LINCOLN, Neb. — With fall camp in full swing and just 16 days remaining until the Sept. 5 home opener against Ohio, head coach Matt Rhule faces plenty of tough decisions. Entering their third week of practice with one of the most experienced rosters in college football, several Husker players are making it increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to keep them off the field.
Among the intense position battles, five standout players have done enough to firmly insert themselves into the conversation to earn starting roles this fall.
Key Risers on Offense and Defense
Offensive Standouts:
- Quinn Clark (Sophomore WR): Standing at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, the Bozeman, Montana native has emerged as one of NU’s biggest risers. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen noted Clark «has made as many plays as anybody», even hinting the team will use 10-personnel packages specifically to maximize his field time.
- Gunnar Gottula (Junior OL): After missing the end of 2025 with a knee injury, the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Lincoln native is fully healthy and earning glowing reviews from OL coach Geep Wade. Gottula appears to be on the fast track to start at right tackle.
- Jamal Rule (True Freshman RB): The former top-ranked running back out of North Carolina has drawn high praise for his breakaway speed and pass protection. Listed at 6-foot and 215 pounds, Rule is expected to see immediate action and potentially push for the starting RB spot as the season progresses.
Defensive Playmakers:
- Jeremiah Charles (Junior DB): Boasting a 40-plus-inch vertical, Charles is trending toward locking down the starting cornerback spot opposite Andrew Marshall. The Fort Worth native has played 28 games in Lincoln and is currently holding off fierce competition.
- Tyson Terry (Redshirt Freshman DL): The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Omaha North product was a four-time state wrestling champion in high school. Fully recovered from pre-college knee surgery, Terry’s balance and strength have put him directly in the mix for Nebraska’s heavy defensive tackle rotation.
