This is the final player installment of ‘Getting to 105’. 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).
The addition of Glenn Thomas as the quarterback coach last season helped in the development of Dylan Raiola and the rest of the quarterbacks. But nothing will help this room more than Dana Holgorsen as the offensive coordinator. The four games we witnessed last season showed that simplifying the offense along with improved play calling increased offensive production. The addition of Daikiel Shorts as the wide receivers coach along with his familiarity of Holgorsen’s system will only expedite that process.
As for the upcoming season, the Huskers didn’t lose anyone from the quarterback position to graduation. One player entered the transfer portal, Daniel Kailen. And one player, Heinrich Haarberg, switched positions.
Kailen redshirted and never got on the field. Kailen was a big addition for Nebraska before Raiola decommitted from Georgia. Having competed against Raiola throughout recruiting and Elite 11, Kailen thought about moving on, but remained at Nebraska. After one season it became clear Kailen would only play if Raiola was injured or graduated early. With that in mind Kailen transferred to the University of Virgina.
Haarberg, playing QB behind Raiola last season, was 10/18 passing for 101 yards, 0 TD’s and 1 interception. He rushed 25 times for 101 yards and 1 TD. He was sacked one time. Rhule and his staff realized Haarberg was too talented athletically not to be on the field and with the addition of two young quarterbacks, moved Haarberg to tight end. It’s a win-win.
The Huskers added one high school player and one player from the portal to replace the two players that departed.
As of now the additions are as follows:
Recruits
TJ Lateef, 6’1”, 185lbs, Compton, Ca
Lateef was one of the best quarterback recruits from the West Coast in 2025. He was a three-year starter and an all-league selection as a sophomore and junior. In high school he completed 550 passes on 837 attempts for a 65.7% completion rate for 6,491 yards and 53 TD’s. As a runner he gained 659 yards and scored 13 TD’s. Lateef has been highly thought of since the 2022 offseason, often being mentioned as a top signal-caller. Once he earned an invitation to the Elite 11 Finals his recruitment took off. Not yet a Bin Ten quarterback physically, Lateef has the talent and skill needed to be a successful college quarterback. With his arm strength he can make throws at all three levels, although he occasionally must load up to deliver the ball on deep throws. He’s a pure pocket-passer with the capability of making defenses pay with his mobility. Like Raiola, he’s calm in the pocket, can deliver the ball from several arm angles and is accurate while throwing on the run. Lateef has good upsides and with coaching from Thomas and Holgorsen he will push others in the room to perform. He got a jumpstart on his time in Lincoln by arriving on campus in time to work out with the team during bowl practices.
Portal Transfers
Marcos Davila, 6’3”, 233lbs, RFr, Midland, Tx
Davila, who was a four-star recruit, played his high school football at Midland Lagacy in Texas. Recruited by OC Graham Harrell, also a Texas native, Davila signed with Purdue out of high school and was part of the 2024 class. Davila never played while at Purdue and redshirted. With the firing of Harrell and head coach Troy Walters, Davila transferred to Nebraska. Davila, who had a connection with Dana Holgorsen stated upon his arrival in Nebraska that he was very close to flipping his commitment from Purdue to Houston and HC Dana Holgorsen. After visiting Nebraska and spending time with Holgorsen and QB coach Glenn Thomas, Davila felt Nebraska was a good fit. A pure pocket-passer with a strong arm, Davila put up big numbers in West Texas’s largest division and was heavily recruited by more than 20 schools. He threw for 9,101 yards and 93 TD’s in his three seasons as a starter, both school records. He led his team to a district title in each of his three seasons as a starter and was named offensive newcomer of the year as a sophomore. He competed in the Austin Regional Elite 11 prior to his senior year. He has the talent and the attitude to push Raiola for playing time, however, like Raiola, he needs to improve at running the ball when needed.
After losses and additions, the Huskers stand at 6 quarterbacks. Of the 6 players on the roster there is 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 sophomore, 2 red-shirt freshmen, and 1 true freshman.
