Spring football is here and while it’s always easy to get excited for what many of us feel is the beginning of the football season, there won’t be any payoff until August 28th in Kansas City. There’s no place like Nebraska, and now with no spring game on April 26th there is no place to go in Nebraska and nothing to look forward to. As far as football is concerned, nothing is happening on that day that will give us any indication of what lies ahead. So, with that said, it’s time to just ramp up the wishful thinking, all the pre-season hype, our good feelings, and tell ourselves this is the year. After all, Matt Rhule has been telling us since his arrival it all happens in year three.
What Makes this 2025 Team Different
It’s easy to say that Rhule’s first two Nebraska teams underachieved. Both seasons they went into their ninth game with a record of 5-3 only to finish 5-7 and 6-6. How those teams finished the season says a lot. Granted, last season’s team got that sixth win and then won a bowl game, but that wouldn’t have happened without the arrival of Dana Holgorsen. Several people want to point to a lack of talent, but the talent was there. Nebraska probably should have finished both seasons 8-4. So, what makes this year’s team different? It’s what’s between the ears, a different mindset. As much as I liked the guys who played the last two seasons, they were holdovers from the Frost teams. They were beaten down, and because of that there was a lack of confidence and a belief they could win. When things got tough, they were unable to find what it took. People will argue with me when I say young blood will make the difference. But gone are most of the old guys who couldn’t shake the doubt. In fact, there are only a handful of Frost holdovers left on this roster with playing time. They’ve been replaced with young guys or portal guys who are hungry, have higher potential, are more athletic, and have no clue they aren’t supposed to be in playoff contention. This is a different team with a different attitude.
Signs Nebraska’s Talent Level Has Improved
Something that will be interesting to watch this season is who makes the 105-man roster. There are fifth- and sixth-year guys who have started several games but seem to have been stricken with the injury bug each year. What will happen when it comes down to younger players who have shown real potential and older guys who have had a problem staying on the field. Two of those guys are Teddy Prochazaka and Turner Corcoran. Are they willing to stick around if it means being in a reserve role? And it doesn’t end with just injuries. The defensive back and wide receiver rooms are overcrowded with young talent and new coaches with high expectations. Guys like Malcolm Hartzog and Janiran Bonner could find themselves in back-up roles as well. If told that, will they be willing to stay? If you see guys with playing time over multiple years hitting the portal, it’s a good sign the talent level has surpassed them.
Guys at the Top of the Non-existent Depth Chart
Rhule commented in his Tuesday press conference that there is no depth chart. It makes sense since there isn’t going to be a spring game. Why do you need a depth chart for a skills competition. Or is this a Dan Lanning move? Oregon’s head coach said they don’t have first and second units on the offensive line but move guys around during practice and don’t post a depth chart. This is so guys won’t get discouraged and leave. If they see they are third or fourth string they may not stick around. I guess I’m old school, sounds a bit like a participation trophy mentality to me. I personally would want to know where I stood.
But regardless of whether there is a depth chart or not at Nebraska, there are guys who will no doubt be starters. So, who are they? On offense they are quarterback Dylan Raiola, running back Emmett Johnson, wide receiver Dane Key, offensive linemen Rocco Spindler and Justin Evans. On defense it’ll be defensive lineman, Riley Van Poppel, linebackers Vincent Shavers Jr, Marques Watson-Trent and cornerback Ceyair Wright. This group of guys won’t be beaten out.
There are probably other guys who could easily be put on this list, but I’m not convinced they will win out. Guys like Jacory Barney Jr., Nyziah Hunter, Elijah Pritchett, Cam Lenhardt, Desan McCullough, and DeShon Singleton could all very well be starters, but there is too much competition at their positions to call it a sure thing this early.
Game Changers & Game Wreckers
Who are some of the names who fall under this heading? Well, it isn’t just players, it’s coaches too. New offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen already showed us he can be a game changer with what he did in his four games at OC. From a production standpoint, two of Dylan Raiola’s top three games came under Holgorsen. Emmett Johnson put up more than half of his rushing yards, catches. and receiving yards in his last four games. Look for that increase in production to continue under Holgorsen.
Special teams coordinator Mike Ekler isn’t only a game changer, he falls into the season changing category as well. Sadly, from what Husker fans have seen over the last few seasons, that won’t take much. But if Ekler can just get the special teams to perform at a mediocre level it’ll be worth at least two wins this season. But mediocre isn’t in Ekler’s vocabulary, look for massive improvement instead.
The game changing players are Dane Key, Jacory Barney Jr., Nyziah Hunter, and Heinrich Haarberg. I know, another year of pre-season hype at the wide receiver position. But with Holgorsen, Shorts, and Raiola in his second year, the hype is real. And look for Haarberg at tight end to have a breakout season.
Game wreckers will be Cam Lenhardt, Vincent Shavers Jr., and Desan McCullum. With Butler’s approach to third down there will be an all-out effort to get to quarterbacks. I’ll go out on a limb and say these three guys will lead the team in sacks at the end of the season.
Yeah, I know what you are thinking, how can I list all these guys as game changers when they aren’t starters.
Get On the Hype Train
Four portal guys that if they live up to the hype will leave a mark on the season. They are offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, wide receiver Hardley Gilmore IV, defensive end Williams Nwaneri, and defensive back Andrew Marshall. We’ll have to wait and see if they perform at the level everyone is anticipating, but if they do, Rhule will be lauded for recognizing talent in the transfer portal. Step aside Curt Cignetti.
Flying Under the Radar
Players who are being underestimated and will make a strong contribution this season are quarterback Marcos Davila, running back Makhi Nelson, tight end Luke Lindenmeyer, and wide receiver Quinn Clark. I know I made some of you shudder by naming Davila because the only way he gets in the game is if Raiola comes out. But the odds of Raiola starting every game this season aren’t good. Holgorsen handpicked Davila for a reason. It’s because he’s familiar with him and knows what he is capable of. On defense, look out for defensive lineman Keona Davis, and defensive back Caleb Benning. Everything you hear on these two tells you they are ballers.
Lean on Me
Nebraska’s secondary and defensive line go hand in hand. There are concerns about both units, but the success of one will save the other. If the DB’s can cover, it gives the D-Line time to get to the QB. If the D-Line can get to the QB quickly, the DB’s don’t have to cover as long. One unit will live or die with the success of the other. Butler and his staff will need to get these units in synch.
Talent on the Rise
Offensive positions that have better talent than last season.
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
- Offensive Line
Offensive position room equal to last season.
- Running back – has more talent, less experience. Still lacks a break away back and must find a power back replacement for Dowdell.
Defensive positions that have better talent than last season.
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Safety
Defensive position room equal to last season.
- Defensive line – more talent, potential, and explosiveness. Need to prove they can hold up against B1G offensive lines and power running games.
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