Spring Things
New Players, New Coaches Sure to Spice Up Spring Ball
Analysis by Steve Beideck
In Nebraska, despite what happened the previous season, football springs eternal.
And this spring, there is real cause for optimism leading up to the Spring Game on April 9. There are new offensive coaches, including a new offensive coordinator; there is a dedicated special teams coach; and most of all, the portal gifted Nebraska a host of new players who pass the eyeball test. In the next month and a half, we will find out how well the newcomers can fill holes in Nebraska’s roster and who among the returning players are ready to step up. The following is a look at who is in the mix at each position.a
Quarterback
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Logan Smothers, 6-2, 195, Soph., Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Other returners
Spencer Arceneauz, 6-1, 180, R-Fr., Mobile, Ala.
Heinrich Haarberg, 6-5, 200, R-Fr., Kearney (Kearney Catholic)
Matt Masker, 6-2, 220, Jr., Kearney (Kearney Catholic)
Jarrett Synek, 6-0. 190, R-Fr., Hastings
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Chubba Purdy, 6-0, 210, R-Fr., Queen City, Ariz. (Florida State)
Casey Thompson, 6-1, 200, Jr., Oklahoma City (Texas)
Incoming freshmen
Richard Torres, 6-5, 210, Fr., San Antonio
Departed contributor
Adrian Martinez, graduate transfer to Kansas State University
What to watch in the spring
The battle for the top spot should be fierce with three clear front-runners who have lots to prove. Throw in a new offensive coordinator who specializes in developing quarterbacks, and fans will have lots to follow. The pressure will be high, as most view the position as the one that has held the Huskers back the most in the Frost era. The good news is that Mark Whipple has lots to work with in Casey Thompson, Chubba Purdy and Logan Smothers, the only returner with a Husker start. Even with Smothers in the mix, most believe that either Thompson or Purdy are the front-runners, a notion nixed by coach Scott Frost, who says it’s wide open — as it should be. Strong-armed freshman recruit Richard Torres likely is a year from contending for playing time while his injured knee heals and his body develops. The continued development of Heinrich Haarberg will draw lots of interest, particularly under the eye of Whipple. The ceiling is high for both Torres and Haarberg.
Bold Prediction
Whoever wins the starting job has a mostly favorable first half of the schedule to prove they should run the offense for the entire 2022 season. Best guess here is that Thompson, who owns the most experience as the Texas starter for most of 2021, will emerge from spring ball as the leader — and then the race will continue into the fall. Regardless, for the first time in the Frost era, the Huskers will have two capable backups who can step in if needed. That also keeps everyone on point in practice in what should be a season-long competition. When is the last time the Huskers have had that luxury?
Runningback
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Gabe Ervin, 6-0, 215, R-Fr., Buford, Ga.
Rahmir Johnson, 5-10, 185, Soph., Oradell, N.J.
Jaquez Yant, 6-2, 245, Soph., Tallahassee, Fla.
Other returners
Isaiah Harris, 5-8, 190, R-Fr, Omaha (Millard South)
Cooper Jewett, 5-10, 190, Soph., Omaha (Elkhorn South)
Trevin Luben, 5-11, 200, R-Fr., Wahoo
Beau Psencik, 6-0, 205, R-Fr., Houston
Matthew Schuster, 5-10, 190, R-Fr., Cozad
Markese Stepp, 6-1, 230, Jr., Indianapolis (USC)
Zach Weinmaster, 5-10, 190, Soph., Loveland, Colo.
Aiden Young, 5-9, 175, R-Fr., Omaha (Elkhorn HS)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Anthony Grant, 5-11, 210, Jr., Buford, Ga. (Florida State, New Mexico Military Institute)
Incoming freshmen
Ajay Allen, 5-11, 185, Fr., Monroe, La.
Emmett Johnson, 6-0, 185, Fr., Minneapolis
Departed contributor
Marvin Scott, transfer portal
Sevion Morrison, transfer portal
What to watch in the spring
Three players with starting experience, along with junior college transfer Anthony Grant, will battle during spring ball to show new members of the offensive staff they know what’s expected from them to be productive in the new scheme. Again, the Whipple effect will be interesting to watch, as will the impact of new running backs coach Bryan Applewhite. With new coaches in town, everyone is starting from scratch, which means someone could make a strong move. There are enough players in the mix for everyone to be pushed. It’s a full room, and now with enough talent to be intriguing.