Current Roster
Dyan Raiola, 6’3”, 230lbs, So
Jayln Gramstad, 6’0”, 200lbs, Sr
Brode Soukup, 6’2”, 195lbs, RFr
Luke Longval, 6’2”, 210lbs, Jr
Raiola returns for his sophomore season and there is little doubt he will be the starter. Raiola had what many would consider a successful freshman campaign. However, there is room for improvement in both taking care of the ball and learning to use his legs. Raiola completed 275 passes on 410 attempts for 2,819 yards, for a 67.1% completion rate,13 TD’s and 11 interceptions. He was credited with 50 carries for -65 yards. The negative rushing yard total is a result of being sacked 27 times. Strip sacks occurred as well, such as in the Iowa game. It is expected Raiola will improve in his second year, especially with Dana Holgorsen as the new OC. There was a noticeable change in Raiola’s play over the last three games of the season with Holgorsen at the helm. With improved offensive line play and running game, along with the addition of talented receivers who can break press coverage, Raiola could have a break-out season. If Raiola can learn to scramble for first downs the offense will take a major step forward. I also believe the addition of Marcos Davila will push Raiola to get better, an added element that wasn’t present last season.
Gramstad played in one game last season at Nebraska. He completed 1 of 3 passes for 11 yards in the first game of the season against UTEP. Gramstad was a graduate transfer from NAIA school Northwestern College in Iowa. In his four seasons as a Raider, he played his first two seasons as a defensive back and his last two at quarterback. As defensive back he logged 67 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery. But it was at quarterback where he excelled, leading the Raiders to two NAIA national championship games. Playing QB, he completed 438 passes on 647 attempts for 6,237 yards and 60 TD’s. He also rushed for 1,822 yards and 31 TD’s. In 2023 he was the NAIA Player of the Year, the Great Plains Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was a first-team All-American. His arrival at Nebraska added much needed experience to a young QB room. Gramstad, who wants to get into coaching obviously recognized the opportunity of returning for one final season under the direction of Dana Holgorsen.
Longval did not play in a game in 2024. He joined Nebraska after working out at camp. Prior to Nebraska he spent one season at Iowa Western Community College, where he redshirted in 2022. A knee injury shortened his senior season at Sioux City North High School in Iowa, he completed 112 passes on 196 attempts for 1,410 yards and accounted for 14 total touchdowns in just eight games. In his junior season, he threw for nearly 1,500 yards with 17 touchdowns. Prior to his senior season, Longval competed at the Elite 11 Houston Regional, where he posted the top score at The Pro Day drill. Longval will compete with Soukup for the last roster spot at quarterback.
Soukup did not play in a game and used his redshirt in the 2024 season. When looking at the 105 roster there is a Nebraska kid at almost every position who dreams of playing for the Huskers. Soukup is that guy at the quarterback position. Playing at Blair High School he finished his career with 4,477 yards and 44 passing touchdowns and was one of the state’s most productive quarterbacks. Soukup led his team to the state playoffs as both a junior and a senior. He also received all-state recognition in both of those seasons. He was his team’s punter all four years of his high school career as well.
When looking at the quarterback room there are currently 6 on the roster. According to my numbers there are 5 spots available. And 5 may be a push if Glenn Thomas and Dana Holgorsen are comfortable with the talent and performance of the top 4. The number of QB’s carried on the 105-roster may very well be determined by the number of bodies who are needed at other positions.
If the season were to start today with everyone healthy, my 3-deep would appear as follows:
Dyan Raiola, 6’3”, 230lbs, So
Marcos Davila, 6’3”, 233lbs, RFr
Jayln Gramstad, 6’0”, 200lbs, Sr
Obviously, I’ve listed Dylan Raiola as number one as he’ll be the clear-cut starter. Holgorsen and everyone around Raiola consistently compliment him on his football knowledge, film study habits and work ethic. With that said, I anticipate Raiola making a jump to the next level for multiple reasons, a year of experience, Holgorsen calling plays, and being pushed by the guys behind him. Haarberg was never going to take the starting position from him last season. This year is different. Holgorsen is aware of Marcos Davila’s abilities and what he is capable of, and Davila wouldn’t have come to Nebraska if he wasn’t hungry and believed he had a shot at seeing the field. Jayln Gramstad has a world of experience and is perfect for his role in this room.TJ Lateef will more than likely redshirt, but the freshman is talented enough to play if needed. Brode Soukup and Luke Longval are wild cards.
Like many of the position rooms, this group is deep on talent and short on experience. It’ll be interesting to watch their development.
That sums up getting to 105 as far as the players are concerned. Up next, we’ll look at the coaching staff. Knowing the staff and their backgrounds will be a good indicator of what is important to each of them and how it will affect the roster.
All stats gathered from espn,com and The University of Nebraska’s official website.
Go to Off The Cob to see the current 105-man roster and more on Husker football.
