This is the fourth installment of ‘Getting to 105’. In the first three installments I covered defense. Now we move to offense. If you have been reading the earlier articles, then you know by now I established my 105 by first determining how many players are needed at each position. On offense, I decided on the following, 20 offensive linemen, 6 tight ends, 13 wide receivers, 5 quarterbacks, and 6 running backs for a total of (50). My numbers of course will more than likely be different from what we’ll see on opening day, but they are a good starting point.
Just as I discussed there being changes to the defensive scheme with John Butler at defensive coordinator, the same will be true on offense with Dana Holgorsen as the offensive coordinator. Holgorsen has already stated that when he took over play calling the play sheet was too big and too complicated. Simplifying things on offense helps everyone, but perhaps no one more than offensive line coach Donavan Raiola and the offensive line.
Raiola was the only coach Matt Rhule retained from Scott Frost’s staff. At the time, that was bad news to most Husker fans. In Raiola’s single year prior to Rhule the offensive line struggled. But much of that was due to Raiola not meshing with offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Whipple didn’t do the offensive line any favors and consistently put them in no-win situations. Things got better with Satterfield as offensive coordinator. Things will improve further under Holgorsen. Look for this unit to take another step forward and for the offense to improve.
Aaron Coeling returns as assistant offensive line coach, and with cutting down the roster it will allow players more one on one time. The only other change in the offensive staff other than Holgorsen is the addition of Daikiel Shirts Jr. as the wide receiver’s coach. Marcus Satterfield returns as the tight ends coach, EJ Barthel comes back as the running back’s coach, and Glenn Thomas returns as the quarterback coach. Consistency in the coaching ranks is vital to creating a stable and winning environment.
Up to this point I haven’t spent much time on the guys that are gone, and that won’t change now. The Huskers lost 3 players to graduation, Ben Scott, Bryce Benhart, and Micah Mazzccua. They had 2 players enter the transfer portal, Jacob Hood and Xander Ruggeroli. As of now I would consider Teddy Prochazka and Turner Corcoran wild cards. Both have suffered numerous injuries throughout their time at Nebraska, some of them season ending. While both have several starts under their belts, their return will be based on health and their willingness to be backups. Neither is guaranteed of making the starting lineup. For now, I’ll consider them healthy.
The Huskers added 4 high school players and 1 transfer portal player to match the 5 that are gone. Nebraska has pursued every top tier offensive tackle who has entered the portal. Yet, they’ve been unable to land players such as Isaiah World, Fa’alili Fa’amoe, and Shiyazh Pete. It’s a given they will continue to monitor the portal closely as they would like to add at least one more potential starter at the tackle position.
As of now, additions are as follows:
Recruits
Houston Kaahaaina-Torres, 6’3”, 275lbs, Waimanalo, HI
Brian Tapu, 6’7”, 295lbs, Salt Lake City, UT
Shawn Hammerbeck, 6’6”, 260lbs Hamill, SD
Juju Marks, 6’6”, 290lbs, Olathe, KS
Portal Players
Elijah Pritchett, 6’6” 312lbs, Jr, Alabama
Pritchett comes to Nebraska after being ranked as a five-star recruit in the class of 22 and listed by 247Sports as the number 4 player at his position. He spent three seasons at Alabama and played two. As a redshirt freshman, Pritchett saw action in all 14 games. He started 13 games in 2024, playing 12 at right tackle and 1 at left tackle. Pritchett is considered a solid acquisition and potential starter. However, he has work to do with pass blocking. From a run blocking standpoint, he has been mentioned as a potential Outland Trophy candidate.
After losses and additions, the Huskers stand at 22 offensive linemen. By my numbers, they need to get to 20. Of the 22 players on the roster there are 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 6 sophomores, 6 redshirt freshmen, and 4 true freshmen. As for experience, the 3 seniors, Prochazka, Corcoran, and Lutovsky have started and played in multiple games. Of the juniors, Evans is a two-year starter, and Tyler Knaack saw action until an injury sidelined him. Portal addition Elijah Pritchett looks to be a day one starter. Of the 6 sophomores, there is a tremendous amount of potential but little experience other than Gunnar Gottula at left tackle. The starting center will depend on the development of Sam Sledge. Justin Evans could stay at left guard if Sledge can handle the center duties. But Nebraska is deeper at the guard position than at center, so if Sledge struggles, Evans will play center. Grant Brix could also see time at right tackle. The 4 freshman additions will need to show that they deserve to be on the roster. If all 4 make the roster, that leaves 16 available spots for the 18 players listed below. Just remember, for every addition made through the portal, someone else will be forced out.
Current Roster
Gunner Gottula, 6’6”, 305lbs, S0
Teddy Prochazaka, 6’10”, 315lbs, Sr
Grant Seagren, 6’6”, 305lbs, So
Justin Evans, 6’1”, 315lbs, Jr
Jason Maciejczak, 6’2”, 305, So
Landen Davidson, 6’4”, 310lbs, RFr
Preston Tauma, 6’4”, 325lbs, RFr
Sam Sledge, 6’4”, 295lbs, So
Jake Peters, 6’3”, 285lbs, RFr
Gibson Pyle, 6’6”, 295lbs, RFr
Henry Lutovsky, 6’6”, 320lbs, Sr
Grant Brix, 6’6”, 310lbs, RFr
Tyler Knaack, 6’6”, 325lbs, Jr
Nolan Fennesey, 6’4”, 280lbs, RFr
Jacob Brandl, 6’3”, 305lbs, So
Brock Knutson, 6’7”, 305lbs, So
Turner Corcoran, 6’6”, 310lbs, Sr
If the season were to start today, and everyone healthy, my 2-deep would appear as follows:
LT – Elijah Pritchett, 6’6” 312lbs, Jr – Teddy Prochazaka, 6’10”, 315lbs, Sr
LG – Tyler Knaack, 6’6”, 325lbs, Jr – Jason Maciejczak, 6’2”, 305, So
C – Justin Evans, 6’1”, 315lbs, Jr – Sam Sledge, 6’4”, 295lbs, So
RG – Henry Lutovsky, 6’6”, 320lbs, Sr – Turner Corcoran, 6’6”, 310lbs, Sr
RT – Gunner Gottula, 6’6”, 305lbs, So – Grant Brix, 6’6”, 310lbs, RFr
Don’t be surprised if the actual line-up looks much different come opening day.
You may have noticed Matt Rhule has shifted gears on being a developmental program and worked the portal harder this year. And while that’s true of the skill and specialty positions, he’ll stick with developing offensive lineman. He didn’t have a lot to work with when he first arrived, and he’s trying to build depth. As he does, you’ll see fewer additions from the portal. Even though right now Nebraska would like to add more depth at tackle. That’s due to experience rather than talent. Nebraska has a good offensive line room, it’s just young.
This is one room that I feel like Nebraska hasn’t recruited over the current roster. But don’t think there won’t be competition in this room, because there will be.
Up next, we’ll look at the tight ends. A position that has lost a couple of big names but still has plenty of potential.
Go to Off The Cob to see the current 105-man roster and more on Husker football.