I’m already seeing discussion from fans and media reviewing Nebraska’s 2025 schedule and predicting wins and losses. While that’s fun to talk about, several things need to happen before I can even think about wins and losses. One is seeing the final 105-man roster. The other is knowing Matt Rhule’s staff is complete. There still hasn’t been a special teams coordinator hired, and I’d be surprised if there aren’t additional staff changes before fall practice starts.
It’s anybody’s guess how Rhule and his staff will approach reaching 105, and they have until July to get to that number. It’s probably safe to think the big moves on the roster won’t happen until the new staff becomes familiar with guys and the full staff is complete. I know just trying to list what could be the final roster is difficult. I would hate to be the one who must tell some of these guys they aren’t going to make it. Prepare yourself Husker fans, there will be some names moving on that will surprise you
When trying to make the 105-man roster, I first determined how many players at each position are needed. Matt Rhule and his staff will probably think differently, but on offense I went with 20 offensive linemen, 6 tight ends, 13 wide receivers, 5 quarterbacks, and 6 running backs, for a total of (50). On defense, I went with 16 defensive linemen, 14 linebackers, and 20 defensive backs for a total of (50). On special teams I went with 2 placekickers, 2 punters, and 1 long snapper to reach (105). I’m sure my numbers won’t match the final tally, but it’s a good start. So, let’s start reviewing the current roster and what it’s going to take to get to 105.
Over the next few days, I’ll cover each position. First, I’ll start with the defensive line. With new defensive coordinator John Butler, I anticipate a shift in how the Blackshirts play defense. Butler is more aggressive than Tony White and will play more of a ‘search and destroy’ defense rather than a ‘bend don’t break’. The ‘bend don’t break’ was one of the reasons Nebraska couldn’t get off the field on third downs. Butler and new defensive line coach Terry Bradden will shoot gaps, run more stunts and use a variety of blitzes. This will change the body type Butler and Bradden are looking for on the defensive line.
If you look at the current Kansas City Chiefs roster, you’ll see big bodied defensive tackles like 6’6” 310-pound Chris Jones and 6’4” 330-pound Mike Pennel. At defensive end, you’ll see smaller quicker guys like 6’4”, 263-pound George Karlaftis and 6’2”, 257-pound Micheal Danna. This means guys like Cam Lenhardt who bulked up from 240-pounds as a freshman to 265-pounds last season will slim back down. It was evident Lenhardt was quicker and more productive at a lighter weight. Look for him to drop 10 to 15 pounds. And he won’t be the only one, Butler and Bradden will work with Corey Campbell to make this defensive line quicker.
I won’t spend much time on guys that are gone. The Huskers lost 2 players to graduation, Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher. They also lost 8 players to the transfer portal. Jimari Butler (LSU), James Williams (Florida St.), Princewell Umanmielen (Ole Miss), Kai Wallin (Oregon St.), Vincent Jackson (UConn), Brodie Tagaloa (Sacramento St.), AJ Rollins and walk-on Leslie Black. I’ve included the Jack position with the linebackers. However, you’ll notice I listed Umanmielen here because outside of Nebraska he is considered a defensive lineman.
When bringing in new blood, the Huskers added 3 high school recruits and 3 transfer portal players.
Recruits
Tyson Terry, 6’2”, 280lbs, DL, Omaha, NE
Malcolm Simpson, 6’3”, 255lbs, DL, Hitchcock, TX
Kade Pietrzak, 6’4”, 250lbs, DL, West Fargo, ND
Portal Players
Williams Nwaneri, 6’7” 255lbs, Edge, RFr
Jaylen George, 6’2” 265lbs, DL, Jr
Gabe Moore, 6’4” 290lbs, DL, So
After losses and additions, the Huskers stand at 18 defensive linemen. By my numbers, they need to get to 16. While I believe this group to be equally, if not more talented, than their predecessors, they are young and lack experience. Of the 18 players, there are no seniors, 2 juniors, 9 sophomores, 4 redshirt freshmen, and 3 true freshmen. It’s hard to imagine the six newcomers not making the roster. Taking that approach, there are 10 spots left for the12 players listed below.
Current Roster
Riley Van Poppel, 6’5”, 290lbs, So
Elijah Jeudy, 6’3” 285lbs, Jr
Cam Lenhardt, 6’3”, 260lbs, So
Keona Davis, 6’5” 255lbs, So
Sua Lefotu, 6’3” 295lbs, So
Jordan Ochau, 6’4”, 250lbs, RFr
Ashton Murphy, 6’5” 295lbs, So
David Hoffken, 6’7”, 255lbs, RFr
David Borchers, 6’4”, 300lbs, So
Dylan Parrott, 6’5” 315lbs, So
Mason Goldman, 6’5”, 260lbs, RFr
Conor Connealy, 6’4” 255lbs, So
Riley Van Poppel redshirted last season, and if you asked him, he would tell you it was the right move. It gave him another year of development and prepared him for the upcoming season. He’s fully invested. Keona Davis went into the portal and then quickly withdrew. It didn’t take long for Nebraska to convince him staying was in his best interest. Cam Lenhardt and Elijah Jeudy have both seen plenty of action and are solid. Sua Lefotu and Jordan Ochau have looked good when they’ve gotten reps. That’s a total of twelve guys that you feel like will be on the roster. If the season were to start today, my 2-deep would appear as follows:
NT – Riley Van Poppel, 6’5”, 290lbs, So – Elijah Jeudy, 6’3” 285lbs, Jr
DE – Jaylen George, 6’2” 265lbs, DL, Jr – Keona Davis, 6’5” 255lbs, So
DE – Cam Lenhardt, 6’3”, 260lbs, So – Williams Nwaneri, 6’7” 255lbs, Edge, RFr
It’s going to be interesting to watch the Blackshirts this coming season with new defensive line coach Terry Bradden. We won’t know until it happens, but as of now I’m optimistic Bradden has more to offer due to his experience in the NFL. That coupled with what I would consider improved talent should produce results on the field. The 16 that make the roster will have to compete daily to see playing time. Competition will make this group better. I really like and am excited to watch some of the young guys like Van Poppel, Davis, Nwaneri, and Pietrzak. Even with the inexperience, I anticipate the defensive line to make a jump this season.
Up next, linebackers.
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