track record, there is good reason to expect these seniors to be game-changers for NU.
The statistics below were gathered from bigten.org and huskers.com.
Jahmal Banks
The clear-cut top transfer for the Cornhuskers is positioned to be an All-Big Ten caliber receiver. The 2022 honorable mention All-ACC wideout amassed 1,289 receiving yards for Wake Forest over the past two seasons, with a different starting quarterback each season. If the 6 feet 4 inch, 220-pound split end can keep consistent production for Big Red, this should be one of the best additions, helping a possibly dangerous November football squad down the stretch.
Isaiah Neyor
Transitioning to Neyor, one thing in his repertoire is that he’s better than Banks in the receiver’s speed. Sophomore wideout Jaylen Lloyd, who has been clocked at 22 miles per hour, said in this past Friday’s press conference, “Jacory Barney Jr., Isaiah Neyor and I are going to have to race someday to see who is the fastest.” The Texas transfer is listed at the same height and weight as Banks. Injuries affected his tenure as a Longhorn. Before playing at Texas he was a Wyoming Cowboy. There, in 2021 he caught 44 passes for 878 receiving yards. Neyor received second-team All-Mountain West honors that season for his accomplishments. If the Texan can stay healthy, look out for a breakthrough similar to Trey Palmer.
Putting this into perspective, in 2023, Nebraska had a team total of 1,631 receiving yards, which was dead last in the conference, yes, even behind Iowa. Combining Neyor’s 878 from 2021 and Banks’ 653 from 2023 equates to 94% of what the Cornhuskers achieved this past season. The experience these two bring substantially helps develop their teammates both physically and mentally.
The assumption among Husker Nation is that Coach Rhule will name Dylan Raiola as the starter this week. Opposing teams will be game-planning on how to rattle the youngster if it’s Raiola. Even though he has potential to the clouds, having these experienced wideouts will help ease the freshman into hostile environments. Banks has proven to be a solid pass catcher no matter who the quarterback is. If Heinrich Haarberg or Daniel Kaelin comes in, I am confident both of these senior receivers will continue to be key weapons for this rejuvenated offense.