Bold Prediction
Rahmir Johnson has the most experience; he was second on the team in rushing behind Martinez in 2021. He also is a proven entity as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. If he can stay healthy, Johnson has a chance to be NU’s primary running back for the next two seasons. Last season Johnson had his biggest games against the best teams, including a career-high 172 all-purpose yards against CFP semifinalist Michigan.
Tight End
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Travis Vokolek, 6-6, 260, Sr., Springfield, Mo.
Other returners
Nate Boerkircher, 6-4, 220, R-Fr., Aurora
Chancellor Brewington, 6-3, 185, Sr. Chandler, Ariz. (Northern Arizona)
James Carnie, 6-5, 230, R-Fr., Roca (Norris)
Thomas Fidone, 6-6, 235, R-Fr., Council Bluffs (Lewis Central)
John Goodwin, 6-2, 255, Soph., Lincoln (Lincoln High)
Jacob Herbek, 6-5, 265, Soph., Grand Island (Central Catholic)
Chris Hickman, 6-5, 215, Soph., Omaha (Burke)
Evan Meyersick, 6-5, 185, R-Fr., Omaha (Millard West)
AJ Rollins, 6-6, 230, R-Fr., Omaha (Creighton Prep)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
None
Incoming freshmen
Chase Androff, 6-6, 230, Lakeville, Minn.
Luke Lindenmeyer, 6-4, 250, La Vista (Papillion-La Vista)
Departed contributor
Austin Allen, opted for NFL Draft
What to watch in the spring
This position has become more valuable thanks to Austin Allen, who played himself into a go-to threat as a receiver. While much focus during the off-season has been around improving Nebraska’s wide receiver corps, expect the tight ends to have a big impact in Whipple’s system. Travis Vokolek returning is a big plus for the Huskers, but there are reports he’s out for spring with an injury. The door is open for the stable of youngsters, who still have their position coach, to step up and help. Will Chris Hickman grow into the position? Is AJ Rollins ready? Is Chancellor Brewington a tight end or a receiver? Lots of things to figure out here.
Bold Prediction
In catching the ball, the talent is there for the Huskers to pick up where Allen left off. Vokolek will lead the way come fall, but the Big Ten hasn’t gotten a taste of Thomas Fidone yet. And they may not like it. Injured last year, Fidone has the makings of a pass-catching machine. We predict opposing defensive backs will not be happy to see him. Along with returning starter Vokolek, Fidone and any number of youngsters could form a very good group.
Wide Receiver
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Brody Belt, 5-9, 185, Jr., Omaha (Millard West)
Zavier Betts, 6-2, 200, Soph., Bellevue (Bellevue West)
Alante Brown, 5-10, 185, Soph., Chicago
Wyatt Liewer, 6-4, 195, Jr., O’Neill
Omar Manning, 6-4, 225, Sr., Lancaster, Texas (TCU, Kilgore College)
Oliver Martin, 6-1, 200, Sr., Coralville, Iowa (Michigan, Iowa)
Other returners
Chancellor Brewington, 6-3, 185, Sr., Chandler, Ariz. (Northern Arizona)
Elliott Brown, 6-1, 180, R-Fr., Omaha (Elkhorn South)
Alex Bullock, 6-2, 190, R-Fr., Omaha (Creighton Prep)
Kamonte Grimes, 6-3, 200, R-Fr., Naples, Fla.
Ty Hahn 6-2, 195, R-Fr., Johnson (Johnson-Brock)
Shawn Hardy, 6-3, 190, R-Fr., Kingsland, Ga.
Barron Miles, Jr., 5-10, 170, R-Fr., Montreal, Quebec/Chandler, Ariz.
Latrell Neville, 6-4, 195, R-Fr., Fresno, Texas
Will Nixon, 5-11, 185, R-Fr., Waco, Texas
Truitt Robinson, 6-0, 190, R-Fr., Gilbert, Ariz.
