In previous stops at Temple and Baylor, coach Matt Rhule’s teams went 10-4 and 11-3, respectively, in his third seasons, after going 2-10 and 1-11 in his first seasons. He’s on a faster pace at Nebraska. The schedule seems favorable for momentum and bowl eligibility. Nebraska’s last bowl trip was in 2016, a drought that should end in 2024.
Previewing Nebraska’s Offense for 2024
The biggest offseason news? Take your pick: the surprise departure of athletic director Trev Alberts for Texas A&M just before spring practice — replaced by Troy Dannen — or highly ranked quarterback recruit Dylan Raiola’s decision to withdraw his Georgia commitment and sign with Nebraska. Raiola, son of former Husker All-America center Dominic Raiola and nephew of Husker offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, has provided offensive optimism after a disappointing season.
Head coach Matt Rhule brought in Glenn Thomas, with whom he worked at Temple and Baylor, to coach quarterbacks and serve as co-offensive coordinator with Marcus Satterfield.
Jahmal Banks and Malachi Coleman are among receivers who must step up if the passing game is to thrive, with tight ends, including Thomas Fidone II, also in the receiving mix.
Quarterback Heinrich Haarberg was the leading rusher last season. That will change, with more emphasis on passing and a healthy Gabe Ervin Jr. leading the running backs. The line has experience, including tackle Bryce Benhardt, who has a school-record-tying 41 career starts.
Previewing Nebraska’s Defense for 2024
Expect this season’s defense to reflect last season’s, after the Huskers ranked 11th nationally and fifth in the Big Ten in total defense. Another offseason “win” for Nebraska was the retention of defensive coordinator Tony White, reportedly a candidate for UCLA’s head-coaching job in February. White’s stated goal is to be the No. 1 defense nationally.
Three of the top four tacklers return. Rover Isaac Gifford led the team with 86 tackles, 6.5 of them for a loss, and eight pass breakups. Linebacker Javin Wright was tied for second with 51 tackles. Linebacker John Bullock was credited with 50. Those three wore single-digit jersey numbers, an honor bestowed in fall camp on the 10 “toughest guys” as voted by the team. Other defensive returnees who wore single digits include linemen Nash “The Polar Bear” Hutmacher and Ty Robinson, the foundation of the Huskers’ 3-3-5 base alignment.
Previewing Nebraska’s Specialists for 2024
Placekicker Tristan Alvano and punter Brian Buschini return. Alvano was perfect on extra points and made 9-of-15 field-goal attempts, including a 55-yarder. Buschini averaged 40.7 yards, with 20-of-57 punts placed inside the 20. Punt returns need to improve.