After breaking the bowl game drought in 2024, the Nebraska Cornhuskers reloaded the roster with talent from the transfer portal to go along side the talent that was brought in by coach Matt Rhule and co. 2024 brought some of the most “hopeful” moments that Rhule is bringing the Huskers back to where they once were.
Now, going into year three of the Rhule era, there is the expectation that the “year three” jump to a potential double digit wins. It is certainly possible with what the talent looks like on the roster. With that said, here is a top 10 offensive players for Nebraska in 2025.
Top 5 offensive players for 2025
5. Rocco Spindler (Senior, Offensive Line)
The kick off this top five list, former Notre Dame Fighting Irish senior offensive lineman transfer Rocco Spindler. Spindler transferred into the program over the offseason and helps fill in the holes that Nebraska lost after last season. He appeared in 40 games, starting in 23 of them at guard for the Irish.
Spindler, as long as he stays healthy, should be a big player for the Huskers to protect their five-star quarterback under center and help out the run game.
4. Nyziah Hunter (Sophomore, Wide Receiver)
The 2024 season was a solid season for the redshirt freshman for the Cal Golden Bears for Nyziah Hunter. Hunter caught 40 passes for 578 yards and five touchdowns. After the strong season, he entered the portal and committed to Rhule and the offense with Dylan Raiola.
With Raiola and OC Holgorsen, Hunter could hit another stride, very similar to Jaden Greathouse at Notre Dame. It is expected that Hunter will be a starter along side Dane Key and top three receiver last season Jacory Barney Jr. He will help get the Nebraska offense to another level in 2025.
3. Emmett Johnson (Junior, Running Back)
Next on the list is junior running back Emmett Johnson, who will be the bell cow back for the Huskers in 2025. With Dante Dowdell transferring to the Kentucky Wildcats over the offseason, Johnson will be stepping into the starting role, like he did for the latter half of the season in 2023.
Johnson rushed 598 yards on 117 carries in 2024 and led Nebraska in all purpose yards 908 yards with three touchdowns. Now looking at 2025, he could be a major player for the Huskers’ offense. Nebraska hasn’t had a 1,000 yard rusher since the first year of the Scott Frost in 2018 with Devine Ozigbo. Johnson has the ability to become that next 1,000 yard rusher in 2025, espeically with the improved offensive line and even with offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who is more “Air Raid” minded. Regardless, Johnson will be a threat in the backfield in the running game and passing game.
2. Dylan Raiola (Sophomore, Quarterback)
This list wouldn’t be complete with out the former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who has been the headliner for Nebraska since he arrived in Lincoln. Raiola had a decent freshman season, throwing for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns, which was an all-time season for a true freshman. However, it came with the freshman struggles, especially with interceptions. Raiola threw 11 interceptions in the 13 games.
Looking ahead at his sophomore season, Raiola could make a huge jump. With a full offseason with Holgorsen and upgraded weapons at receiver, he could become one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Raiola is currently in the top 20 odds for the Heisman Trophy with +4000 odds according to BetMGM. It will be certainly interesting season ahead for Nebraska this fall.
1. Dane Key (Senior, Wide Receiver)
The top player on this list is former Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dane Key, who is expected to the No. 1 receiver for the Huskers. Key was a solid player for the three seasons in Lexington, catching 126 passes for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 2024, he caught 47 passes for 715 yards and two touchdowns in a more “forgettable” season for the Wildcats.
Looking at his first season in Lincoln, Key could a major player for the Huskers offense. He has the potential to be a 1,000 yard receiver and should be one of the better wide receivers Nebraska has had in the past few seasons. With Raiola and a much better offensive line, it should be possible.
Main Image: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