Taveon Thompson, R-Fr., Lincoln (Southeast)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, 6-0, 185, Jr., Twentynine Palms, Calif. (New Mexico State)
Trey Palmer, 6-1, 190, Jr., Kentwood, La. (LSU)
Incoming freshmen
Janiran Bonner, 6-3, 200, Fr., Ellenwood, Ga.
Decoldest Crawford, 6-2, 190, Fr., Shreveport, La.
Victor Jones, Jr., 6-2, 190, Fr., Orlando
Departed contributor
Levi Falck
Samari Toure
What to watch in the spring
Buckle up. This could get good. Six returning players have started at least one game for the Huskers, but the talk of the winter is who has been added to this room, including position coach Mickey Joseph. This is going to be the most competitive position of spring ball simply because there are so many people – 21, to be exact – competing for playing time. And, dare we say, there is talent in that group. You name it, there are big guys, slot guys, experienced guys and new guys. Both transfers, Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda and Trey Palmer, are eager to show they can help immediately.
Bold Prediction
Manning and Betts will have a ball in the new Whipple offense. So will the new receivers Joseph helped lead to Lincoln. Palmer will work his way into the rotation the quickest of any newcomer, and don’t expect any of the three freshmen to be comfortable with waiting their turn. Any of those four, or several of them, could do what Toure did in his single season in Lincoln. Manning and Betts are good bets for big jumps in production, and with Joseph leading the way, the sky could be the limit for their development.
Offensive Line
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Broc Bando, 6-5, 315, Sr., Lincoln/IMG Academy
Bryce Benhart, 6-9, 330, Soph., Lakeville, Minn.
Turner Corcoran, 6-6, 300, Soph., Lawrence, Kan.
Trent Hixson, 6-4, 320, Sr., Omaha (Skutt)
Nouredin Nouili, 6-4, 315, Jr., Frankfurt, Germany (Norris, Colorado State)
Ethan Piper, 6-3, 305, Soph., Norfolk (Norfolk Catholic)
Teddy Prochazka, 6-9, 305, Soph., Omaha (Elkhorn South)
Other returners
Brant Banks, 6-7, 305, Soph., Houston
Ian Boerkircher, 6-6, 280, Jr., Aurora (Nebraska-Kearney)
Alex Conn, 6-6, 300, R-Fr., Derby, Kan.
Sam Hoskinson, 6-0, 245, R-Fr., Omaha (Elkhorn South)
Henry Lutovsky, 6-6, 330, R-Fr., Crawfordsville, Iowa
Michael Lynn, 6-6, 295, Soph. Greenwood Village, Colo.
Joey Mancino, 6-3, 300, R-Fr., Holmdel, N.J.
Keegan Menning, 6-5, 335, R-Fr., Fremont (Fremont High)
Ezra Miller, 6-6, 315, Soph., Holstein, Iowa (Iowa)
Riley Moses, 6-2, 305, Soph., Fairmont
Beau Schaller, 6-2, 265, R-Fr., Waukee, Iowa
Noah Stafursky, 6-6, 330, Soph., York
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Hunter Anthony, 6-6, 320, Jr., Tuttle, Okla. (Oklahoma State)
Kevin Williams, Jr., 6-5, 330, Sr., Omaha (North), Northern Colorado
Incoming freshmenJustin Evans-Jenkins, 6-2, 280, Fr., East Orange, N.J.
Eli Simonson, 6-5, 295, R-Fr., Fremont, Neb. (Fremont Bergan)
Departed contributor
Cameron Jurgens, opted for NFL Draft
Matt Sichterman
What to watch in the spring
This is the area of the offense that needs the most improvement. Yes, there are seven players who have started at some point during their Husker tenures, but all too often, it seemed, the quarterback was under duress and plays broke down because of pressure. Enter new offensive line coach Donovan Raiola and his no-nonsense approach to line play. He played at Wisconsin, so Raiola understands what it takes to be successful in the Big Ten. He also played parts of five seasons in the NFL and most recently coached for the Chicago Bears. He will have the attention of his charges. And, if you listened closely to his introductory press conference, he uttered the word “attack.” Yes, that sounded good and was probably music to the ears of the linemen.
