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All Big Ten are words that havent been spoken much in Lincoln over the last decade. And in a new look Big Ten where if you receive all conference honors you will most likely be receiving All American votes, do the Cornhuskers have anyone on the watchlist? From receivers to linebackers there is a very good possibility Nebraska lands at least one player on that list.
Starting out on offense, the Wake Forest transfer and current standout in spring camp Jahmal Banks is someone who Nebraska’s quarterback room could lean on heavily as a safety blanket. Standing at 6 ‘4 and already receiving All ACC honors, Banks is the first player that comes to mind on offense when it comes to accolades in 2024. With his experience and his already proven abilities on the field Banks could very well find himself in conversation for that coveted All Conference conversation. Not to mention, if we do go with the presumed starter at Quarterback in freshman Dylan Riola he will be looking for leaders on the outside with reliable hands to consistently get the ball to.
Another skill player that if he finally puts it all together could easily be in this conversation would be Tight End Thomas Fidone. Fidone is only a junior but has all of the attributes to be considered the best TE in the Big Ten. At 6’6, 250lbs Fidone can not only block with his massive frame but looks very comfortable catching the ball across the middle of the field. If Nebraska can target Fidone 8-10 times a game, he could surely be an impact player that defenses will have to scheme for on third down.
On defense, when I really set back and decipher who can make that jump in 2024 to an All Conference level player, three defenders stand out and one potential darkhorse comes to mind. Nash Hutmacher, a fan favorite, is well on his way to becoming a defining talent for Nebraska this year. There are even rumblings of coaches holding Nash out of plays to keep him fresh causing arguments between Nash and coaches due to his love for the sport and competitive nature. Nash will compete a bit leaner this year than last, giving him an edge. As well as a year of growth in the weight room and the time spent with the wrestling team definitely didn’t hurt. Nash is Nebraska’s best shot at this time for an All Conference level player.
Two others that definitely deserve to be mentioned are defensive back Tommi Hill and linebacker Issac Gifford. According to coaches Hill has made strides over the off season and could provide lockdown coverage for Nebraska in 2024. Gifford lead Nebraska in tackles in 2023 with 86 which was 35 more than anyone else on the team. His leadership is outstanding and his drive to do better every day shows on the field. Gifford has one of those intangibles that you can not measure and that is heart. My player to watch in 2024 is Cam Lenhardt, with Nash and Robinson drawing attention away. Lenhardt could easily use his pass rushing ability to impress not only Husker fans but draw attention Nationally.
With so many players that have more potential than we have seen in a while and Matt Rhule’s ability to develop talent it is hard to find clear standouts this early in the year. From a loaded running backs and receivers room to a much improved O-Line Nebraska is looking good early on. Will we have the standout talent to bring home individual accolades or not? Either way, this years Husker team is shaping up into something that will be fun to watch!
Jeff Duda is a CEO in the music industry and a lifelong Husker fan. Playing football for a majority of the first half of his life. From college football to Arena Football as well as being invited to NFL and CFL tryouts, he has thoroughly immersed himself in the college football community. With a passion for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a love for the non-stop modern college football landscape, he hopes to take you on this journey with him through ups and downs that come with being a Husker fan.