Offseason optimism is once again high in Lincoln. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule nailed it in adding key pieces via the transfer portal.
With the addition of Notre Dame starting guard Rocco Spinder, their transfer portal class wound up being ranked No. 2 overall in the Big Ten. Sure, the Huskers could add a player or two during the spring window but the vast majority are already ‘N.’
Of the 16 transfers, here are my top 10:
No. 1 – Edge – Williams Nwaneri
The former 5-star plus recruit redshirted for Missouri this past season. Nwaneri brings a 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame to the table.
With the departures of Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmatcher and Jimari Butler, Nwaneri has a golden opportunity to fill a much-needed void for the Blackshirts. The talent is there, his mentality is the unknown. Nwaneri has the highest ceiling of any transfer in the class.
No. 2 – WR – Dane Key
Key put up the most production of any incoming transfer. His 1,870 career receiving yards and 14 touchdowns make him set to be Dylan Raiola’s No. 1 target. Don’t jump the gun too quickly; transfers Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor didn’t reach their full potential last season.
Key should be a different story with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen in charge. If the former Wildcat can have a similar season like Trey Palmer had in 2022, it will be a huge success.
No. 3 – OL – Rocco Spindler
The Notre Dame right guard started all of the Irish’s playoff games. Spindler has four years of college football under his belt.
The loss of Ben Scott is going to be tough to replace. Spindler brings that experience from the biggest stage. Anticipate him being penciled in as a starter at guard or maybe even at the center position.
No. 4 – ATH – Dasan McCullough
It will be fascinating to see how the defensive staff utilizes McCullough. He can play rover, linebacker and even come off the edge. Rhule talked last week about how he can play in a 3-3-5, 3-4, and four-down scheme.
The versatility that the former Oklahoma Sooner and Indiana Hoosier has, should lead to him being all over the field for the Blackshirts.
No. 5 – OL – Elijah Pritchett
The former Alabama offensive tackle has a ton of upside. Although he had the worst Pro Football Focus grade among Crimson Tide starting O-linemen, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle was an SEC starter.
The pressure is on for offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. He now has a former 5-star recruit to plug into the lineup. It’s never easy to deal with someone who has off-the-field issues but the elite coaches find a way. Tom Osborne and John Cook are two perfect examples.
No. 6 – DB – Andrew Marshall
This past season Marshall recorded 50 tackles, three pass breakups and forced a fumble. The former Idaho Vandal was selected as a first-team All-Big Sky defensive back. The six-foot, 185-pounder is expected to play the opposite corner position of Ceyair Wright.
It’s going to be a competitive room. The Big Red brought in three transfer defensive backs and have four starters in the defensive backfield returning. Marshall also brings a return game ability on special teams. He averaged 10.7 yards per punt return. Maybe Nebraska can go away from the ‘University of Fair Catch.’
No. 7 – WR – Nyziah Hunter
The Cal transfer had 40 receptions for 578 yards and five touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Coming in at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Hunter will slide in well at the X receiver position. Once again, Nebraska has added some receivers that have proven production. Can it translate to the field in Lincoln?
No. 8 – LB – Marques Watson-Trent
Watson-Trent had 358 career tackles during his time at Georgia Southern. This past season he was the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. He’s only 5-foot-11, but he has won a game in Lincoln before.
Although he may not be the ideal height for a Big Ten linebacker, his resume speaks for itself. The former Eagle seems to play with heart. With 85,000 plus in the stands, he should thrive in an electric atmosphere.
No. 9 – LS – Kevin Gallic
Nebraska fans should understand why there’s a long snapper on this list. Last season it cost the Big Red wins. The New Hampshire transfer was named the mid-season first-team FCS All-American long snapper this past season. It will be a significant improvement if he can be remotely close to how he performed at the FCS level.
No. 10 – WR – Hardley Gilmore IV
Gilmore is a guy that could explode on the scene. The former 4-star wideout had six receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown during his true freshman season at Kentucky. His speed is reminiscent of Jaylen Lloyd who just transferred to Oklahoma State.
This wide receiver room has a ton of talent but eight at the most will be in the rotation. Gilmore is going to have to earn it. Freshmen Cortez Mills and Isaiah Mozee will be scraping to earn playing time. Jacory Barney, Hunter and Key should be locks. They also have Keelan Smith, Quinn Clark, Janiran Bonner and Demitrius Bell who are all expected to make a push.
One thing is for sure; the overall talent was improved this offseason.