Bold Prediction
The line won’t miss Jurgens, who left one season early for a shot at the NFL, as much as some fear. Raiola played center as a Badger. He will find someone capable. The arrival of Kevin Williams from Northern Colorado and Hunter Anthony from Oklahoma State will pay off. They both will add energy and will be solidly in the mix. Raiola has plenty of players to choose from; four of the seven returners with starting experience are sophomores. Competition will be fierce to impress the new boss.
Defensive Line
Who’s Back
Starting experience Ty Robinson, 6-6, 305, Soph., Gilbert, Ariz. Casey Rogers, 6-5, 295, Jr., Syracuse, N.Y. Other returners Marquis Black, 6-3, 315, R-FR., McDonough, Ga. Ru’Quan Buckley, 6-5, 290, R-Fr., Wyoming, Mich. Colton Feist, 6-2, 280, Jr., Yutan Nash Hutmacher, 6-4, 325, Soph., Oacoma, S.D. Mosai Newsom, 6-4, 285, So., Waverly, Iowa Jailen Weaver, 6-8, 320, R-Fr., Antioch, Calif. Tate Wildeman, 6-6, 280, Jr., Parker, Colo.Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer None Incoming freshmen Brodie Tagaloa, 6-4, 260, Fr., Pittsburg, Calif. Departed contributor Damion Daniels Jordan Riley (transfer to Oregon) Ben Stille Deontre Thomas Chris WalkerWhat to watch in the spring
Being thin in the interior defensive line is not a good place to be in the Big Ten. As of now, that’s where Nebraska finds itself. Damion Daniels, Ben Stille and Deontre Thomas all were major contributors in 2021 but have moved on. Big-bodied Jordan Riley entered the portal. There is speculation that Nebraska isn’t done mining the portal and there could be a new arrival after the spring. As of this writing, that remains to be seen. So, it’s time for Nash Hutmacher to step up. He doesn’t lack potential, nor size. Marquis Black and Ru’Quan Buckley look the part and have received good practice reviews at times. Are they ready? Jailen Weaver is massive, but is still a mystery. Ty Robinson and Casey Rogers are solid and both have starting experience, Robinson with four starts in 2021 and Rogers with one in 2020. Both appear ready for breakout seasons, but neither play over the ball, hence the urgency for Hutmacher and/or a portal player and depth to develop. There are 10 D-linemen on the spring roster. Time to step up.Bold Prediction
Robinson and Rogers will have strong years after playing behind three potential NFL draftees. Rogers missed the first five games last season with an injury but finished with 17 tackles in seven games. Robinson’s starts all came in conference games (Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa). Against Michigan Robinson notched his first sack and PBU. There will be urgency for the redshirt freshmen to leave their mark.Inside Linebacker
Who’s Back
Starting experience Nick Henrich, 6-3, 225, Soph., Omaha (Burke) Luke Reimer, 6-1, 225, Jr., Lincoln (North Star) Other returners Jake Archer, 6-1, 215, Jr., Omaha (Skutt) Grant Buda, 6-0, 205, R-Fr., Lincoln (Southwest) Chris Cassidy, 6-1, 215, Jr., Lincoln (Pius X) Mikel Gbayor, 6-2, 220, R-Fr., Irvington, N.J. Braden Klover, 6-2, 230, R-Fr., Wymore Chris Kolarevic, 6-1, 230, Sr., Traverse City, Mich. (Northern Iowa) Randolph Kpai, 6-2, 210, R-Fr., Sioux Falls Seth Malcom, 6-4, 210, Tabor, Iowa Eteva Mauga-Clements, 6-1, 220, Sr., Pleasant Hill, Calif. Garrett Snodgrass, 6-3, 225, Soph., York Grant Tagge, 6-1, 205, Soph., Omaha (Westside)Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer None Incoming freshmen Ernest Hausman, 6-3, 205, Fr., Columbus (Columbus High) Departed contributor Will Honas, graduate transfer to Kansas StateWhat to watch in the spring
Linebacker, whether it’s inside or outside, will be the strength of this defense. Heinrich and Reimer form a dynamic duo after setting career highs in tackles (Reimer 108, Heinrich 99) in 2021. That put both in the top six in the Big Ten. Depth needs to be developed during spring ball in case either starter is injured. Sophomores Snodgrass and Tagge are leading candidates to do that.Bold Prediction
Reimer and Heinrich will both top their career highs in 2022, in part because the defensive line needs to find its stride early in the season. Tagge was a special teams standout last season and figures to take a step up to at least top reservestatus in the fall. The continuity in coaching will help this group continue to grow, much as they did last season.Outside Linebacker
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Garrett Nelson, 6-3, 245, Jr., Scottsbluff
Caleb Tannor, 6-3, 225, Sr., Stone Mountain, Ga.
