CHICAGO — With Nebraska football’s 2026 preseason training camp less than a week away, three Huskers took the podium on Thursday during Big Ten Media Days in Chicago: defensive back Andrew Marshall, offensive lineman Justin Evans, and tight end Luke Lindenmeyer.
All three players share remarkably humble beginnings: Marshall transferred from FCS Idaho, Evans was a two-star recruit, and Lindenmeyer originally joined the program as a walk-on. Today, all three have transformed into critical stars for Nebraska, with Lindenmeyer entering the 2026 campaign as the team’s unquestioned TE1 and a central voice for the offense.
High Expectations for the «Definition of Grit»
Head coach Matt Rhule didn’t hold back when describing his star tight end, calling Lindenmeyer the «definition of grit» and asserting that he possesses the capability to be one of the «best tight ends in the nation.»
Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where he hauled in 29 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns, Lindenmeyer carries massive expectations into his senior season. Speaking with Hail Varsity at the event, he made it clear that the tight end room is primed to dominate in every phase of the game:
«We can do it all—from Eric Ingwerson, Luke Sorensen, to our new freshmen. We can run, we can catch, we can run through people’s faces in the run game. Like, there’s nothing we can’t do.»
When asked to describe the 2026 offensive unit in three words, Lindenmeyer summed it up concisely: «Dynamic, gritty, and always focused on execution.»
Why the Husker Offense Could Be Dangerous in 2026
Offensive inconsistency and costly mistakes plagued Nebraska in 2025—most notably in frustrating losses to Minnesota and USC that derailed playoff hopes. However, the dynamics in Lincoln have shifted dramatically with the arrival of transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea from UNLV.
Unlike previous pocket-passer schemes where opposing defenses could drop back without fear of a QB scramble, Colandrea brings a lethal dual-threat element to the backfield:
- Dual-Threat Versatility: Colandrea’s mobility prevents opposing defenses from playing conservative drop-coverage on third downs, opening up massive passing lanes.
- Expanded Target Menu: Beyond a revamped tight end room, Colandrea will weaponize a loaded wide receiver group featuring Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and incoming transfer Kwazi Gilmer.
- A Physical Front: Behind an experienced and heavy offensive line, both the passing attack and the running game are set up to produce inflated numbers.
The Ultimate Question for Matt Rhule
Lindenmeyer, Marshall, and Evans embody the developmental success story that Matt Rhule promised when taking over in Lincoln. But as the 2026 season approaches, the spotlight shifts from individual stories to team results.
With a dynamic new signal-caller, elite tight end depth, and arguably the most talented roster Rhule has assembled in Nebraska, the foundation is laid. The only remaining question for Husker Nation is simple: How far can Matt Rhule take this offense now that the talent matches the ambition?