Snapshot of the Roster 01/24/26

I’ll admit, it’s probably way too soon to do this, but if you’re a Husker fan like I am then you want to know what the roster looks like headed into the new spring practice date. Also, as a fan, it’s too easy to convince yourself the roster looks better than last season and an improvement should be expected. But thinking like Forest Gump, “Football is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

There is a ton of discussion over the fact Nebraska didn’t pursue a running back in the transfer portal, and at first, I agreed. But when I look at the running back room I find I have more confidence in EJ Barthel each passing season. Especially after what we saw from Emmett Johnson. Barthel obviously sees something in that room, and surprisingly, nobody is talking about incoming freshman Jahmal Rule. While we haven’t seen it, it isn’t unthinkable for a freshman to get playing time. And with the addition of new offensive line coach Geep Wade and a scheme that allows the quarterback to run, pass protection won’t be an absolute must like it was with Raiola.

If Nebraska faltered anywhere when hitting the portal it was finding defensive lineman. That isn’t to say I don’t like a couple of the guys they picked up, but it appears they made lateral gains. Nobody is a homerun. I’m telling myself they weren’t more aggressive because they really like Riley Van Poppel, Kade Pietrzak, Tyson Terry, Malcolm Simpson and Williams Nwaneri. Plus, the move to the four-man front will put players in positions they are better suited for. What I’m really hoping to see is an improvement from players with the addition of coaches Corey Brown and Roy Manning, Past coaches haven’t gotten the best out of guys. Will we see someone like David Hoffken make strides and standout. At 6’7” and 285 pounds he should be an animal. Can they light a fire under him and others?

Position wise, they made their biggest moves at quarterback, offensive line, and linebacker. I probably shouldn’t say it, but I was glad to see them move on from Raiola. He fit in with the moment, but he wasn’t the future. I think Nebraska is better at quarterback this year than they have been since Rhule took over. Anthony Colandrea appears to me to have that ‘It’ factor that has been missing. There will be mistakes, but he is the kind of guy that makes plays to make up for them. Getting Kaelin back was also big. In my mind he is already ahead of TL Lateef in the rotation. Not many programs can boast their top three QBs all have starting experience in the power four.

On offensive line there is no reason to believe the three new portal additions in Brendan Black, Tree Babalade, and Paul Mubenga won’t be day one starters with Justin Evans and Elijah Pritchett. That means there should be good developing depth behind them in Gottula, Sledge, Brix, and Taumua. With Geep Wade as offensive line coach I look for big strides from the offensive line in 2026.

I also like the additions at linebacker. Rob Aurich adding Owen Chambliss was huge. Chambliss knows Arich’s system and was a big part of the Aztec’s success last season. I was big on Will Hawthorne when I watched his high school film and was disappointed when Nebraska missed out on him the first go around. In my mind he is the kind of linebacker we have been missing. Dexter Foster was also a good add to go with Vincent Shavers and Dawson Merritt.

Kwazi Gilmer at wide receiver will be a day one starter, taking Dane Key’s spot. I anticipate Nalin Scott will see playing time as freshman. Nobody is talking about him, but I think Luke Sorsen at tight end will see playing time as well. He is a good compliment to Lindenmeyer, and we may see Holgorsen creating double Luke sets.

Picking up Jack Willis at long snapper was also important as Keven Gallic’s return is questionable. Moving forward will Nebraska be able to keep guys like Archie Wilson, Kyle Cunanan, and Willis with the departure of STC Mike Ekeler? The three coaches who have played roles at special teams are Josh Martin, Brett Maher, and Nick Humphrey. Rhule indicated he would promote from within. Will there be co-coordinators? Humphrey came to Nebraska with Ekeler from Tennessee. Keeping him may play a big role in what transpires moving forward. It will be interesting to say the least.

The Huskers picked up safety Dewayne McDougle from San Deigo State. Not only did he play for DC Rob Aurich there, but he followed Aurich from Idaho. He’ll help a young secondary group pick up the new 4-2-5 scheme. Nebraska picked up Justin Shiggs and Victor Evans III as well. The Huskers have some good defensive backs, whether Shiggs and Evans are starters is yet to be seen.

One note of interest. Only four of the ten single digit number players return. That means there will be opportunities for players to set themselves apart.

As of now the roster appears as follows.

As always, the roster is a work in progress. Don’t be surprised to see changes before the season starts, whether it’s additions or losses, there are bound to be changes.

GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!

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