Matt Rhule’s tenure in Lincoln has produced steady building progress: a 5-7 debut in 2023, a 7-6 bowl-winning season in 2024, another 7-6 campaign in 2025, and a 2026 group that many around the program are saying is by far the best roster Rhule has had so far. With three full seasons of results in the books and the 2026 roster still untested in games, the question of which roster truly featured the peak at each position invites an interesting look at production, depth, experience, what-ifs, and projection. I thought it would be fun to break down every position group and select what year of players I’d want if I were to build a team, and would 2026 take the majority of picks? So with that, let’s break it down:
Quarterback: 2026
Anthony Colandrea arrives as a proven multi-year starter with Mountain West Player of the Year credentials and dual-threat ability. I think a lot of Nebraska’s problems stemmed from Raiola, and without him, Nebraska can finally breathe. On paper, this is the most complete quarterback room Rhule has fielded, with three solid QBs I feel Nebraska could win with.
Running Back: 2025
This was the first tricky one, because in 2024 Nebraska had Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson. Both solid backs, but the question is: would Emmett have had a breakout year in 2024 without Dowdell, or did he still need the extra time? Regardless, Johnson’s 2025 year was the best season by a Nebraska running back in years, especially under Rhule.
Wide Receiver: 2026
This room has improved every year, from a clear weakness in 2023 to decent production in 2024 and 2025. The 2026 version adds proven transfer talent to returning playmakers such as Nyziah Hunter and Jacory Barney Jr., creating the deepest and most talented group of the Rhule era on paper.
Tight End: 2023
The 2023 roster had Thomas Fidone and Nate Boerkircher, both NFL draft picks. It also had a young Luke Lindenmeyer who looks to become the next NFL pick out of Nebraska this year. While production wasn’t all that great, the talent was there, so this group gets the nod.
Offensive Line: 2026
Rhule himself has called this the best offensive line of his Nebraska tenure. Returning anchors Elijah Pritchett and Justin Evans are joined by multiple Power conference transfers with starting experience, delivering the highest combination of talent, depth, and experience. Over 7,000 snaps of experience, in fact. To be fair, this will also be the first group with a real O-line coach.
Defensive Line: 2024
This one wasn’t even close. The 2024 line could do more as a three-man front than any other year with four men. 2024 is the mark so far under Rhule.
Linebacker: 2024
This year included guys like Princewell Umanmielen (Projected 2026 1st round pick), MJ Sherman, John Bullock, Vincent Shavers, and Javin Wright, to name a few. The talent in this room was great, and the overall production was solid. 2026 could give this group a run for their money, though.
Secondary: 2025
Top 3 pass defense in the country is all that really needs to be said here. Other years had talent but not nearly the production as 2025. However, I do think the 2026 squad could very well match up, but considering 2025 was a top 3 pass defense with no D-line help, you have to give it to them.
Special Teams: 2026
If we were including coaches in this, then 2025 easily wins this with Coach Ekeler. However, since we are just going off of players, 2026 gets the pick. You bring back your starting punter and kicker under Ekeler, but with even more experience and training. Plus, you bring in the top long-snapper in the portal with Jack Wills. 2026 has the players to make the special teams truly special.
In conclusion, 2026 comes out with roughly 45% of the picks and a few close calls. I do think this is Rhule’s best roster overall, and I think the coaches that are on staff are also among the best Nebraska has had in far too long. Nebraska has roughly 20-25 four- and five-star players on its roster depending on what site you use. It’s time for Nebraska to start beating the teams with last talent like Minnesota, but also the teams who are equal or even better, talent-wise, like Michigan and Washington. Rhule said he didn’t come to Nebraska to go 7-6, so the standard has been set. If the on-paper upgrades translate, there should be no excuses for why Nebraska can’t win 8 games.