Other returners
John Bullock, 6-0, 215, Soph., Omaha (Creighton Prep)
Jimari Butler, 6-5, 245, R-Fr., Mobile, Ala.
Blaise Gunnerson, 6-6, 255, R-Fr., Carroll, Iowa
Damian Jackson, 6-2, 270, Sr., Las Vegas
Simon Otte, 6-2, 205, Jr., York
Pheldarius Payne, 6-3, 260, Sr., Suffolk, Va.
Ryan Schommer, 6-5, 260, Jr., Norfolk (Norfolk High)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
None
Incoming freshmen
Jake Appleget, 6-4, 210, Fr., Lincoln (Southeast)
Departed contributor
JoJo Domann
What to watch in the spring
JoJo Domann leaves some big cleats to fill, but with returning talent like starters Garrett Nelson and Caleb Tannor, this group is not short on talent. Pheldarius Payne also saw plenty of action and decided to return for his senior season after dipping his toe in the transfer portal. His return is big for NU. Depth behind those three is what needs to be built during both spring and early fall ball.
Bold Prediction
Blaise Gunnerson will get plenty of chances to show he can be the next big-time guy. He’s one player fans will be buzzing about throughout the summer. Nelson has been the on-field leader of this group for the past two seasons. His energy is contagious, though his enthusiasm at times can be over-the-top. He will have a big season. Tannor can become even more effective if he cuts down on penalties, primarily those 15-yarders that extend opponent’s drives.
Cornerback Defensive Back
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Quinton Newsome, 6-1, 185, Jr., Suwanee, Ga.
Other returners
Michael Booker, 6-1, 195, R-Fr., Grand Prairie, Texas
Derek Branch, 5-11, 175, R-Fr., Lincoln (Southeast)
Marcus Buford, 5-11, 190, Soph., DeSoto, Texas
Koby Bretz, 6-2, 195, R-Fr., Omaha (Westside)
Braxton Clark, 6-4, 200, Jr., Orlando
Blake Closman, 5-10, 190, R-Fr., Omaha (Millard North)
AJ Collins, 5-10, 170, R-Fr., Omaha (Creighton Prep)
Ashton Hausmann, 5-11, 215, R-Fr., Roca (Norris)
Tyreke Johnson, 6-1, 190, Jr., Jacksonville (Ohio State)
Christian Lilenkamp, 6-0, 170, R-Fr., Bellevue (West)
Tamon Lynum, 6-2, 180, R-Fr., Orlando
Darius Moore, 6-1, 185, Sr., Tiffen, Iowa
Phalen Sanford, 5-11, 200, Jr., Benkelman (Hastings College)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Omar Brown, 6-1, 200, Jr., Minneapolis (Northern Iowa)
Tommi Hill, 6-0, 205, Soph., Orlando (Arizona State)
Javier Morton, 6-2, 185, So., Atlanta (Garden City CC)
Incoming freshmen
Jaeden Gould, 6-2, 190, Fr., Somerset, N.J.
Malcolm Hartzog, 5-10, 175, Fr., Silver Creek, Miss.
Cooper Hausman, 5-11, 185, Fr., Roca (Norris)
Blake Miller, 6-1, 195, Fr., Nebraska City (Lourdes)
Gage Stenger, 6-2, 200, Fr., Omaha (Millard South)
Departed contributor
Kyan Brumfield
Nadab Joseph
Cam Taylor-Britt
What to watch in the spring
Players in this group are listed either as cornerbacks or defensive backs. The goal was to recruit versatile guys who can play either CB or safety, even nickel. Having that versatility means finding players who are long, lean and fast. The spring roster features 14 players at the position who are 6-0 or taller. Those who can show they can cover not only wide receivers, but tight ends and even running backs who might occasionally line up wide, will have a leg up when fall ball begins.
Bold Prediction
Quintin Newsome is a terrific cornerstone to reshape a new-look secondary. The transfer portal brought in three players who can command playing time quickly, especially Arizona State transfer Tommi Hill. Incoming freshman Jaeden Gould was the New Jersey Player of the Year, a big accomplishment in a state that has always produced top cornerback talent. The graduation of Taylor-Britt is a big loss, but the coaching staff brought in plenty of tall, fast players who can step in early.
Safety
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Myles Farmer, 6-1, 200, Soph., Atlanta
Other returners
Noa Pola-Gates, 6-0, 180, Soph., Gilbert, Ariz.
Isaac Gifford, 6-1, 205, Soph., Lincoln (Southeast)
Javin Wright, 6-4, 210, Soph., Chandler, Ariz.
Mason Nieman, 6-1, 195, R-Fr., Waverly
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
DeShon Singleton, 6-3, 205, Soph., Amite, La. (Hutchinson CC)
Incoming freshmen
Jalil Martin, 6-3, 190, Fr., Chicago
Departed contributor
Marquel Dismuke
Tyson Guzman
Lane McCallum
Deontai Williams
What to watch in the spring
Young group is thin on experience; there are no upperclassmen on the roster. Myles Farmer is the only player with starting experience, and those came in the final four games of 2021. DeShon Singleton and Jalil Martin are the only two newcomers and should have a good chance to be in the rotation as two of the top four.
Bold Prediction
Replacing Marquel Dismuke and Deontai Williams will prove difficult. Farmer will step up and be a leader of this group while players like Isaac Gifford and Noa Pola-Gates have a chance to earn more playing time than just on special teams. Pola-Gates is the nephew of NFL Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu. If he can stay healthy, he can turn potential into production in the second half of the season. Same for Singleton, who was the No. 4-ranked junior college safety in 2021.
Kicker, Punter & Long Snapper
Who’s Back
Starting experience
Cameron Pieper, LS, 6-3, 260, Jr., Lincoln (Southwest)
Cade Mueller, LS, 6-0, 220, Jr., Gretna
Chase Contreraz, K, 6-1, 180, Jr., Missouri Valley, Iowa (Iowa Western CC)
Brendan Franke, K, 6-3, 215, Soph., Gretna (Morningside)
Other returners
Camden Witucki, LS, 6-2, 225, R-Fr., Grand Blanc, Mich.
Grant Detlefsen, P, 6-3, 210, Soph., Lincoln (Southwest)
Gabe Heins, K, 6-0, 185, Soph., Kearney (Kearney High)
Josh Jasek, K, 6-1, 175, R-Fr., Iowa City (Iowa Western CC)
Who’s new
Transfer portal or junior college transfer
Brady Weas, LS, 6-2, 260, Sr., Whitefish Bay, Wisc. (Georgetown)
Brian Buschini, P, 6-0, 215, Soph., Helena, Mont. (Montana)
Jacob Hohl, P, 6-2, 220, Soph., Lincoln (Southwest) Nebraska Wesleyan
Incoming freshmen
Charlie Weinrich, K, 5-11, 185, Fr., Leawood, Kan.
Departed contributor
Connor Culp
William Przystup (holder)
What to watch in the spring
Someone, anyone, needs to emerge as a consistent punter and placekicker. It needs to be one of each. Contreraz was good in the final four games of last season after Culp lost whatever touch he had that made him the 2020 Big Ten Kicker of the Year. Can Detlefsen, Buschini or Hohl emerge as the punter? Or will Weinrich win that spot when he gets to Lincoln? He handled all the kicking chores for Blue Valley but was most productive on PATs (40-of-41) and his seven field goals, including a long of 57 yards.
Bold Prediction
Buschini will emerge as the top punter, and no one will emerge as a clear-cut favorite to win the place kicking duties by the conclusion of spring ball. Contreraz needs to extend his range to become the field goal go-to option. Once Weinrich arrives on campus and shows he can handle the pressure, Nebraska just might have its kicking concerns calmed through the 2025 season. Having a dedicated special teams veteran like Bill Busch will help all challengers get better.
